Wat Ton Kwen Chiang Mai
Discover Wat Ton Kwen, a serene Lanna temple in Chiang Mai known for its ancient wooden architecture and tranquil gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Wat Ton Kwen Chiang Mai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Wat Ton Kwen, a serene Lanna temple in Chiang Mai known for its ancient wooden architecture and tranquil gardens.
"A totally different temple. Here, there is no gold to shine but rather a wooden one that feels so back in the time."
📸 Costume Rental Tip
Rent Lanna costumes for amazing photos! Around 140 THB. :camerawithflash:
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer people. :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Wooden Temple
Main temple hall
Experience the timeless beauty of Lanna architecture in this unique wooden temple, a stark contrast to gilded structures.
Lanna Costume Photoshoot
Temple grounds
Don traditional Lanna attire for a truly immersive cultural experience and unforgettable, picturesque photos.
Serene Gardens
Surrounding grounds
Wander through peaceful, grassy gardens that beautifully complement the ancient wooden temple's charm.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Photos
Embrace the Lanna Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Costume Rental Tip
Rent Lanna costumes for amazing photos! Around 140 THB. :camerawithflash:
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer people. :sunrise:
☕ Nearby Cafe
Grab coffee & cake at Kam John Cafe across the street. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Be mindful of photo sets and temple sanctity. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Costume Rental Tip
Rent Lanna costumes for amazing photos! Around 140 THB. :camerawithflash:
⏰ Beat the Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer people. :sunrise:
☕ Nearby Cafe
Grab coffee & cake at Kam John Cafe across the street. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Respectful Exploration
Be mindful of photo sets and temple sanctity. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Wat Ton Kwen for its unique, simple Lanna wooden architecture and serene gardens, offering a refreshing change from more ornate temples. The opportunity to rent traditional costumes for photos is a major draw, though it can lead to crowds. Some feel the focus on photos detracts from the temple's historical significance.
"A totally different temple. Here, there is no gold to shine but rather a wooden one that feels so back in the time. Pick your time to go as the possibility to change in local Lanna clothes seems to attract lots of people. Still with patience, you'll be able to snatch some pictures with no one.
Way worth the visit."
Fab F.
"Beautiful temple complex. It is free to walk around. Lots of people taking beautiful photos in costume. You can rent a Thai costume for 140 thb. Grassy and beautiful gardens surround the ancient wooden temple"
Alix
"Wat Inthanarat or Wat Ton Kwen is beautiful in its simple , well designed Lanna style architecture ...there is a Tiger café or Kam John Cafe across the road kiosks that rent beautiful Lanna style traditional dress for visitors to take photos in at the Temple grounds ....the Kam John cafe and bakery , which is across the temple entrance is a nice spot to have a coffee, cake and each the lovely thai ladies walk gracefully in their Lanna traditional gowns ..."
Karma Travels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Ton Kwen, also known as Wat Inthanarat or Dantewada Land of Angels Waterfall Park, is located about an hour from Chiang Mai city. You can hire a taxi or a Grab (ride-sharing app) to get there. Renting a scooter is also an option if you're comfortable navigating local traffic.
It's a bit outside the immediate city center, about an hour's drive. This makes it a great half-day trip or a destination to combine with other attractions in the surrounding areas.
For photography, consider hiring a private car or Grab so you can control your timing and stay for the best light without worrying about return transport. This also allows you to explore at your own pace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the temple complex is free to walk around and explore. This makes it a very accessible and budget-friendly attraction.
While specific hours aren't always listed, temples in Thailand are generally open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the full experience and photography opportunities.
No advance booking is necessary as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Yes, you can rent beautiful Lanna-style traditional dresses for photoshoots directly at the temple grounds. This is a very popular activity for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most magical light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun and larger crowds. The golden hour before sunset is particularly stunning.
While there's no strict dress code for visiting the temple grounds, it's respectful to dress modestly. If you plan to rent Lanna attire, you can change into that on-site.
Yes, families can enjoy the serene atmosphere and the opportunity for unique photos. Children might enjoy the gardens and the novelty of seeing people in traditional dress.
Unlike many temples adorned with gold, Wat Ton Kwen features a beautiful, simple, and well-designed Lanna-style wooden architecture that feels more historic and grounded.
It can get quite busy, especially with people renting costumes for photoshoots. Visiting on weekdays and during off-peak hours (early morning/late afternoon) can help you avoid the largest crowds.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
While there aren't extensive dining facilities within the temple itself, there are kiosks and cafes nearby. The Kam John Cafe and Bakery across the road is a popular spot for coffee, cake, and light Thai meals.
Yes, there are small kiosks and cafes, like the Kam John Cafe, where you can purchase drinks and snacks. Staying hydrated is always a good idea, especially in Chiang Mai's climate.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
✈️ Day-Trippers from Chiang Mai
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Charm of Wat Ton Kwen
The temple's grounds are also known for their peaceful, grassy gardens, providing a tranquil setting for contemplation or simply enjoying the natural beauty. This combination of historical architecture and natural landscaping creates a visually appealing and calming environment. Many visitors find it to be a refreshing contrast to the bustling city life, offering a quiet retreat.
One of the most popular activities at Wat Ton Kwen is the rental of traditional Lanna costumes.
Photography Tips for Wat Ton Kwen
When visiting, be mindful of other visitors and their photoshoots. Many people rent Lanna costumes, and photographers often set up specific shots. While it's a popular activity, try to be patient and respectful, waiting for your moment or finding unique angles that don't intrude on others' experiences.
Consider exploring different perspectives. Beyond the main temple hall, the surrounding gardens offer lovely backdrops. Experiment with wide-angle shots to capture the scale of the temple and its setting, or use a telephoto lens to focus on intricate architectural details. If you're renting a costume, take advantage of the opportunity to create dynamic and culturally rich photographs that tell a story of your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit