Places & culture
Visiting Chiang Mai’s temples with care
Prepare suitable clothing and respectful conduct, and plan manageable visits to Old City and mountain temples.
Start with these three things
- At temples, wear clothing that covers the body and avoid loud voices or running around.
- Wat Phra Singh is in the Old City; Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is on the mountain west of the city.
Planning tips (not official rules)
- Choose a manageable route with time for travel and rest, rather than aiming for a high temple count.
Steps
"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.
- Tip Check Old City walks and mountain journeys separately on a map.
- Avoid revealing clothing and check the notices at each temple entrance.
- Tip Before entering a hall, read notices about shoes, hats and photography. Ask a staff member if unsure.
- Do not point the soles of your feet towards a Buddha image, and remain quiet so that others can worship.
What to prepare
- Clothing that covers the body. TAT advises avoiding sleeveless tops, shorts and ripped jeans, among other revealing clothes.
Planning tips (not official rules)
- Bring comfortable footwear, drinking water and an extra layer if needed. Prepare suitable clothing yourself instead of assuming loan garments will be available.
Where to ask
Individual temple entrances and information desks
Wat Phra Singh: 2 Sam Lan Road Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200.
Visiting hours for individual halls, access during ceremonies and charges on the day remain unverified. Check with each temple before visiting.
Search this name on a mapThings to watch for
- Customs may differ between temples. Do not assume that conduct accepted at one temple is appropriate at the next.
Planning tips (not official rules)
- A building’s name does not tell you whether it has steps. If you need to avoid stairs, ask in advance which areas and routes you can use.
Plan Old City and mountain visits separately
Wat Phra Singh in the Old City has a hall housing the Phra Singh Buddha image, with Lanna-style murals and woodcarving. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is described as having a golden chedi and a terrace overlooking the city.
Planning tips (not official rules)
For a first visit, mark the temples that interest you on a map, add travel time and then choose the order. Prioritise places you want to enjoy slowly without cutting out meals and rest.
Look around before taking photographs
TAT asks visitors to avoid shouting, running or jumping while visiting and taking photographs. It also explains that women should not directly touch monks, their robes or their belongings.
Planning tips (not official rules)
Ask before making someone the subject of a photograph, and check whether photography is allowed during a ceremony before raising your camera. Keep entrances and queues for worship clear.
Plan around your mobility
The Doi Suthep temple introduction lists stairs and a paid cable car.
Planning tips (not official rules)
A cable car does not establish that the entire visit is step-free. Check the route from parking to the entrance, halls and toilets. If kneeling is difficult, ask locally about a respectful posture that is comfortable for you.
Inclusion is not an endorsement.
Sources & dates checked
- OfficialTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) 仏教国タイの寺院の参拝方法とマナー
- OfficialTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) ワット・プラシン
- OfficialTourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) ワット・プラタート・ドイ・ステープ