Chiang Mai is renowned for its stunning temples, but beyond the bustling tourist hotspots lies a world of hidden sanctuaries waiting to be discovered. From remote jungle retreats to temples steeped in mystery and history, these 15 lesser-known gems offer a unique glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heart of Northern Thailand. If you’re ready to go beyond the beaten path and uncover Chiang Mai’s secret spiritual treasures, this guide will take you on an unforgettable journey to the extraordinary.
Table of Contents
1: พระธาตุดอยนก / Wat Phra That Doi Nok
What makes this place special is the sea of mist that forms in the early morning
(Rainy Season and Cool Season)
Details
- Location: Google Map
- Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry: Free (donations welcomed)
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning during the Rainy Season and Cool Season for a chance to witness the breathtaking sea of mist and clouds.
- Parking: Limited parking is available on the temple grounds via a short, narrow, and steep route. From the base of the temple route, follow the steep road to find a parking spot. Alternatively, drivers and riders can park at the base of the hill and climb 1,297 steps to the pagoda.
Overview
The stunning พระธาตุดอยนก Doi Nok Pagoda in 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞, (named “Bird Mountain Pagoda” due to the many birds in this peaceful area), is a sacred place for the local Tai Lui Hilltribe people of BanMaeSap. Located 60 km from Chiang Mai City in the mountainous region of Samoeng Tai, the temple is one of the more tranquil and lesser-known temples in the area.
It is situated on top of a mountain, offering visitors an incredible view of the surrounding landscapes, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the more tourist-heavy sites in Chiang Mai.
Historical and Cultural Aspects:
Wat Phra That Doi Nok is believed to have been established over 500 years ago, though much of its history has been obscured by time. The temple’s name, “Doi Nok,” means “Mountain of Birds,” which is a fitting reference to the temple’s location in a quiet and secluded area, surrounded by nature.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha and holds a significant place for locals, who come to offer prayers and pay respects to the sacred relics housed in the temple.
Architectural Features:
Wat Phra That Doi Nok features a traditional Lanna-style design, with a chedi (stupa) at the centre, surrounded by smaller structures and shrines. The chedi, believed to house important Buddhist relics, is a focal point of the temple.
What to Expect:
The drive/ride along the way to the temple takes you through lush forest surroundings and the natural beauty of the region. Once at the temple, you can explore the main chedi, smaller shrines, and surrounding natural areas. The peaceful ambience is perfect for meditation or contemplation.
If you’re a nature lover and enjoy a more secluded, off-the-beaten-path experience, Wat Phra That Doi Nok provides an excellent opportunity to connect with both the natural world and the spiritual heritage of Chiang Mai.
The monks are very welcoming and glad of visitors. A great place for admiring the view, meditating, relaxing, making merit (donations) and taking photographs. As with most temples, there is no entry fee, but donations (no matter what size) are always welcome.
2: วัดพระพุทธบาทสี่รอย / Wat Phraphutthabat Si Roi
What makes this place special is the four overlapping Buddha footprints, a sacred and unique feature that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Details
- Location: Google Map
- Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry: Free (donations welcomed)
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for a peaceful experience and cooler temperatures.
- Parking: Ample parking is available on the temple grounds near the main entrance, with easy access to the temple structures.
Overview
The stunning พระธาตุดอยนก Doi Nok Pagoda in 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞, (named “Bird Mountain Pagoda” due to the many birds in this peaceful area), is a sacred place for the local Tai Lui Hilltribe people of BanMaeSap. Located 60 km from Chiang Mai City in the mountainous region of Samoeng Tai, the temple is one of the more tranquil and lesser-known temples in the area.
It is situated on top of a mountain, offering visitors an incredible view of the surrounding landscapes, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the more tourist-heavy sites in Chiang Mai.
Historical and Cultural Aspects:
Wat Phra That Doi Nok is believed to have been established over 500 years ago, though much of its history has been obscured by time. The temple’s name, “Doi Nok,” means “Mountain of Birds,” which is a fitting reference to the temple’s location in a quiet and secluded area, surrounded by nature.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha and holds a significant place for locals, who come to offer prayers and pay respects to the sacred relics housed in the temple.
Architectural Features:
Wat Phra That Doi Nok features a traditional Lanna-style design, with a chedi (stupa) at the centre, surrounded by smaller structures and shrines. The chedi, believed to house important Buddhist relics, is a focal point of the temple.
