1 / 10

Wat Inthakhin (City Pillar) Chiang Mai

4.6

·710 reviews·, Thailand

A serene Lanna temple in Chiang Mai's old city, once home to the sacred city pillar and rich in history.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow

Loading map...

Wat Inthakhin (City Pillar) Chiang Mai

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Lanna temple in Chiang Mai's old city, once home to the sacred city pillar and rich in history.

4.6

(710 reviews)

"Beautiful old wooden temple, definitely worth a visit even though it won’t make it to a top 10 placement."

TIP

Free Entry & Modest Dress

Entry is free! Remember to dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) and remove shoes before entering. 🙏

Short & Sweet Visit

Allocate about 10-15 minutes to explore this charming temple. Perfect for a quick cultural stop. :stopwatch:

Quick Facts

Rating

4.6 · 710 reviews

Type

Place of Worship

Address

13 Intha Warorot Road, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The City Pillar (Inthakhin)

Main temple hall

The ancient wooden city pillar, believed to hold treasures and historical significance for Chiang Mai.

Lanna Architecture

Temple grounds

Admire the intricate details and serene beauty of traditional Northern Thai temple design.

Loy Krathong Spectacle

Temple grounds

During Loy Krathong, the temple is adorned with stunning colorful lanterns, creating a magical ambiance.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Tranquility

While Wat Inthakhin is a peaceful sanctuary, visiting during major festivals like Loy Krathong can mean larger crowds, though the festive atmosphere is magical. For a quieter experience, aim for early mornings or late afternoons to soak in the serene Lanna architecture.

Respectful Attire and Customs

As with most temples in Thailand, modest dress is required. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. You'll also need to remove your shoes before entering the main temple building. These simple steps ensure a respectful visit.

Best Times

When

Early mornings

Why

Peaceful atmosphere

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoons

Why

Golden hour light

Crowd

Medium

When

Loy Krathong festival

Why

Magical lantern displays

Crowd

High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

คืนลองไฟ "มนต์เสน่ห์เชียงใหม่ เมืองดอกไม้งาม CHARMING Chiang Mai Flower Festival" เปิดให้เที่ยวชมอย่างเต็มรูปแบบ ระหว่างวันที่ 29 พฤศจิกายน 2567 ถึงวันที่ 5 มกราคม 2568 ตั้งแต่เวลา 08.30 – 23.00 น. ณ ศูนย์ราชการจังหวัดเชียงใหม่ (สวนองค์การบริหารส่วนจังหวัดเชียงใหม่) . #เชียงใหม่นิวส์ #chiangmainews #เที่ยวเชียงใหม่ #chiangmai #เชียงใหม่ #fyeシ #เทรนวันนี้ #chiangmaiguide #ขึ้นฟีดเถอะ #tiktokเ...

@chiangmai.guide

170.6K likes • 2M views

Free Entry & Modest Dress

Entry is free! Remember to dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) and remove shoes before entering. 🙏

Short & Sweet Visit

Allocate about 10-15 minutes to explore this charming temple. Perfect for a quick cultural stop. :stopwatch:

One of Thailand’s must-try experiences. ✨ Yi Peng in Chiang Mai is pure magic. The sky fills with thousands of lanterns, the river glows with floating Krathongs, and Lanna traditions light up every corner. This year, it’s happening on November 5–6, right at the start of cool season—aka the best time to visit Chiang Mai. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, don’t miss this unforgettable moment. #...

@sunny_rung

19.3K likes • 194.8K views

Inthakhin Festival – The City Pillar Ceremony of Chiang Mai The Inthakhin Festival, also known as the Festival of Offering Flowers to the City Pillar, is a significant annual religious and cultural event held at Wat Chedi Luang in the heart of Chiang Mai. It is dedicated to the Inthakhin Pillar, or city pillar, which symbolizes the city’s stability and prosperity. #chiangmai #chiangmaithailand #...

aboutabedhostel

22 likes • 859 views

Loy Krathong Magic

If visiting during Loy Krathong, expect beautiful lanterns and a lively, eye-catching atmosphere. 🎇

