Wat Umong
A peaceful forest temple famous for its centuries-old meditation tunnels and a leafy setting with a lake.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- Free (donations welcome)
- Hours
- Daily ~06:00-18:00
- Best time
- Morning for cool, quiet forest atmosphere
- Time needed
- 1-1.5 hours
About Wat Umong
This one's different from the temples in the city center. It's a forest temple built around old meditation tunnels, set among trees with a lake nearby, and the whole place feels more like a quiet walk in the woods than a typical temple visit.
There's no entrance fee here, just donations, which makes it an easy stop if you want a break from busier, more commercial temples. It sits near the foot of Doi Suthep, close to Chiang Mai University, so it's a short ride out from the center.
Come in the morning if you can. The forest setting stays cool and quiet earlier in the day, and that's really the appeal of this place: it's calm rather than flashy.
Highlights
- Centuries-old meditation tunnels
- Forested grounds with a lake
- Quiet, low-key atmosphere
- Donation-based entry, no set fee
Tips
- Visit in the morning for the coolest, quietest experience
- It's a short Grab ride or songthaew charter from the city center, not walkable from the Old City
- Bring some cash for a donation since there's no fixed entrance fee
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the forest paths
How to get there
Grab or car ~15 min, ~80-120 THB; songthaew charter ~150 THB