Wat That Kaow
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.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat That Kaow, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
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.
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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: March – May (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 centre).
Location Info
QX2W+CJ8, Saraphi District, Chiang Mai 50140, ThailandVisitor 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 That Kaow
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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
Wat Nan Chang
Ancient temple ruins tucked away in a quiet village, surrounded by shady trees and rich Lanna history.
Ruins of Wat E-Khang
Ancient Buddhist ruins in Saraphi, part of the broader Wiang Kumkham archaeological site near Chiang Mai.
Wat Ku Pa Dom
A peaceful Buddhist temple in Saraphi district, south of Chiang Mai city, with a strong local following.
Wiang Kum Kam
Older than Chiang Mai and half-forgotten: scattered brick ruins you can wander with barely anyone else around.
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 That Kaow
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)