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Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan
Temples & Culture
Chiang Mai

Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan

4.7(4,662 reviews)

Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan is a well-regarded Buddhist temple complex located approximately 58 kilometres south of Chiang Mai city, on the road towards Hod. The temple is notable both for its ornate golden shrines and colourful statuary, and for its established reputation as a serious centre for Vipassana meditation practice. Unlike many meditation centres that follow the widely-known Goenka tradition, the retreat here follows its own distinct teaching lineage, drawing practitioners from Thailand and abroad who are seeking a more traditional approach to insight meditation. Visitors can expect a quiet, well-organised environment with experienced teachers who guide students through structured meditation training. Those attending retreat courses stay on-site and receive direct instruction from resident teachers, several of whom are praised in reviews for their patience, depth of knowledge, and personal attention to students. The temple grounds themselves are visually striking, making a brief visit worthwhile even for travellers not participating in a retreat. Good to know: the temple is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Those coming specifically for a Vipassana course should check the retreat schedule and register in advance through the temple's official website at watchomtong.com, as courses are structured programmes rather than drop-in sessions. As with all Thai temples, modest dress covering the shoulders and knees is required. The location is easily combined with a visit to the nearby Doi Inthanon National Park.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong Worawihan, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

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.

A very peaceful place for serious Vipassana practice. The environment is quiet, supportive, and well organized, making it possible to go deeply into meditation. The teachers are experienced and the structure is clear and disciplined, which helped me develop mindfulness, patience, and better understanding of my own mind. It’s not an easy retreat, but it is meaningful and rewarding if you come with the right expectations. I’m grateful for the experience and would recommend it to anyone looking for genuine inner training rather than a relaxation retreat

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.

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/
Opening Hours
Monday08:00-17:00
Tuesday08:00-17:00
Wednesday08:00-17:00
Thursday08:00-17:00
Friday08:00-17:00
Saturday08:00-17:00
Sunday08:00-17:00

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

High

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

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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.

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