What to Expect:
The drive/ride along the way to the temple takes you through lush forest surroundings and the natural beauty of the region. Once at the temple, you can explore the main chedi, smaller shrines, and surrounding natural areas. The peaceful ambience is perfect for meditation or contemplation.
If you’re a nature lover and enjoy a more secluded, off-the-beaten-path experience, Wat Phra That Doi Nok provides an excellent opportunity to connect with both the natural world and the spiritual heritage of Chiang Mai.
The monks are very welcoming and glad of visitors. A great place for admiring the view, meditating, relaxing, making merit (donations) and taking photographs. As with most temples, there is no entry fee, but donations (no matter what size) are always welcome.
2: วัดพระพุทธบาทสี่รอย / Wat Phraphutthabat Si Roi
What makes this place special is the four overlapping Buddha footprints, a sacred and unique feature that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Details
- Location: Google Map
- Opening Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry: Free (donations welcomed)
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for a peaceful experience and cooler temperatures.
- Parking: Ample parking is available on the temple grounds near the main entrance, with easy access to the temple structures.
สำนักปฏิบัติธรรมสันกู่ / San Pa Gu Meditation Centre (Google Map)
The stair entranceway to this meditation temple retreat is simply stunning! The design makes it more of an unsual temple in this list of temples.
*Note* This is a practising meditation centre, so bear this in mind when entering the temple.
Lots of lush green paddy fields around this area too, and some cool coffee shops.
2: Wat Doi Sapphanyu (Google Map)
Amazing temple with four giant standing Buddha statues. Certainly one of the tallest stairways in this temples mix!
With an amazing view at the top.
..and beehives under the arms of each Buddha!
3: สำนักวิปัสสนาพระธาตุศรีสมเด็จพระพุทธชินวงศ์ /Wat Phra That Sri Somdet Phra Buddha Chinwong (Google Map)
Giant mountain Buddha Statue in Mae Wang, which stands high upon a mountain. This has to be the most unusual Buddha out of all the temples I have been to.
I spotted this stunning mountain Buddha in the distance on a couple of previous rides, so went on a quest to find it. (*NOTE* the staff at the temple were fully aware of me walking onto the statue and had no objections at all. I was given nods and smiles.)
I did a little research on the temple when I got home and it seems this whole temple zone has been under construction since 2012. There is even a Facebook page on it showing the amazing transformation. It is such a strange and magnificent Buddha image. In the construction days it looks rather surreal.
Here is the Facebook page for this amazing temple and the work that has been going on to produce this incredible statue.
4: Phrathat Ban Pong (Google Map)
If you enjoy riding the Samoeng Loop then you will most likely have spotted the top of Wat Ban Pong, perched high on a hilltop. This makes this temple possibly the most iconic one in the temples list. For many years I only ever saw scaffolding on the spire as I rode through Bang Pong. In June 2017 I noticed there was no longer any scaffolding, so of course, I had to pay a visit. Was fantastic to see the temple almost near to completion finally. I was also able to purchase a small bag of cement (on a donation basis) to help with the rendering.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn6atPAAzjd/
Feels good to think there is a very small part of my contribution to that temple. I have heard that it is now completely finished and will need to take a look at the final results for myself.
5: Wat Luang Khun Win (Google Map)
This temple is a tricky one to get to currently as involves a little off-road riding (or a lot, depending on the direction you take). If you take the Mae Wang route (which is very scenic), you need to take a right turn just after San Patong Forest Park Office. This is the hardest one to get to in the temples list.
This route is pathed until you reach the Karen Eco Lodge, after which is a mix of dirt and broken road and small sections of concrete road. (If you want to turn this into an off-road adventure you can go via the Samoeng side. I have a full trip report HERE.)
6: Cực Lạc Cảnh Giới Tự / Wat Pa Sukawadee (Google Map)
An incredible Vietnamese temple, hidden in Samoeng Neua. The entrance is hard to spot, so keep an eye out for the small white sign or use GPS. This temple is the most hidden one in the temples mix.
Dotted all around this temple are solar panel lights and speakers, and many of the lights were done in beautiful and interesting ways (such as cherry blossom flowers and lotus leaves in the water) This hidden temple really has to be seen to be believed. It was a very unexpected find on a mini explore (full trip report HERE).
7: Wat Phra Phatthaban Si Roi (Google Map)
Within the temple grounds, there is a coffee shop, clean toilet facilities, and stalls selling items for alms.
