Chiang Mai has over 300 Buddhist temples (Wats), over a hundred of them inside the old city walls. No small feat to decide which one to visit.
After much deliberation I chose five Wats based on importance and variation (and Fergus reluctantly agreed) …
Wat Phra Singh (or Gold Template – no question why), Chiang Mai’s most revered temple. Its prosperity is plain to see.
Wat Chedi Luang – with a towering, ruined Lanna style Chedi (Buddhist stupa). The top of the chedi was destroyed by either a 16th-century earthquake or by cannon fire during the recapture of Chiang Mai from the Burmese in 1775 (nobody knows for sure).
Wat Phan Tao – supposedly the most atmospheric temple as the enormous prayer hall is supported by 28 gargantuan teak pillars and lined with dark teak panels … all behind scaffolding at the moment, we didn’t see anything. Hence a very quick visit.
Wat Chiang Man – Chiang Mai’s oldest temple with the oldest known Buddha image and the Crystal Buddha
Wat Pa Pao – a Burmese (as opposed to Lanna) style temple located just outside the old city walls and moats. Certainly one of the less frequented temples and in need of some attention
5 temples, makes 5% of the ones in the old town but only 1.7% of all temples in Chiang Mai. But having seen a few, it gets a bit the same … and far too many details to remember. So definitely enough!
And even if temples in a sunset hue make for great pictures, there is a better way to spend the time …
Oasis Rooftop bar in the northeastern part of the old town
The Travels of Birgit 