Wat Suan Dok
The white chedis are the reason to come. They hold the ashes of Chiang Mai's royal family, and standing among them with the big golden chedi behind is a very different experience from the gilded temple circuit inside the old city walls. This one sits west of the moat on Suthep Road, close enough to walk from the centre if you don't mind the heat.
Afternoons are the quiet slot. Reviewers who turn up then talk about having the grounds more or less to themselves, and evening light inside the main hall gets mentioned again and again. Give yourself time to wander past the resting place for damaged Buddha images, some of them rescued from abandoned temples, and the pond full of fish and turtles. There are chickens everywhere. Signage runs in Thai and English with QR codes for more detail, though a few people still want more English than they get. Maintenance work has been going on around parts of the complex, so expect some scaffolding.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Suan Dok, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
A very beautiful place. Everything is posted in Thai and English, often with QR codes for more info. A short ride from Chiang Mai. Very educational. There is a gorgeous "graveyard" for damaged Buddha statues (which cannot be discarded) which includes very old statues from abandoned temples in Thailand. There are also a lot of chickens all over the place and a GIANT pond full of all manner of fish, turtles, and who knows what else. It costs 20 baht to visit the temple and you must dress modestly.
I went in the afternoon, and there was hardly anyone there, which was great. I took a peaceful and pleasant stroll around the place, and I really liked the large temple. It's a very nice temple to visit. To enter and take a picture with the Buddha, you have to pay 20 baht, but the experience was beautiful. You can walk there from the city center. 100%recomend
Wat Suan Dok is beautiful. There is a quite large stupa outside and the temple is beautiful. It is one of the bigger temples in Chiang Mai. It is located to the west of the old town outside the Suan Dok gate. Please remember to dress accordingly if entering the temple.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 4,670 reviews on Google.
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Wat Suan Dok: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Suan Dok worth visiting?
Wat Suan Dok holds a 4.6★ rating from 4,670 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Suan Dok?
Wat Suan Dok is typically open 06:00-18:00 — 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 Suan Dok?
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 Suan Dok located?
Wat Suan Dok is at 139 Suthep Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
139 Suthep Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand+66 90 224 7220www.facebook.com/watsuandokcnxVisitor 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 Suan Dok
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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.
Nearby Places
Gallery Seescape
A contemporary art gallery on Chiang Mai's creative Nimmanahaeminda Road, showcasing local and regional artists.
Suan Dok Gate
A well-preserved 14th-century city gate marking the western entrance to Chiang Mai's historic old town.
31st Century Museum
A contemplative art space near Chiang Mai's Wat Umong, exploring Buddhist philosophy through expressive contemporary art.
Ku Hueang Corner
Ancient remnants of Chiang Mai's original 13th-century city wall, marking the historic southwest corner of the old town.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
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 Suan Dok
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)