Wat Ban Den
Wat Ban Den
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
175 reviews
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4
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ngwilliam T
Malaysia60 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
An hour drive from Chiang Mai old city, it's a blue huge temples where u can worship, busy take pictures. Suggest go early morning to avoid crowd & hot temperature!
At 40 degrees!
At 40 degrees!
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty Kanyaporn
390 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Wat Ban Den boasts a vibrant and whimsical aesthetic. Think mosaic-covered structures, gleaming statues, and an overall sense of exuberance. It's often compared to Chiang Rai's Blue Temple, but with a unique twist.
History buffs will appreciate the temple's fascinating backstory. Founded in 1894 (originally named Wat Sahari Sribunrang), it was later renovated with a focus on the Thai zodiac. The complex features twelve stunning chedis (stupas) – one for each zodiac animal. According to local belief, a person's spirit resides in the chedi corresponding to their birth year.
While Wat Ban Den has gained popularity with tourists, it remains a place of worship for the local community. Be respectful of those in prayer, and remember to dress modestly.
History buffs will appreciate the temple's fascinating backstory. Founded in 1894 (originally named Wat Sahari Sribunrang), it was later renovated with a focus on the Thai zodiac. The complex features twelve stunning chedis (stupas) – one for each zodiac animal. According to local belief, a person's spirit resides in the chedi corresponding to their birth year.
While Wat Ban Den has gained popularity with tourists, it remains a place of worship for the local community. Be respectful of those in prayer, and remember to dress modestly.
Written March 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jolsies
Lafayette, IN664 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
This was one of my favorite temples in Thailand. It’s very elaborate and colorful. We loved the gigantic Buddha and all of the ornate statutes. There were dragons, elephants, roosters, peacocks, etc. They were all so brightly colored that they sparkled. We were very surprised to find we didn’t need to pay an entry fee.
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alyssa S
5 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Wat Baan Den is a stunning temple with intricate Lanna-style architecture and vibrant colors. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic views make it a must-visit spot near Chiang Mai. A perfect place to appreciate Thai culture and craftsmanship!
Written November 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rbrech
Silver Spring, MD519 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
I'm pretty templed out by this point, but this Wat is something else. Huge series of buildings displaying terrific teak wood construction. I came in afternoon, in full sun , and had a hard time exploring the complex, but really enjoyed what I saw. Highly recommend.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Soko37
Budapest, Hungary13,753 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Big complex of temples and many tourists. It was hot 🥵 day, we are on the way from elephant 🐘 park and guide offer it as extra. Place is huge with many temples, in 30 degrees whole place was warm up like oven even higher as floor for area is made by stones.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael W
Hockenheim, Germany1,655 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Wat Ban Den is located around 50 km north of Chiang Mai and can be easily combined with a trip to Namtok Bua Tong-Nam Phu Chet Si National Park (around 20 km from Wat Ban Den).
The Wat is one of the larger ones we have visited on our Thailand holidays and also one of the most beautiful with its numerous buildings and pagodas/chedis and blue roofs.
Due to its distance from Chiang Mai, the complex is not overrun with tourists and you can admire the beauty of the northern Thai architectural style in peace.
Recommended.
The Wat is one of the larger ones we have visited on our Thailand holidays and also one of the most beautiful with its numerous buildings and pagodas/chedis and blue roofs.
Due to its distance from Chiang Mai, the complex is not overrun with tourists and you can admire the beauty of the northern Thai architectural style in peace.
Recommended.
Written January 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daneeli
Bega, Australia70 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
We visited Wat Ban-den with our Thai friends who live locally to it, but had never heard of it. Of course there are many many temples in Thailand, so nobody could possibly know of them all.
Although the original temple was built in 1894, renovation of that temple started in 1980. The renovation seeks to include all, paying homage to many variations of and regional aspects of Buddhism. The renovation of the temple is still underway. Getting to see the craftsmanship as it was happening, was a real privilege. I personally loved the spirit of inclusion behind the philosophy of this site.
The temple location is absolutely beautiful and the temple itself is simply breathtaking.
This one was on the “bucket list”! I am so glad I have got to see it.
Although the original temple was built in 1894, renovation of that temple started in 1980. The renovation seeks to include all, paying homage to many variations of and regional aspects of Buddhism. The renovation of the temple is still underway. Getting to see the craftsmanship as it was happening, was a real privilege. I personally loved the spirit of inclusion behind the philosophy of this site.
The temple location is absolutely beautiful and the temple itself is simply breathtaking.
This one was on the “bucket list”! I am so glad I have got to see it.
Written October 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wilsonhocw
Singapore, Singapore3,598 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
On Google Map, the name of this beautiful Buddhist temple is Wat Den Sali Si Mueang Kaen (Wat Ban Den) วัดเด่นสะหลีศรีเมืองแกน (วัดบ้านเด่น).
Location: Inthakhin, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150
Entrance Fee: free entry
Location: Inthakhin, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150
Entrance Fee: free entry
Written November 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ketchuprequired
Calgary, Canada352 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
I will be a dissenter here. Yes, it is a large complex with many temple buildings and statues. But we thought the craftsmanship of the old temples in Chiang Mai with the carved wood and mosaic tiles were far superior - and the beautiful temples in Bangkok as well. This is modern and most of the statues are painted cement. It is garish and definitely a display of extreme wealth - the guide kept mentioning how many millions of dollars had been and continue to be donated to build this. We walked around for about 30 minutes and left. It is hot and there is no shade and it is all concrete.
We came here after the sticky waterfalls but we would just go back to Chiang Mai if doing this again.
We came here after the sticky waterfalls but we would just go back to Chiang Mai if doing this again.
Written June 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were staying in Chiang Mai and had a driver take us. An interesting trip of just over an hour. Not sure if anything closer but I'm sure there are places.
Written June 1, 2017
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