Photos from Wat Monthian in Chiang Mai, Thailand

There are some temples in Chiang Mai that seem to attract all of the tourists, while there are others that are just as impressive but see very little tourist traffic. Since I had visited the more popular temples during my first visit to Chiang Mai, this time around I decided to check out some of these lesser visited places of Buddhist worship.

I had actually passed by Wat Monthian a couple of times since I arrived in Chiang Mai, walking along the northern part of the ring road that follows the moat around the old city. The temple is located just west of Chang Pheuak Gate, and its hard to miss the maroon and gold colours of the temple, rising high above the street below. The elaborate viharn and huge Buddha on the outside are sure to pull you in.

Apart from a sole saffron robed monk who entered the temple before us, we had Wat Monthian all to ourselves, and it was a very peaceful experience. I’m not sure why Wat Monthian doesn’t attract many travellers, but check out these photos and I think that you will want to visit when you go to Chiang Mai.

A monk climbs the stairs to Wat Monthian

A naga on the stairs at Wat Monthian

The elaborate viharn at Wat Monthian

The huge Buddha that overlooks the street below

Chedies line the wall of the exterior of the temple

View of the Buddha and viharn at Wat Monthian

A naga guards the entrance to the temple

Inside the viharn to the main shrine

Beautiful details on the doors of the viharn

The main shrine

The monastery at Wat Monthian

Have you been to Chiang Mai in Thailand? What was your favourite temple?