Central Location

Easily accessible on foot from the Three Kings Monument within the walled city. 🚶

Wat Inthakhin Sadue Muang Small Buddhist temple with traditional Lanna architecture, once the site of the sacred city pillar. Interesting Lanna Style Bell shaped Stupa believed to contain the remains of King Mangrai. The King was struck down by lighting and died in the market place. His son created the Stupa to contain his father's ashes. #thailand #chiangmai #insta #viral #instagramreels #lik...

nomadjoe2025

999 likes • 15.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Modest Dress

Entry is free! Remember to dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) and remove shoes before entering. 🙏

Short & Sweet Visit

Allocate about 10-15 minutes to explore this charming temple. Perfect for a quick cultural stop. :stopwatch:

Loy Krathong Magic

If visiting during Loy Krathong, expect beautiful lanterns and a lively, eye-catching atmosphere. 🎇

Central Location

Easily accessible on foot from the Three Kings Monument within the walled city. 🚶

What Travellers Say

4.6

(710 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Wat Inthakhin to be a charming and historically significant temple, particularly beautiful during festivals like Loy Krathong when adorned with colorful lanterns. While small, its well-kept Lanna architecture and free entry make it a worthwhile, quick stop for those exploring Chiang Mai's old city.

"Beautiful temple that has its own unique charm 🥰. Love coming here during Loy Krathong festival, they hang up beautiful colorful lanterns all over and it’s so so eye catching and pretty!! 🏮❤️ Will always stop by here without fail. Sometimes the young monks will even release a few lanterns 😆."

Chinee Loh

"Very beautiful old wooden temple and just next to it a big old chedi. The temple is very well kept and beautiful both inside and outside. Definitely worth a visit even though it won’t make it to a top 10 placement of temples in Chiang Mai. Good place to spend 10-15 minutes"

Kasper Hammer-Hansen

"This is a small temple near the center of the city. Said to have been the place where King Mangrai was killed by a lightning strike, the stupa now houses his treasures. It's well worth a short visit to this small temple."

Bok “Doc Bok” McDonagh

What People Like

Charming Lanna architecture

Free entry

Historical significance

What People Dislike

Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wat Inthakhin is conveniently located within Chiang Mai's old city walls, making it easily accessible on foot, especially from the Three Kings Monument. You can also take a red songthaew (shared taxi) to the area.

No, Wat Inthakhin is right in the heart of the old city, so it's very central and easy to reach.

Absolutely! If you're exploring the old city, walking is a great way to discover Wat Inthakhin and other nearby attractions.

Walking is ideal for exploring the old city's temples. Alternatively, red songthaews are a popular and affordable option for getting around.

Parking can be challenging in the old city. It's best to rely on walking, songthaews, or consider parking a bit further out and walking in.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Wat Inthakhin is free to enter, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors.

While specific hours aren't always posted, temples in Chiang Mai are generally open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours.

There's no need to book tickets as entry is free. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.

You are expected to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees out of respect for the sacred site.

Yes, you must remove your shoes before entering the main temple building (viharn) as a sign of respect.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that 10-15 minutes is sufficient to appreciate the temple's charm and historical significance.

The City Pillar, or Inthakhin, is a sacred relic believed to be central to Chiang Mai's founding and prosperity, symbolizing the city's 'navel' or heart.

No, Wat Inthakhin is a relatively small temple, known for its intimate atmosphere and historical importance rather than its size.

Inside, you'll find the ancient wooden city pillar, religious artifacts, and beautiful Lanna-style decorations.

During festivals like Loy Krathong, the temple is beautifully decorated with lanterns, creating a magical spectacle.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed on the temple grounds, but be respectful and avoid taking photos inside the main prayer hall where it might be discouraged.

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light for photography. During Loy Krathong, the evening lantern displays are spectacular.

The main wooden pillar and the intricate Lanna architecture of the temple buildings are popular subjects. The lanterns during festivals are also a must-capture.

Drone usage is generally restricted in temple areas and urban centers. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.

A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for most visitors. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it will allow for more creative control, especially in low light.