Wat That Kaow
Ancient Lanna temple ruins in the historic Wiang Kum Kam area, offering a peaceful and largely crowd-free experience.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
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.
Details
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat That Kaow
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat That Kaow.
Why go, and how to do it well
Part of the historically significant Wiang Kum Kam ancient city complex near Saraphi District, Wat That Kaow is a well-preserved temple ruin dating to the 15th or 16th century, as evidenced by Lanna stoneware discoveries on the site. Excavated in 1985, the grounds feature a notable Buddha statue unearthed during those works, and QR codes are available on-site to help visitors learn about the history at their own pace. It sits in a forested, open-field setting with a shaded carpark directly off the road, making it straightforward to reach.
The atmosphere here is genuinely tranquil. Visitors often find themselves alone or nearly so, with the ruins sitting quietly among trees — a stark contrast to the busier temple circuits in central Chiang Mai. For those spending a day exploring Wiang Kum Kam, this site is considered a natural and rewarding stop alongside the area's other ancient temples.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
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Tours that include Wat That Kaow
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat That Kaow.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat That Kaow, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
Experience hints
Reviews from Google
This was a Peaceful end to my 7 Temple Tour Day. It's Historically Magnificent. I was the only person there. It's just out in the Forest. Majestically Sitting in a field after such a long time of being left to go to Ruins. There's quite a lot of Ruins in the Jungle out this way. I enjoyed my short time here and hope to return.
Well preserved temple ruin, with easy access off the road into a shaded carpark.
The Temple is dated to 15th/16th Century from the findings of Lanna stoneware here. As with some of the other Temples in this area, it was excavated in 1985. The Buddha Statue was found on this site and is believed to be the original principle Buddha
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 197 reviews on Google.
QX2W+CJ8, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai 50140, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 9-minute walk of Wat That Kaow.
Wat Nan Chang
Ruins of Wat E-Khang
Wat Ku Pa Dom
Wiang Kum Kam
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Wat That Kaow: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat That Kaow worth visiting?
Wat That Kaow holds a 4.5★ rating from 197 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wat That Kaow?
Wat That Kaow is open 24 hours a day — 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 That Kaow?
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: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).
Where is Wat That Kaow located?
Wat That Kaow is at QX2W+CJ8, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai 50140, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city center).
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