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Chiang Mai Temples

There are about 300 Chiang Mai temples. The city isn't huge. It's an amazing number.

They're scattered throughout the city. Some you can't miss. Others you'll discover tucked away in a quiet lane. Thinking about it, the temples are surely what makes this city often feel like a sleepy village. There are pockets of silence everywhere.

Artist at Peaceful Wat Umong Temple

One thing I really love about Thailand temples is how you often have them to yourself. Whereas in many neighboring countries, you're often one of scores of people, in Thailand, and in particular Chiang Mai, commonly you're the sole visitor if the temple isn't one of the well-known ones. And even the famous ones have quiet times.

I'd say the best way to visit is by bicycle. That way you can slowly pedal up without the motorized 'entrance'. And you'll see more this way. You'll certainly see many on foot but you'll miss ones that bit further away.

Almost without question, there's no charge to enter. The one exception is the stunning temple on the mountain, Doi Suthep temple with a 30 Baht 'levy' for foreigners. Donation boxes are always in sight.

What's fascinating about many Chiang Mai temples is their age. Like Europe's churches, some Thai temples date back to the 14th and 15th century. So for many who aren't interested in Buddhism, the fabulous architecture and history is what is attractive. For many still, it can be a quiet place to read a book or get back to nature. If the latter is what attracts you, head to forested Wat Umong, my favorite temple in Chiang Mai. The most striking of all is surely Wat Chedi Luang, inside the moat, with its massive, crumbling chedi. The most popular in terms of visitors second to Doi Suthep temple is probably Wat Phra Singh

Amazingly Intricate Murals at Popular Wat Phra Singh

with its captivating murals. For a peaceful temple with a community feel and opportunities for meditation retreats, head to Wat Suan Dok. To see the unbelievably large Buddha, sitting on a hilltop that you can see for miles around, make your way to Wat Pratat Doi Kam. The oldest Chiang Mai temple is Wat Chiang Man, dating from 1296 AD.

And the architecture of Wat Chet Yod is mesmerizing.

The forgotten ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam is fascinating. The 700 year old city was gradually buried under mud when the nearby river changed course. It was only discovered in 1984. Now the many crumbled temples are great to see by bicycle.

Don't forget about all the other temples!!

Cheerful monks conducting bicycle raffle at Wat Suan Dok

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