Getting here
How to get to Wat Chiang Man
The temple sits on the north-eastern corner of the Old City, about 1.2 km from Tha Phae Gate and 4 km from the airport. Nearly every hotel in the moat is within a 20-minute walk; if you are coming from Nimman or the river, take a red songthaew.
The address, in one line
171 Ratchapakhinai Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200 — inside the moat, one block north of the city pillar shrine.
- Coordinates: 18.7938 N, 98.9867 E.
- Plus Code: QXVQ+GP Chiang Mai — paste it into Google Maps or Grab.
- Nearest landmark: the Three Kings Monument, a 10-minute walk south.
- Corner of Ratchapakhinai Road and Soi 1 — look for the white elephant statues flanking the gate.
Walking from Tha Phae Gate (15–20 minutes)
The easiest landmark-to-landmark walk in the Old City, and the one most first-time visitors do.
- Enter the Old City through Tha Phae Gate and follow Ratchadamnoen Road west for 300 m.
- At the second major junction turn right (north) onto Ratchapakhinai Road.
- Continue about 700 m past cafés and guesthouses — the temple gate appears on your left.
- Add 10 minutes if you detour past the Sunday Walking Street stalls, which occupy the same road on Sunday evenings.
- Shade is sparse between 11:00 and 15:00; the covered sidewalks on Ratchadamnoen help.
Red songthaew (30–40 THB per person)
The shared red pickup trucks are the cheapest motorised option and run constantly around the moat.
- Flag one down anywhere on the moat road and tell the driver "Wat Chiang Man" or "Ratchapakhinai".
- Within the Old City the fare is 30–40 THB per person; pay when you get out.
- From the Night Bazaar or the train station it is 40–60 THB per person.
- Agree the price before boarding if you are chartering the whole truck: 150–250 THB for a short hop.
Tuk-tuk, Grab and taxis (60–150 THB)
Door-to-door is worth it at midday or in the rainy season, when a sudden downpour is normal.
- Grab car from Nimmanhaemin: 80–120 THB, 15 minutes depending on traffic.
- Tuk-tuk from the Old City: negotiate 80–120 THB — drivers usually start at 200 THB.
- Airport to the temple by Grab or airport taxi: 150–200 THB, 15–20 minutes.
- Grab is generally cheaper than a flagged tuk-tuk and avoids haggling.
Bicycle, scooter and parking
A bicycle is the nicest way to arrive — the Old City is flat and the loop road is calm outside rush hour.
- Bicycle rental in the Old City: 50–100 THB per day; the ride from Tha Phae takes 6 minutes.
- Scooter rental: 200–300 THB per day plus fuel; helmets are required and police checkpoints are common.
- Free parking for scooters and bicycles along the temple wall on Ratchapakhinai Road.
- Cars are harder: the soi is narrow, so use the small temple car park or the lot by the city pillar shrine.
Accessibility and arriving with children
The courtyards are largely flat, but the raised halls have steps — plan around them if someone in your group uses a wheelchair.
- Gravel and grass sections make wheeled access uneven; arrive at the Ratchapakhinai gate for the smoothest surface.
- Steps lead up to the ordination hall and the library platform; there are no permanent ramps.
- Shoes come off at the halls, so bring socks for hot stone.
- Toilets are near the monks quarters; the nearest public toilets are at the Three Kings Monument.
- Children are welcome — the elephants around the chedi are the usual highlight — just keep voices low near the halls.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Wat Chiang Man from Tha Phae Gate? +
About 1.2 km — a 15 to 20 minute walk. Head west on Ratchadamnoen Road, then turn north onto Ratchapakhinai Road; the temple is on your left.
What is the cheapest way to get to Wat Chiang Man? +
Walk if you are staying inside the moat; otherwise take a red songthaew for 30–40 THB per person. Both are cheaper than a tuk-tuk or Grab.
Is there parking at Wat Chiang Man? +
Scooters and bicycles park for free along the temple wall. Car parking is limited — use the small temple lot or the car park beside the Three Kings Monument and walk the last few minutes.
How do I get to Wat Chiang Man from Chiang Mai airport? +
It is about 4 km and takes 15–20 minutes. A Grab car or airport taxi costs roughly 150–200 THB; a red songthaew from the airport road costs 40–60 THB per person if you are travelling light.
Keep reading
Wat Chiang Man visitor guide: dress code, etiquette and worship
→ Read the guideWat Chiang Man history and the three things to see
→ Read the guideWhat to see near Wat Chiang Man
→ Read the guide