Wat Suan Dok
Wat Suan Dok
4.5
About
Temple built on what were once a 14th-century monarch's gardens. Today, site of a Buddhist university and a popular spot for photographers, especially during sunset. Some of the temple's chedis (spires) contain ashes of Chiang Mai's royal family. Also, one can see half of a holy Buddhist relic brought from Sukothai in 1371, which unfortunately split into two upon arrival in Chiang Mai. The other half is buried at Doi Suthep. A 500-year-old bronze Buddha image, one of the largest in northern Thailand, is also housed here, in the small hall at the back of the compound.
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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
916 reviews
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Suratrichard
Surat Thani, Thailand2,674 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This temple in Chiang Mai is certainly well worth visiting preferably in the morning when it’s cooler. I’m not sure how easy it would be to find but we used a GRAB taxi which was cheap and efficient. Probably about one hour would be sufficient time to spend there but there is quite a lot to see and photo opportunities abound. It’s worth paying attention to some of the details on the walls, ceilings and door ways where the decoration is exquisite.
The exterior is also full of interest and worthy of study.
Entrance is free but there are plenty of donation boxes around toilets are near the entrance.
Certainly recommended.
The exterior is also full of interest and worthy of study.
Entrance is free but there are plenty of donation boxes around toilets are near the entrance.
Certainly recommended.
Written March 5, 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.
喜樂選
Taipei, Taiwan1,477 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Built in the 14th century, Wat Suan Dok is a very ancient temple located on the west side of the Old Town Walls of the Old Town District of Chiang Mai, known for its numerous white fountains. It is also home to the royal garden of the Rana dynasty. Suan Dok means garden in Thai, so it is also known as the garden temple.
Automatically translated
Written October 26, 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.
melkeet
Ipoh, Malaysia1,383 contributions
Jan 2020
Wat Suan Dok is a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, at the west side of the old town. We reached here, as part of a taxi day tour, to the Wat Doi Suthep and other temples on the west side of the old City. On reaching here, and obvious from across the road, is a group of white chedis which actually houses the cremated ashes of the members of the royal family of Chiang Mai. Next to this is the golden pagoda chedi which houses part of the Buddha’s relics brought over from another temple in Sukhothai. The other half of the relics, was transported by a white elephant to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
The Wihan or assembly hall is directly east of the main chedi. Inside the Wihan, are two main Buddha images, one in a sitting meditation posture and the other standing, facing the opposite directions.
Admission to the main compound was free, but entry to the Wihan was by payment of a donation of 20 Bhats for foreigners, labelled as maintenance fees. Visiting hours was 8 am to 8pm. We were there at 3pm and it was quite hot, and best to carry a hat, sunblock and water with you. Alternatively, if you have ample of time, then, going early morning or late afternoon may be an option. We spent about 45 mints at this site
The Wihan or assembly hall is directly east of the main chedi. Inside the Wihan, are two main Buddha images, one in a sitting meditation posture and the other standing, facing the opposite directions.
Admission to the main compound was free, but entry to the Wihan was by payment of a donation of 20 Bhats for foreigners, labelled as maintenance fees. Visiting hours was 8 am to 8pm. We were there at 3pm and it was quite hot, and best to carry a hat, sunblock and water with you. Alternatively, if you have ample of time, then, going early morning or late afternoon may be an option. We spent about 45 mints at this site
Written December 28, 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.
worldnomad_01
Los Angeles, CA1,595 contributions
May 2022
Although located in a quite busy part of the city, the temple is quiet and interesting. The white chedis next to the golden pagoda contain the ashes of various members of the royal family. The temple is built on the site of a 14th century royal garden and is well worth a visit...
Written June 5, 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.
Shreya Saha
Phitsanulok, Thailand919 contributions
Mar 2019
Wat Suan Dok literally means “flower garden temple”. The temple area was once used as a royal flower garden by the ruler of Chiang Mai. The temple is known for its large number of white-washed chedis, There is no entrance fee.
Written February 22, 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.
Siwarit
Bangkok, Thailand201 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
It has the pagoda with outstanding beauty what was built in 1916, in Lanka-Sukhothai style. It has served as a burial ground for the Lanna royal family (white stupas). If you have spare time from Old Quarter of Chiangmai, you can visit this temple.
Written April 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.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China23,409 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Wat Suan Dok is one among a plethora of Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai. The collection of white chedi, although getting dated, is the main highlight. The main temple is equally impressive. Unfortunately the main stupa is under renovation. Admission required for entry into the main temple.
