Wat Tung Yu
A peaceful Old City temple offering free meditation sessions, talks, and retreats led by an English-speaking teacher.
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
- Website
- www.buddhadailywisdom.com
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Tung Yu
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tung Yu.
Why go, and how to do it well
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 program, 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 characterize Chiang Mai's more prominent temples.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Tung Yu
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Tours that include Wat Tung Yu
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Tung Yu.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Tung Yu, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minThe Old City SpaWellness & Spas · 90 m · 4.9★
- 1 minDeepSense Massage - Pra SinghWellness & Spas · 100 m · 4.8★
- 1 minCalm Massage and Spa ( Inthawarorot branch )Wellness & Spas · 110 m · 4.8★
- 1 minKaew GalleryTemples & Culture · 110 m · 5.0★
- 1 minLINK CuisineRestaurants & Food · 120 m · 4.6★
- 1 minBaan Buri Café & RestaurantRestaurants & Food · 120 m · 4.6★
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.
QXQM+FMF, Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 4-minute walk of Wat Tung Yu.
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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 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: Mid-February – April (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 center).
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