Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan
Two very different visits happen here. One is the twenty-minute stop: golden shrines, colourful statuary, a photograph, then back in the car towards Doi Inthanon. The other is a retreat that can run ten days and change how you think. Both are valid. Just know which one you're signing up for.
The meditation programme is what sets this place apart. It doesn't follow the Goenka method that most Westerners have heard of, but its own lineage, and students stay on site inside a working monastery rather than a purpose-built retreat centre. Reviewers who came for the foundation course single out individual teachers by name for their patience and attention. They also say plainly that it isn't easy. The structure is disciplined, the days are long, and people arrive expecting a rest and find something harder than that.
If you're just passing through, the grounds justify the detour off the Chiang Mai to Hod road, roughly 58 kilometres south of the city.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
As a westerner, I was choosing between a few vipassana centers in Thailand and I am glad I chose this one. It is a unique center that does not follow the more westernly-known goenka style, and you stay at a working monestary with rich cultural history. I came for 10 days and had an incredible, life-changing experience. My monk instructor was invested in my practice, challenged me, and made sure to clear any confusion I was having. All of the other monk instructors were equally as caring and kind. And shoutout to Jirapa - a wonderful volunteer who made my experience extra special, warm, and welcoming :) The environment felt very relaxed and respectful. This center is not as strict or rigid as others — there was a balance of instruction and self-discipline. This felt like a great structure because it mimics home-life more, where you have to be self driven to manage your practice. I hope to return one day and complete a longer stay.
Attended the foundation course. Although I did not manage to complete the course, my teacher, Phra Ajahn Poonsak, was a very kind and understanding teacher. He taught me Dhamma I thought I knew but never known, and enlightened me in so many ways. Sister Jirapa is the loveliest person I've ever met, so patience, generous, kind, encouraging, and understanding. I will definitely return again to continue practicing. Sadhu sadhu sadhu.
Well-known Buddhist temple complex with ornate, golden shrines & colorful statues.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 4,754 reviews on Google.
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Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan worth visiting?
Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan holds a 4.7★ rating from 4,754 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan?
Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan is typically open 08:00-17:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan located?
Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan is at 157 หมู่ที่ 2 ถนน เชียงใหม่-ฮอด, Tambon Ban Luang, Amphoe Chom Thong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50160, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
157 หมู่ที่ 2 ถนน เชียงใหม่-ฮอด, Tambon Ban Luang, Amphoe Chom Thong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50160, Thailand+66 53 342 186www.watchomtong.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
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Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Wat Arun
Porcelain-covered spires best seen late afternoon, and yes, the midday heat on those grounds is brutal.
Where to stay near Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)