Wat Tung Yu
Tucked within Chiang Mai's historic Old City on Rachadamnoen Road, this small Buddhist temple has earned a dedicated following among visitors seeking something beyond sightseeing. What sets Wat Tung Yu apart from the many temples in the area is its active meditation programme, with a teacher named David offering free meditation sessions, talks, courses, and retreats — conducted in English. Reviewers from across the world note that his guidance is both accessible and genuinely moving, making this a particularly valuable stop for those curious about Buddhist practice rather than just Buddhist architecture.
The temple itself is modest in size and quietly beautiful, with a notable white Buddha statue among its features. The atmosphere is calm and contemplative rather than busy or ceremonial, drawing visitors who appreciate a more intimate spiritual setting. It is particularly well-regarded by those who want to engage meaningfully with Buddhist teachings without language barriers or the crowds that characterise Chiang Mai's more prominent temples.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Tung Yu, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
A wonderful temple offering meditation guidance and courses — very calm and mindful. I sincerely appreciate the guidance and wise words from David, which truly moved me. I highly recommend anyone visiting Chiang Mai to come here and discover their inner peace. it’s one of the greatest gifts you can carry with you for life.
My favourite temple in Chiang Mai with the best teacher, David :) He gives free meditations, talks, retreats and courses at the temple.
It’s an okay temple to go see. Not very big but still beautiful it just doesn’t stand out from many others. The main reason for a tourist to go here would be to see the big white Buddha statue they have placed in between the two temple buildings. No dogs here. Worth a visit but not worth travelling a long way for. I had 10 good minutes here and saw it all
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 556 reviews on Google.
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Wat Tung Yu: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Tung Yu worth visiting?
Wat Tung Yu holds a 4.6★ rating from 556 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Tung Yu?
Wat Tung Yu 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 Tung Yu?
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 Tung Yu located?
Wat Tung Yu is at QXQM+FMF, Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, 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
QXQM+FMF, Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailandwww.buddhadailywisdom.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 Tung Yu
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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
Kaew Gallery
A quiet old-city gallery for people who actually want to slow down and look at the art.
Wat Phra Singh
Go early or go at dusk, when the golden chedi is lit and the crowds have thinned right out.
Gallery Drip Coffee Chiang Mai
A specialty coffee café tucked inside a cultural centre on historic Prapokklao Road in central Chiang Mai.
Wat Chedi Luang
Come after dark, when the lighting turns the broken chedi into the most dramatic thing in the Old City.
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 Tung Yu
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)