Wat Suan Dok, also known as Wat Buppharam, is a beautiful and old Buddhist temple in the north of Thailand, in Chiang Mai. The name means “Flower Garden Temple,” which is a reference to the royal flower garden that used to be on this site. It is a Royal Temple of the Third Class and an important place for both learning and religious activities. The Buddhist university Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University has a campus in Chiang Mai that is inside the temple grounds.
People know Wat Suan Dok for its big golden chedi, its dozens of smaller white chedis that hold royal ashes, and its peaceful gardens. Compared to some of Chiang Mai’s more famous temples, this one is quieter. This makes it a great place to visit, meditate, or learn about Thai Buddhist culture.
Location, Directions & Timings
Wat Suan Dok is on Suthep Road, about 1 km west of Suan Dok Gate, on the west side of the old city moat. It’s easy to get to the temple, and it’s in a quiet area that’s close to the city’s main attractions. Suan Dok Gate, Chiang Mai University, and a few other temples are all close by. There are gardens and open space around the temple, which makes it a calm and peaceful place.
- In a taxi or Grab, it takes 15 to 20 minutes.
- A red songthaew (shared taxi) costs about 30–50 THB per person.
- Renting a bike takes 10 to 15 minutes, and it’s an easy ride on quiet city streets.
Open every day from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm. Cost of entry is 50–100 THB per person. Visiting in the morning is best for peace and quiet, while afternoons are best for taking pictures because of the soft light.
Things to Do and See in the Wat Suan Dok
- The Wiharn, or Prayer Hall: The wiharn at Wat Suan Dok is different because it is open on all four sides. You can see inside a big Buddha sitting down to meditate, a Buddha standing with a straw bundle, and a few smaller Buddha statues in different positions.
- The Ubosot (Hall of Ordination): People use the Ubosot for ordination ceremonies and rituals. It was built in the 1930s.
- Smaller Chedis: There are more than 100 small white chedis around the temple, and each one holds the ashes of a member of the royal family. These are arranged nicely around the temple grounds, drawing attention to the central golden chedi.
- Talking and learning with monks: People who are interested in Buddhism will find Wat Suan Dok to be an interactive temple.
- Walkways and Gardens: There are shady trees and open gardens in the temple grounds, which are great for taking it easy, taking pictures, and watching monks and locals do their daily rituals.
- The Main Golden Chedi is one of the things to do and see. The golden bell-shaped chedi, which is 48 meters tall, is the most impressive part of the temple. Originally, it housed a relic of the Buddha and was built in the Sri Lankan style. There are more than 100 smaller white chedis around it, and they hold the ashes of members of the Chiang Mai royal family. The gold chedi and the white chedis look great together.
Tips before you visit the Wat Suan Dok
- Put something on your shoulders and knees.
- Don’t wear clothes that are see-through or too tight.
- Take off your shoes before you go into a prayer hall.
- The best time of day to visit is in the morning (6–9 am). It’s cool and quiet, which is great for taking pictures and meditating.
- Don’t use flash near murals or statues of the Buddha.
- Be polite to monks and people who pray.
History of Wat Suan Dok
King Kue Na of Lanna built Wat Suan Dok for the monk Sumana Thera, who came from the Sukhothai Kingdom, around 1370 CE. The site used to be part of Wiang Suan Dok, an older walled settlement of the Lawa people that came before Chiang Mai. According to the temple’s story, Sumana Thera saw a vision of a Buddha relic. When it was time to put the relic in the temple, it magically made a copy of itself. One piece stayed at Wat Suan Dok, and the other was taken to the top of Doi Suthep mountain on a white elephant. There, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep was built. The temple has been repaired and updated over the years, preserving both its religious significance and its historical charm.
FAQs on Wat Suan Dok
The temple is open every day from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Yes, there is a small fee of 50 to 100 THB per person to help keep the temple in good shape.
You must wear modest clothes, cover your knees and shoulders, and take off your shoes before entering the halls.
Yes, but be polite and don’t use flash near pictures of Buddha, and don’t bother worshippers or monks.
Yes, the temple has meditation retreats where people can stay overnight if they want to learn about Buddhism and practise meditation.
