Constructed by King Ku Nu in 1383, Wat Suan Dok is still of great importance as the ashes of Chiang Mai royalty are interred here beneath a forest of chedi, which look particularly striking when seen against the setting sun over the slopes of Doi Suthep.
The compound is usually busy with monks, students at the Buddhist university here, vendors and visitors.
As you enter the compound, you’ll see the chedi to the right, behind the massive viharn, of which the facade has recently been renovated with inlaid glass mosaics. If you follow the broad path past the viharn, you’ll find the ‘monk chat’ building, where monks are available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5-7pm to chat with visitors; a great chance for some cultural exchange. The temple also runs meditation courses. Ask the monks about this if you’re interested.
Just beyond this building is a tiny bot, which looks unimpressive from the outside but contains a precious, 500-year-old sitting Buddha of perfect proportions, in front of a mural of a bo tree. If you need a rest and refreshment after seeing the temple’s sights, there’s a convenient and cheap vegetarian restaurant, Pun Pun, located behind the ‘monk chat’ building.
The temple grounds are occasionally used to stage cultural events, so check if anything’s happening during your stay.
Getting There
Hop on a Suthep Road-bound songthaew and look out for the entrance, or hire a tuk-tuk from the city center. If driving yourself, go about a half a kilometer west from Suan Dok Gate in the Old City along Suthep Road, then look out for the set-back entrance on the left shortly after the first traffic light.
Need to Know
- What is it? A 14thcentury temple in Chiang Mai that is also the graveyard of Chiang Mai’s royalty.
- Opening hours: 05:00-20:00 daily.
- Entrance fee: Free.
- Address: Suthep Road
- Where: west of the old city on the south side of Suthep Road.