Wat Suan Dok
วัดสวนดอก
A 14th-century royal temple on the west side of the Old City. Its golden bell-shaped chedi and rows of white Lanna royal ash stupas make classic photo scenes, and it hosts monk chat sessions.
Wat Suan Dok was built in 1370 and was originally the garden of the Lanna royal family, hence its name, 'Flower Garden Temple.' Legend says the Buddha relics brought here were divided in two: half were enshrined here, and the other half was carried by a white elephant up Doi Suthep, establishing Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. The most famous features are the golden great chedi in the Sri Lankan style and the dozens of white Lanna royal ash stupas around it, which look stunning at sunset or against the backdrop of Doi Suthep. The main hall is open-sided and houses a 500-year-old bronze Buddha. The Buddhist university on the temple grounds holds a 'Monk Chat' several afternoons a week, where you can chat with monks in English, and it also offers short meditation retreats. Admission is free. It's about 15 minutes' walk from the Suan Dok Gate on the west side of the Old City.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Nimmanhaemin Road
- Wat Phra Singh
- Wat Umong
- Wat Sri Suphan
- Wat Chedi Luang
- Sunday Walking Street Market
- Wat Phan Tao
- Saturday Walking Street (Wua Lai Road)