The royal cemetery
White stupas of Lanna princes.
Somyot Sutprattanatawin — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Panuwat Tansui — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Piyamis — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0
A large temple west of Chiang Mai's old city, founded by the Lanna king Kue Na in 1371 in the royal flower garden, hence its name Suan Dok, flower garden, for a monk from Sukhothai who brought a Buddhist relic. At its centre a large golden Sri Lankan-style stupa keeps part of that relic. Its loveliest feature is a field of small white stupas west of the court, the royal cemetery of Chiang Mai's princes, holding the ashes of the Lanna ruling family; in sunset light, with Doi Suthep behind, it is one of the city's finest views. The large open hall holds two Buddha images seated back to back. The monks here hold chat sessions with visitors to introduce Buddhism and monastic life. Entry is free and donations are welcome. Modest dress is expected: shoulders and knees covered, and shoes off inside the halls. Come just before sunset to see the white stupas in golden light; it pairs with Chiang Mai University and nearby Wat Umong on the way to Doi Suthep.
White stupas of Lanna princes.
In Sri Lankan style.
Learn about monastic life.
Suthep Road, west of the old city, Chiang Mai
Wat Phra SinghOne of Chiang Mai's most revered and architecturally beautiful temples, at the w19 minutes walk
Wat UmongA tranquil forest temple more than seven centuries old at the foot of Doi Suthep20 minutes walk
Wat Lok MoliA striking temple just outside the old city's northern moat, centred on a massiv22 minutes walk
Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple)A unique temple that gleams entirely with silver, on Wualai Road south of the ol25 minutes walk
Wat Chedi LuangThe ruins of a colossal stupa at the heart of Chiang Mai's old city, one of its 25 minutes walkA royal cemetery holding the ashes of Chiang Mai's Lanna ruling family.