Chiang Mai City Temples
This half day tour takes in Chiang Mai's best known and most impressive temples. Accompanied by your own English-speaking guide, learn more about the history of Chiang Mai and northern Thai culture and craftsmanship.
Area
Northern Thailand
Type
Art & Architecture
Community & Culture
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
Half Day
Begin your tour by heading to the centre of Chaing Mai, where you will visit the Tapae Gate. This was once one of five gates into the walled city and is now the main one, having been the only gate to be fully reconstructed. This is a great spot to start your introduction to the history of Chiang Mai.
From here, you will venture onward by pedal-powered trishaw, stopping briefly at the Three Kings Monument before continuing to Wat Phra Singh. This is one of the city's most revered temples and offers an excellent example of classic Lanna architecture. It is most well known for its beautiful Phra Singh (Lion Buddha) image, which is housed in a small but ornate chapel and first came to Chiang Mai in the 1360s.
You will then take a stroll to Wat Chedi Luang. This was originally one of the tallest buildings in ancient Chiang Mai; however, it took significant damage either in an earthquake or from cannon fire. While it no longer boasts a towering spire, there has been extensive restoration work to the exterior, including new Buddha images, nagas, and elephant statues. The temple was also the previous home of the Emerald Buddha, currently in Bangkok, and visitors can now see a jade replica, which was given as a royal gift in 1995 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of Chiang Mai.
Continue onward to the city's silver craft neighborhood. Here you can see some of the silversmiths at work, creating murals that are unique to northern Thailand. It is then only a short drive to reach Wat Sri Suphan. The temple was originally built in 1502, and it is often referred to as the Silver Temple due to the ornate silverwork that adorns the walls.
This tour can either be in the morning or afternoon, starting at around 8am or 1pm, lasting approximately four hours. As you will be visiting temples, you will need to cover your shoulders and knees, and you will need to remove your shoes at certain points.
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Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
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View AccommodationTamarind Village
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View AccommodationAnantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
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View AccommodationRaya Heritage
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
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View Accommodation137 Pillars House
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View AccommodationAnantara Chiang Mai Resort
Located within the city, Anantara Chiang Mai (formerly the Chedi) stylishly combines a resort feel with a prime location. It is in the heart of beautiful scenery and traditional culture and a stone's throw from the bustle of the night markets.
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View AccommodationGypsy, Mekong River Cruise
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More Experiences in This Area
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View ExperiencePicnic and Exclusive Scenic Dinner
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View ExperienceThai Art Workshop
Learn traditional Thai lacquering and gilding from an artist who's restored temples including Wat Pho, creating your own wooden plaque with gold leaf and lacquer at Baan Thongjaya.
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View ExperienceDoi Suthep Monk Trail
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View ExperiencePedal Lanna
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View ExperienceChiang Mai Evening Street Food Tour
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View ExperienceDistinguished Hosts - Chiang Mai
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View ExperiencePrivate Cooking Class at Grandma's Cooking School
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View ExperienceThai Art Workshop
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View ExperienceChiang Mai Classic Sites
Take a day to explore some of the highlights of Chiang Mai, including ancient temples and charming streets, accompanied by your own private guide.
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