Chiang Mai Old City Temples
Chiang Mai Old City Temples
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
Wat Chedi Luang's ruined brick chedi is the largest in the old city; Wat Phra Singh has the Lai Kham chapel with murals, and Wat Chiang Man is the oldest. Most temples are free, while Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh charge about THB 50 for foreigners. The Sunday Walking Street market runs along Ratchadamnoen Road. Dress modestly and remove shoes inside the buildings.
Ticket Price
Most old-city temples are free to enter; Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh charge about THB 50 (≈ USD 1.5) for foreigners. Dress modestly.
Opening Hours
Most old-city temples open about 8:00-18:00; Wat Chedi Luang 8:00-17:00, Wat Phra Singh 9:00-18:00.
Transportation
The old city is walkable; songthaews and tuk-tuks cover longer hops, and most temples sit within the moat.
Best Season
In Thailand, plan Chiang Mai Old City Temples for Nov-Feb; Apr-May is hot and Jun-Oct is rainy.
Pro Tip: Visit the main temples early
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
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Visit the main temples early Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are calmer at opening. Dress modestly, remove shoes, and keep your voice low in active worship areas.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Wat Chedi Luang for the massive stupa, Wat Phra Singh for the Lanna art, and Wat Chiang Man for the oldest site. Doi Suthep is outside the city but worth the climb.
November-February is cooler and drier; March-April is hot and smoky from burning season, and May-October is green but wet.
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering, and do not point your feet at Buddha images. Some temples lend sarongs at the entrance.
The old city is flat and walkable; red songthaews and tuk-tuks cover longer hops. Rent a bicycle for the day if you want to see several temples.