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What is it?
Another leafy temple, this time in the foothills of Suthep. Wat Umong is as old as Chiang Mai itself, founded just one year after the city in 1297. The serene complex is rarely busy and is mega peaceful to explore. The most impressive feature is its network of subterranean brick meditation tunnels built beneath a small hill.
Why we love it:
Its calm atmosphere makes it a popular place for learning about the city's Buddhist tradition; the temple remains an active place of worship and is home to Wat Umong Suan Buddhadhamma, a residential meditation centre that charges just B250 a night. It’s also just a great place for a stroll. Buddhist philosophy in Thai and English hang listfully off the trees, while the tunnels make a great place to lose phone signal and contemplate things in peace. There’s also a large pond that’s home to hundreds of cared-for people-loving pigeons, which you can hand feed.
Time Out tip:
After saying your prayers or taking your pics, pop along to see the wild deer grazing next door at the Choeng Doi Suthep Wildlife Conservation Park which joins the south of the temple grounds.
135 Soi Wat Umong, Suthep. Free. 4am-8pm