Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of northern Thailand, is a city that wears its history with quiet pride. Founded in 1296 as the capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, it has grown into a vibrant destination known for its mountains, night markets, and rich traditions. But more than anything else, Chiang Mai is a city of temples. With more than 300 Buddhist temples spread across the old city, surrounding neighborhoods, and forested hillsides, it is easy to understand why visitors often feel both inspired and overwhelmed the moment they begin exploring.

Wat Phra Yuen is a Theravāda temple located in Wiang Yong, on the eastern bank of the Kuang River in Lamphun. The monastery occupies about 29 rai of land and is recognized as one of the four corner temples of the ancient city of Hariphunchai. It traces its beginnings to the reign of Queen Chamadevi, the first ruler of the kingdom, who is believed to have founded the monastery in the seventh century. At that time, it was known as Araññikarama, reflecting its early role as a quiet monastic retreat.

Wat Mahawan Wanaram, formerly known as Wat Mahawaram, is one of the historically significant temples of Lamphun, believed to have been built around the 12th Buddhist century. It is traditionally regarded as one of the four temples established during the reign of Queen Chamadevi, the ruler of the Haripunchai Kingdom. Over time, the temple experienced periods of prominence and decline. Like many religious sites in the region, it was eventually abandoned as a result of wars and political instability.

Wat Chamadevi, more commonly known as Wat Ku Kut, stands along Chamadevi Road in Tambon Nai Mueang, Lamphun, preserving a rare and tangible link to the Mon roots of northern Thailand. The temple is generally believed to have been founded around 1150, at a time when Lamphun was the capital of the Mon Dvaravati Kingdom of Hariphunchai. Local legend, however, places its origins much earlier, during the era of Queen Chama Thewi, who is credited with founding the town of Lamphun in the early 9th century. Reflecting this enduring association, the temple is also known as Wat Chama Thewi or Wat Chama Devi, named in her honor.

Wat Phra That Haripunchai was rebuilt under the patronage of King Tilokaraja of the Lanna Kingdom, based in Chiang Mai. In 1443, the central stupa was enlarged and refined, its bell-shaped anda adorned with repoussé Buddha images hammered into bronze sheets. These serene figures, affixed directly to the stupa, are classic examples of early Lanna artistry, blending elegance with restrained spiritual symbolism.

The Skywalk is a recent addition to the temple complex of Wat Doi Ti in Lamphun Province. Opened to the public in August 2024, the glass-bottomed skywalk provides an elevated viewpoint overlooking the surrounding hills and lowlands of Northern Thailand. Its design is simple and functional, allowing visitors to walk across transparent panels while taking in the scenery below.

Set on Doi Pu Yak mountain, the Wat Phra Bat Sutthawat’s white pagoda complex crowns the ridge at about 815 meters above sea level, often appearing to float when clouds roll in. Reaching this height, however, has been the most challenging part of the trip. From the parking area, a songthaew takes visitors on a steep 10–15 minute ride to the trailhead, followed by a short flat walk before the real test begins: hundreds of stair steps climbing sharply toward the summit. The ascent, roughly 30 minutes in total, is physically demanding despite the presence of rest stops, making the climb both a mental and physical effort.

Wat Phra That Lampang Luang was our first stop in Lampang on the second day of our Northern Thailand tour, setting a calm and reflective tone for the day. Located about fifteen kilometers from the city center, this well-preserved Lanna Buddhist temple dates back to the 15th century and is believed to enshrine relics of the Buddha within its main chedi, a distinction shared by only a few important temples in the region. Local tradition also links the site to the earlier Hariphunchai Kingdom, underscoring its long-standing religious significance in northern Thailand.

The main highlight of Wat Rong Suea Ten is its vihāra, designed and built by Sala Nok. The structure measures 13 meters wide and 48 meters long and is characterized by its blue exterior with gold trim. At the entrance, two large Nāga statues stand side by side.

The first temple we visited in Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Khun, more widely known as the White Temple. The present form of Wat Rong Khun is the work of Chalermchai Kositpipat, a national artist from Chiang Rai who began rebuilding the temple in 1997. By the end of the 20th century, the original structure was in poor condition and lacked funds for restoration.