Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen), Chiang Mai

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The ancient temple of Northern Thailand - a must see in Chiang Mai

Wat Intharawat (Wat Ton Kwen), Chiang Mai

         If you're looking for a nature-filled destination in Chiang Mai with authentic Lanna charm and picture-perfect photo spots, BusAndVan would like to take you to “Wat Ton Kwen” or “Wat Intharawat” — one of Chiang Mai’s most popular cultural landmarks for travelers and content creators alike. 

The highlight of this temple is its classic ancient Lanna-style wooden viharn, surrounded by large shady trees and a peaceful atmosphere. Every corner feels calm, timeless, and incredibly photogenic — almost like stepping into a vintage movie scene. 

Photography lovers should not miss this place, as every angle — from the front of the viharn to the wooden walkways and green garden areas — offers a warm and authentic Northern Thai vibe. Visitors can also rent traditional Lanna Thai costumes to fully match the atmosphere and create even more memorable photos. 

For anyone wanting to experience Chiang Mai in a slow-life style, while making merit, relaxing, and capturing beautiful moments for social media, Wat Ton Kwen is definitely a destination worth adding to your travel list. 

Wat Ton Kwen, also known as Wat Intharawat, is an ancient temple in Chiang Mai that dates back to the Lanna period. The temple’s most remarkable highlight is its beautifully preserved ancient wooden viharn, which still showcases traditional Lanna architectural design in its original form.

The name “Ton Kwen” comes from a local tree species that once grew around the temple area in the past. Today, the temple is regarded as one of the most beautiful and classic Lanna wooden temples in Chiang Mai, attracting visitors who appreciate history, culture, and timeless Northern Thai charm.

Whether you love sweet and dreamy vibes, minimalist aesthetics, or vintage-style photography, Wat Ton Kwen offers beautiful photo spots in almost every corner — from the iconic wooden viharn and old walkways to traditional Lanna wooden gates and peaceful natural surroundings filled with greenery.

If you want to make your photos even more stunning, renting a traditional Lanna Thai outfit is highly recommended! Around the temple, there are several costume rental shops offering outfits for both men and women, along with a full range of accessories and props. The photos truly capture the authentic Lanna atmosphere almost like stepping back in time. 

The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll throughout the day. The lighting is especially beautiful during the morning and late afternoon, which makes this place a paradise for photography lovers. Whether you visit as a couple, with friends, or even solo as a content creator, every corner offers a unique and beautiful vibe for your photos. 

 

How to Get There

For travelers coming from Bangkok, you can conveniently book a bus ticket online through the BusAndVan website or purchase tickets directly at the Mo Chit Bus Terminal. Take a bus to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade) or Terminal 3 (Arcade).

From there, you can take a blue songthaew (Chiang Mai–Hang Dong route) from the area near Kad Luang Market or Chiang Mai Gate and get off at the Samoeng Intersection on the way to Hang Dong. After that, continue with a local taxi service or a red songthaew into the small road leading to the temple.

Wat Ton Kwen (Wat Intharawat)

Location: Moo 4, Nong Khwai Subdistrict, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Tel:0 5324 8604, 0 5324 8607

Map Location: https://share.google/z9NBJ9Q4w2iVzGzEA

Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Entrance Fee: Free admission

Parking: Parking is available inside the temple area.

Category: Travel & Attraction Province: Chiang Mai

Created by: BusAndVan

Published on: 8 May 2026, 09:32

Views: 44

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