8: Wat Mae Kaet Noi: The Creepiest Temple in Chiang Mai! (Google Map)
!!***WARNING*** – DISTURBING IMAGES/VIDEO !!
Do NOT watch if you are sensitive to disturbing images or if you are under 13 years old.
This “Hell Temple” in San Sai, is one of a few Hell Temples in Thailand depicting the Buddhist vision of Hell. No serene images of meditation and harmony for you here (well actually, there is later on in the temple, but only a small part of it). Instead you are faced with the punishment of your sins committed on earth, in all it’s gory forms. Tortured souls writhe in agony as they are put through horrific ordeals by grotesque demons. For additional effect you can listen to horror sounds and watch moving parts and flashing lights, for the cost of ten baht per display. So take plenty of ten baht coins for the slot machines dotted around the temple grounds, if you want to immerse in the full effect.
An interesting temple and only around 15km / 30 minutes from the center of Chiang Mai.
Worth a look, if you have a strong constitution ^^^
9: Wat Mae Ta Krai: Another “Hell Temple”! (Google Map)
The “Hell Temple” section of this temple is often unseen, due to it being hidden away at the back of a rice paddy field. Most people flock to the main giant Khruba Siwichai statue on the opposite side of the road. This LIVE video below shows how huge and strange the statues are.
The main temple is quite beautiful with a dramatic Khruba Siwichai statue (a famous and revered Lamphun monk. You will see many statues of this monk in the region)
11: Wat Hua Dong Samakkhitham (Google Map)
Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock) in Chiang Mai, Thailand!
While I was enjoying my small ride-explore on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, I accidentally came across this interesting temple. I was very surprised to see the Golden Rock of Myanmar before me!
The temple is called Wat Hua Dong and surprisingly the monks were wearing orange instead of red (red being the usual colour for Burmese Monks, so I believe). Thus, would appear to be a Thai temple..? Not quite sure, and regrettably forgot to ask the Abbot that I spoke to.
The video is not the best quality as it is an old Facebook Live video. An interesting place to visit!
12: Wat Phad Thamachart (Google Map)
At the time I visited the temple it seemed almost abandoned but was obviously occupied and just a little neglected. No one was around and no real signs of life except some small laundry drying in the wind-down by accommodation huts. I have not been back in some time, so I have no idea of the current condition. This temple is worth a look. It has a lost in time feel about it (and a little eerie to be honest. Particularly because when I visited the ground was littered with flying ants, mostly dead or dying).
13: Khuang Phra Chao Lanna (Google Map)
This temple isn’t remote in the least and easily accessible, and yet it is surprising the number of people who are unaware of it. Even those who are familiar with Huay Tung Tao lake just pass it by as their focus is on the lake, rather than the temple. It is a very interesting temple though and very quiet. Last year my friends and I were lucky enough to be allowed a photo opportunity there (a promo photo op for TBB Tours). If you wish to do something similar make sure to ask permission first from the guard. I actually don’t have a lot of images of this temple, although I have been a few times. However, there are some fantastic images and a great write up on this temple on GT.Rider forum. There is information about the temple on-site, and occasionally a small tuck shop open (where I bought the tiniest Cornetto-style ice cream I have ever eaten in my life..!)
14: Suttichit Buddha Place Park / Wat Mok Khan Lan (Google Map)
The fascinating Suttichit Buddha Place Park (Wat Mok Khan Lan) in Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai Province.
Well worth a visit to this unusual and interesting temple, with its labyrinth statued pathways, leading to a spectacular reclining Buddha statue.
Once in the temple grounds, it can actually be a little disorientating, with so many pathways and multiple depictions of Buddhism.
Impossible to miss this temple when heading south from Chiang Mai, because the giant Buddha images peer down upon you whilst you are riding/driving the main 108 highway.
I have spotted these wonderful Buddha images for YEARS, but never actually took the time out to go to the temple grounds. Mainly because I was always on the way to someplace else (such as Mae Sariang, etc), so it always ended up being one of those places I’ve been meaning to visit, but never did (until now). I am glad I finally went to visit, as it turned out to be much more interesting than I had imagined.
If you havent been, then it is one for to visit for sure!
Notable Mentions:
Wat Umong: A stunning temple with a fantastic lake area.
Wat Palad: Pretty much my favorite temple to visit which also has a walking trail leading to it known as The Monks Trail.
(Google map – start of trail)
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