Wat Ku Kham: Location, Timings, Things to See & Do

It is a beautiful Buddhist temple in the old city of Wiang Kum Kam, which is now part of Chiang Mai. The temple complex’s name, “Temple of the Squared Pagoda,” comes from the unique square-shaped chedi in the middle of it. This temple is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Wiang Kum Kam, and for hundreds of years it has been a place of worship and local religious ceremonies. Even though Chiang Mai is much bigger than Wiang Kum Kam, Wat Chedi Liam is still an important historical and cultural site.

Wat Chedi Liam is different from the busy temples in Chiang Mai today because it has a calm atmosphere where visitors can walk freely among ancient ruins, see traditional Thai architecture, and think quietly. Both pilgrims and tourists come to see its unique chedi, restored halls, and intricate carvings, which show off the art and skill of the early Lanna period.

History of Wat Ku Kham

The early Lanna period saw the construction of Wat Chedi Liam around 1287 CE, just after King Mangrai the Great founded the city of Chiang Mai. Originally, it was part of the bigger city of Wiang Kum Kam, which was the capital before Chiang Mai became the centre of the kingdom. The temple was first called Wat Ku Kham, which means “Temple of the Golden Stupa.” Its gilded chedi stood for both wealth and spiritual importance. It became known as Wat Chedi Liam over the years because of the square shape of its main pagoda.

The chedi has been fixed up several times, most recently after the area was flooded and left alone. Today, it is part of the Wiang Kum Kam historical park, where people can see the temple’s old architecture, carvings, and traditional Lanna-style features.

Location, Directions & Timings

Wat Chedi Liam is in Wiang Kum Kam, which is south of the city of Chiang Mai today. The area is in Chiang Mai Province and is easy to get to from the city centre for a half-day or full-day trip. Wiang Kum Kam is a historic site with many other temples, ruins, and cultural landmarks. When you visit Wat Chedi Liam, you can learn about the early history of northern Thailand and how Lanna-style Buddhist temples came to be.

From Chiang Mai City, take the Chiang Mai–San Kamphaeng Road south and follow the signs to Wiang Kum Kam. You can get to Wat Chedi Liam by car or bike. It is in the historical park.

It is open every day from 8:00 AM till 5:30 PM in the evening. It’s best to go early in the day to avoid the heat and crowds. The morning light also makes it easier to take pictures of the chedi and temple halls.

Things to See and Do in Wat Ku Kham

• Chedi Liam: The squared chedi is the most important part of Wat Chedi Liam. It has a different shape than most Thai temples’ bell-shaped chedis. People can walk around the base of the chedi and look at the beautiful stucco, carvings, and symmetrical design. The chedi is also an important religious place where monks and pilgrims go to meditate, chant, and make offerings. Even people who aren’t very interested in history can appreciate how important it is and how beautiful it is.
• Temple Halls that have been fixed up: There are several halls in the temple complex that have been modernized but carefully restored. These include areas where monks pray and perform rituals. The halls have a traditional Lanna style of architecture, with wooden roofs, carved beams, and gold decorations.
• A place of worship for Brahma: There is a small shrine to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, on the temple grounds. This shows how Hindu and Buddhist beliefs mixed in early Thai temples. People who live here and pilgrims often leave flowers and incense here as gifts.
• Old ruins: There are parts of older temple buildings, like walls, foundations, and smaller chedis that have been partially restored, all around Wat Chedi Liam. These ruins give us a better idea of how the temple complex was originally laid out and how Wiang Kum Kam grew as an early settlement.
• Chances to take pictures: The temple has great places to take pictures, especially around the squared chedi and the restored halls. The chedi’s symmetry, along with the gardens and old ruins around it, make it a great place to take pictures of traditional Thai temple architecture.
• Walking and Exploring: Visitors can take their time walking along the temple paths and looking at the smaller chedis, gardens, and prayer areas. The temple is quieter than most tourist spots, so it’s a good place to think, meditate, or just enjoy the peaceful setting.

Tips before you visit the Wat Ku Kham

• Cover your shoulders and knees with modest clothing.
• Don’t wear clothes that show too much skin, such as shorts, tank tops, or mini-skirts.
• Before going into the temple’s indoor areas, you should take off your shoes.
• The best time to go is in the morning (8:00 AM–10:00 AM). The weather is cooler, and there are fewer people.
• Do not sit or climb on statues or chedis.
• Don’t point your feet at statues of Buddha or other holy things.
• If you want to help with the upkeep of the temple, you can give small amounts of money.

FAQs on Wat Ku Kham