Wat Phra Singh is one of the most famous and beautiful temples in Chiang Mai. It is located right in the old city center and immediately stands out with its golden stupa and ornate buildings full of intricate details. Inside you’ll find the famous Phra Singh Buddha statue, which the temple is named after. It is a place where locals come to pray, but you can also walk around quietly. Pay attention to the beautiful murals. Especially in the late afternoon, when the light falls just right, it’s truly special. Visit on Sunday evening during the Sunday Night Market when the temple is also open — the atmosphere becomes magical with the beautiful lighting.

Wat Chedi Luang is, of course, very personal, but actually my personal favorite in the old city. It is less 'blingbling' than the other large temple, Wat Phra Singh. On the grounds is a huge stupa, built of brick, and especially in the evening the impressive rubber trees contribute to the serene atmosphere. This temple is also open on Sunday evenings because of the Sunday Night Market in front of the door, which makes the atmosphere feel very different then than during the day.

At some point, all temples start to look alike, just like the little churches in Italian villages. But this one is truly different: a temple hidden inside a mountain. Wat Umong is known for its ancient underground tunnels that you can walk through, discovering small shrines along the way. Outside, monks stroll among the trees, and there is also a pond where you can feed fish and turtles. It’s a perfect spot if you want to escape the city's hustle and bustle for a while. A great tip for a late afternoon or a fresh morning: combine your visit with 'Baan Kang Wat,' an artsy complex with several dozen creative shops, just 400 meters away.

Atop the mountain near Chiang Mai lies Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, commonly called Wat Suthep. Of course, it’s a popular tourist attraction, but it’s also a favorite spot for locals who come to pray for health, prosperity, and even to win the lottery. The temple is just outside the city, but it still takes about half an hour to get there via a wide, well-paved three-lane road. If you take a taxi (Bolt/Grab), expect to pay around 300 THB. For a budget option, head to the North Gate on the outside of the city walls, where the red taxis wait until they’re full and then drive you up for 50–100 THB per person. The exact price depends on how full the taxi is before departure.

If you thought you had seen all the temples in Thailand 'if you've seen one, you've pretty much seen them all', then there is still this temple. 'The Temple of Hell', or a collection of gruesome sculptures that depict what will happen to you if you end up in Hell. 40km south of Chiang Mai, so it will take you an hour to get there. And definitely not for the faint of heart.

Bring a stack of 10 THB coins if you want to see the sculptures move and/or hear them scream.