Best temples in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

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Last Updated on March 17, 2024

When traveling to Thailand, most people miss the beautiful Northern region.If you decide to travel to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, you’ll be able to visit incredible temples and landscapes and, of course, try our favorite Thai dish, khao soi! To make planning easier, we want to share with you the best temples we visited in the northern region – including one really cool hidden gem!

Since we were short on time, we decided to do a tour with Tony, from Lanna Cultural Tours. We really can’t recommend it enough. Tony was with us both in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and took us to really cool places, away from the crowds. 

Now, to our temple suggestions:

Doi Suthep is considered one of the most sacred temples of Thailand .

According to legend, a monk named Sumanathera had a divine vision instructing him to find a relic of the Buddha. Following this vision, the monk discovered a bone fragment believed to be from the Buddha’s shoulder. King Nu Naone was informed of this miraculous discovery, and he ordered the relic to be enshrined at the summit of Doi Suthep mountain. To determine the exact location for the temple, the relic was placed on the back of a white elephant, a revered symbol of purity and divine favor in Thai culture. The white elephant was released into the jungle, where it ascended Doi Suthep mountain. Upon reaching the summit, the elephant trumpeted three times before passing away, indicating the chosen location for the temple. This extraordinary event led to the construction of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

This temple is a popular spot, but try visiting in the late afternoon or evening. It’s less crowded then, and you’ll get a stunning night view.

Just a few kilometers from Doi Suthep’s temple, Wat Pha Lat is also considered a sacred site, as it was one of the resting spots of the elephant mentioned above. Built in the 14th century, it had fallen into disrepair until a Burmese man decided to restore it in 1934.

Wat Pha Lat has a different vibe, as it is nestled in the middle of nature. You can see moss growing on the rocky temple, providing an even more mystical atmosphere.

You can reach Wat Pha Lat by car/motorbice or hike the monk’s trail. Alternatively, you can do a guided tour combining Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat or even add Wat Umong.

This temple is truly a hidden gem that we discovered thanks to our guide. Getting there can be tricky, as you need private transportation (or a private guide). It’s one of the few spots in Thailand where we were completely alone. And this temple really has it all: cute dogs, an incredible atmosphere, and even a bamboo forest planted by the monk living there.

We visited this temple when we were traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, and it is closer to Chiang Rai. The road trip is really worth it, as you’ll have amazing mountain views, cute coffee shops on the way, and you’ll get the chance to visit Chiang Rai, home to some unique temples.

The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, is a mesmerizing work of art located in Chiang Rai. Unlike any other temple you’ve seen, it’s completely white and adorned with intricate details and reflective surfaces that sparkle in the sunlight. But here’s the twist – it’s not an ancient temple! It was actually designed and built by the contemporary Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The White Temple is his masterpiece, and it’s filled with symbolic elements that represent the journey to enlightenment in Buddhist teachings. 

When you visit, take time to admire all the details – including the hands on the bridge! If you look closely, you’ll find only one nail painted with red polish!

The blue temple is quite unique because, you guessed it, is entirely blue. Construction began in 2005, with the aim of replacing an old abandoned temple. Interestingly, the temple shares some similarities with the famous White Temple, as it was designed by students of the renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

The vibrant blue color of the temple represents the journey to inner peace and enlightenment in Buddhist teachings. Blue is often associated with wisdom, clarity, and tranquility, making it a fitting choice for a spiritual sanctuary.

The “Black Temples” in Chiang Rai refer to a collection of unique and contemporary art installations rather than traditional Buddhist temples. The most famous among them is Baan Dam, also known as the Black House. 

The most famous among them is Baan Dam, also known as the Black House. Baan Dam is the work of the renowned Thai artist Thawan Duchanee and consists of multiple buildings and structures adorned with intricate and dark artworks. These installations explore themes of mortality, spirituality, and the darker aspects of human nature. While Baan Dam is often referred to as the “Black Temple,” it is not a place of worship but rather an art museum and cultural attraction. 

For an in depth itinerary of Thailand check out our 10 to 14 day itinerary.