Written September 22, 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.
Pincaboo
Miami, FL26 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
Best time to visit this Wat is first thing in the morning.
The lighting is so beautiful here and there was absolutely no one around. We got to enjoy the entire place to ourselves.
Right in front of the temple there was a couple making what seem to be like honey glazed doughnuts holes and some with some kind of warm goat milk. It was extremely delicious
It was different from all the other wat we had visited during our stay.
The lighting is so beautiful here and there was absolutely no one around. We got to enjoy the entire place to ourselves.
Right in front of the temple there was a couple making what seem to be like honey glazed doughnuts holes and some with some kind of warm goat milk. It was extremely delicious
It was different from all the other wat we had visited during our stay.
Written January 12, 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.
NiceGringo
Miami Beach, FL240 contributions
Apr 2013 • Couples
We rented the Segway at 4pm and rode thru the old city and asked our guides to take us to Wat Suan Dok at 5pm so we could pray and listen to the Monks chant. I got a nice video on my Iphone of the whole experience. But Monks tend to chant at all the monastery at around 5 pm. But this one was very special because it is the oldest one in Chaing Mai. We got a blessing from a senior Monk and was able to write a special prayer. The whole experience of Chiang Mia had made me realize that I wasted a huge amount of time staying in Bangkok. My next visit to Thailand, when I fly into Hong Kong, rather they fly to Bangkok, i will take Dragonair, non stop to Chang Mai instead.
Written May 10, 2013
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.
Chang Percy
Taipei, Taiwan529 contributions
Jan 2023
This large temple is located not far away from the old city. The façade is intricate and well decorated. The vihara is splendid and spacious. The ambience is quiet and clean.
Written February 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.
How can I sign up for a day retreat?
I can't find information.
Thank you
Written October 3, 2018
The phone at Wat Suan Dok is 66 53278304. The activity most often experienced by tourists is called MONK CHAT, I still am unsure about day retreats. Wat Umong and Wat Pha Lat are meditation temples in quieter neighborhoodsbut except for hotel and package tours, I am unaware of any retreats in the City.
Written October 8, 2018
Hola, he leído que los viernes de 9 a 16 se hace un curso de iniciación a la meditación. Sabéis si se sigue haciendo, precio etc? Muchas gracias! :)
Written April 24, 2018
Il faut également signaler que la vision des décollages des avions passant au-dessus du temple (mais assez haut pour ne pas être gênants) est impressionnante et fait un saisissant contraste avec le temple lui-même (de belles photos en perspective)..
Written February 21, 2018
Bonjour,
Je n'ai pas vu d'avion le jour de notre visite.
De toutes les façons, l’aéroport de Chiang Mai n'est pas un très grand aéroport.
Le temple est sur une colline et l'aéroport est en contrebas dans la vallée. Il n'y a pas de risque.
Et comme vous dites cela mêle tradition et modernité.
Written February 22, 2018
Olá Alexandre, onde posso ter informações sobre o retiro, seria na hora que chegar ou com antecedência?
Written January 4, 2018
I think Wat Suan Dok refer the "Retreat" guests to Wat Umong, which isn't far away. I can't include the link in this reply, but you can find wat Umong easily on google and then view their website which has contact pages.
Hope this helps you
Written January 9, 2018
Hello there. Wat Suan Dok has a Monk Chat Monday - Friday, 5-7p.m. It's free, but do put something in the donation box facing the entrance, or offer an envelope. It's a great experience to learn a little about Buddhism, and is very popular. You will probably be with other people around the table and usually, several monks participate. Prepare some questions. The monks can be seen in, and around the temple from early morning, they often sit under the shade near Pun Pun cafe.
Have a wonderful time, this is a beautiful temple, with an incredible mausoleum.
Written September 19, 2017
Will I be ok wearing a maxi skirt and scarf round my shoulders here? I have heard they are strict with what women wear...
Written December 24, 2016
This one is less formal. I have worn shorts and a golf shirt.....I don't think beach ware is liked anywhere in CM, but is still tolerated. A few shirtless were taken to the police station last year.
Written February 24, 2017
701audrey
Annecy, France
bsr de votre île peut on aller visiter les autres aux alentours ? merci..
Written February 2, 2015
C est un ensemble de temples dans le nord de la thailande a chiang mai.il n y a pas d îles dans le nord!
Written February 3, 2015
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