This forest temple was established during the reign of King Mengrai and is worth a visit if only to escape the crowded streets of the city center. However, temple lovers who make the trek out here will find plenty of interest.
It’s located at the extreme western fringe of Chiang Mai, and its undulating grounds form the base of Doi Suthep, the city’s guardian mountain.
The temple compound sprawls over a vast area through which paths wind between trees and beside a lake. Most people head straight for the tunnels that run under the base of the elevated chedi, supposedly built as meditation chambers for an eccentric monk in the 14th century.
Beside the chedi sits an emaciated Buddha image, all skin and bone. There is also an art gallery by the entrance which contains an exhibition of work by various resident monks and the temple has its own small library.
Other features include a statue of Buddhadhasa, a leading Thai monk who died in 1993, and was responsible for re-establishing the forest monastery tradition here in the 1960s. Another intriguing aspect of the temple are the pithy aphorisms, such as “Difficult it is to emerge from the world; easy it is to be submerged in it”, tacked on to trees near the entrance to the compound, encouraging a reflective mood.
Getting There
Take a songthaew from Chiang Mai city center if you can find one heading that way, or perhaps more conveniently negotiate a fee with a tuk-tuk driver to make the round trip and wait for you there.
If driving yourself, head west on Suthep Road, cross the junction with the canal road (Highway 121), and after about 200 meters turn left into Soi Wat U Mong. Follow the road as it winds along for about a kilometer and you’ll see the temple on your right.
Need to Know
- What is it? A forest temple with many intriguing features.
- Opening hours: 06:00-19:00, daily.
- Entrance fee: Free.
- Address/website: Soi Wat U Mong, Suthep Road
- Where: west of the old city, about a kilometer south off Suthep Road.