How to Explore Chiang Rai's Most Important Temples and Wats – Discover the Spiritual Heart of Thailand
Thailand is one of the most culturally rich destinations. Wherever you look, there’s a temple, a wat, or a stupa, offering you a glimpse into the country’s history and cultural heritage. Chiang Rai is a city with so much to offer in terms of culture and religion. It's home to many temples, all boasting stunning architecture and cultural significance. If you find yourself in this dynamic city, visiting these temples is a must.
White Temple
Also known as Wat Rong Khu, the White Temple lives up to its name: a stunning white architectural masterpiece. Its resplendent white shines brightly during the day. The temple's access system is one-way, guiding you through its entirety. Take the time to admire the unique statues the temple is home to. From the city centre, it’s a short drive, and the temple is open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
This temple also goes by the name the 9-Tier Temple. The primary attraction is the massive Buddha statue, which you can see from miles away. Make your way to the top of the temple, one of the best viewing spots in Chiang Mai, for extraordinary views of the area. The temple is located on the northern side of the town close to Ban Huay Pla Kung. From Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, a popular, tourist-focused Chiang Rai luxury hotel, it’s only about an hour.
Blue Temple
Another temple that does justice to its name, the Blue Temple is also known as Wat Rong Suea Ten. The temple features beautiful Lanna architecture with blue interiors streaked with gold. The exterior of the temple is, however, mostly gold. Gold is woven throughout the blue background, which makes for a pretty picture. Once you step inside the temple, you’ll be amazed by how blue everything is, making the giant white statue sitting in the middle the standout feature. The temple is popular and often busy, so get here in the morning for a peaceful experience. Open hours are from 7 AM to 8 PM.
Wat Phra Kaew
Surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere, Wat Phra Kaew is another must-visit. Sitting amidst towering trees, the temple boasts traditional Lanna architecture. The onsite museum has a collection of valuable artefacts going back to the Lanna Kingdom. Red and gold dominate the temple, and the intricate carvings are hard to miss.
Wat Phra Sing
Your next stop should be Wat Phra Sing, another ancient temple complex adorned with stunning architectural details. The colour gold is widely used, and statues of Buddha and dragons are another eye-catching detail. The temple goes back at least 7 centuries, and its origins are unclear. Details like who built it remain a mystery. However, the architecture depicts classic northern Thai stylings. The murals and the woodcarvings sure add to the allure of the place. Open from 9 AM to 6 PM, you can find the temple west of the Old City.
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
Chiang Rai’s list of temples includes another ancient temple: Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong. Nothing about the temple stands out at first glance, but it’s one of the oldest temples in the city – it may be even older than the city itself. The pagoda featuring Lanna architecture is a highlight. Standing tall at 7 metres, the pagoda’s domineering presence, pronounced by the colour gold, becomes even more apparent at sunrise. The temple is open from 6 AM to 5 PM. Get here early in the morning for a striking sight of the pagoda.
Wat Jed Yod
Another temple you shouldn’t miss is Wat Jed Yod. The surroundings are lush, and the atmosphere is peaceful because the temple doesn’t get many visitors – all the more reason for a visit! The first thing you see when you step inside is a gold Buddha statue with gold columns on both sides. Plus, the ceiling is red, and the floor is blue, creating a remarkable contrasting effect.