Practical information
- Location
- Chiang Mai (old city), Chiang Mai · 18.79379, 98.98940
- Dress code
- Dress politely: long sleeves, trousers or a knee-length skirt; no sleeveless, crop, tight or revealing tops. Take off your shoes before entering the chapel or other buildings. (source: thailand.go.th)
- Period
- Traditionally dated to the founding of Chiang Mai (late 13th century)
Opening hours and entrance fee: no reliable source found, so not listed. Ask on site or check the official website.
About Wat Chiang Man
Wat Chiang Man lies in the northeastern part of Chiang Mai's walled old city and is traditionally regarded as the city's oldest temple, linked to King Mangrai, who founded Chiang Mai. Its most charming feature is Chedi Chang Lom, a square-based stupa supported by a row of brick elephants emerging from the base. The temple also keeps two small, highly revered Buddha images in a glass case: a crystal Buddha and a marble relief. With fewer visitors than Wat Chedi Luang, it is a calm and authentic place to experience Lanna temple architecture.
Highlights
- Elephant chedi Brick elephants support the stupa.
- Crystal Buddha A tiny, revered crystal image.
- Oldest temple Linked to the founding of Chiang Mai.
Tips for Wat Chiang Man
- Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.
- Combine your visit with Wat Chedi Luang, about 1 km away as the crow flies.
More photos of Wat Chiang Man
Chedi supported by elephant sculptures, Wat Chiang Man Photo: Chainwit. · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Ordination hall with gilded gable, Wat Chiang Man Photo: กสิณธร ราชโอรส · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Wat Chiang Man on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Frequently asked questions about Wat Chiang Man
Where is Wat Chiang Man?
Wat Chiang Man is in Chiang Mai (old city), Chiang Mai province, in northern Thailand.
What is Wat Chiang Man known for?
Wat Chiang Man lies in the northeastern part of Chiang Mai's walled old city and is traditionally regarded as the city's oldest temple, linked to King Mangrai, who founded Chiang Mai. Highlights include Elephant chedi, Crystal Buddha and Oldest temple.
How old is Wat Chiang Man?
Traditionally dated to the founding of Chiang Mai (late 13th century).