1 / 5Wat Ton Kwen, officially Wat Inthrawat, is a small Lanna temple in Hang Dong district, built in 1858 and made almost entirely of teak. It is about 25 minutes from the Old City and only 10 minutes from Mae Hia, closer than any other place on this site outside Mae Hia itself. There is no concrete, no gold paint on every surface and very few visitors, which is exactly why architects, photographers and film crews love it.
Why go
Many of Chiang Mai's temples have been rebuilt, enlarged or restored with modern materials over the years. Wat Ton Kwen has kept its original form. The teak wihan, with its low, layered roofs sweeping almost to the ground, is one of the best examples of classic Lanna temple architecture that you can still visit, and it sits in a quiet compound under old trees rather than on a busy street.
The temple also has a rare building: an open cruciform pavilion, or mondop, in the middle of the courtyard. In the past it was a resting place for the procession that carried the relic of Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong into Chiang Mai along the old Chom Thong road, which tells you how important this small village temple once was. Today it is calm and simple, with carved wooden gables, a few faded paintings and the sound of the wind in the trees.
For anyone staying in Mae Hia, it is the easiest temple visit of all: a short drive, half an hour on the grounds, and back in time for breakfast.
What to see
- The teak wihan: the main hall, with low, tiered roofs, carved gables and dark wooden pillars. Look up at the details under the eaves and step inside quietly to see the Buddha image.
- The cruciform pavilion (mondop): the open, four-sided pavilion in the courtyard, once a resting place for the Chom Thong relic procession on its way into Chiang Mai. Its cross-shaped plan is rare in the region.
- Carved wood details: the gables, door panels and brackets are decorated with traditional Lanna motifs. Morning light brings out the texture of the wood.
- The compound: a quiet courtyard enclosed by a low wall, with old trees and a village atmosphere. It is often used for film and photo shoots for good reason.
How to get there
- From the Old City
- about 25 minutes by car or Grab, heading south-west towards Hang Dong. The temple is in a village lane off the main road; use a map app to find it.
- From the airport or Mae Hia
- 10 minutes from Mae Hia by car, through the back roads of Mae Hia and Hang Dong, closer than any other place on this site outside Mae Hia itself.
- By songthaew or Grab
- Grab is easiest. Red songthaews do not run a route here, so charter one if you want a driver to wait.
- By own car, scooter or bicycle
- parking is easy beside the temple. From Mae Hia, the quiet village roads are pleasant on a bicycle in the early morning.
Tips
- Go early. The low morning sun lights up the wooden gables, and you will likely have the temple to yourself.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before entering the wihan.
- This is a working village temple. If monks or villagers are at prayer, wait quietly or come back later.
- Photography is fine for personal use. Professional shoots usually arrange permission with the temple in advance.
- Leave a donation in the box if you can; it helps keep the old teak buildings in good repair.
- Combine Wat Ton Kwen with the wood-carving village of Baan Tawai a few minutes south, or with the hilltop temple of Wat Phra That Doi Kham closer to Mae Hia.
- Finish with a slow drive or walk through the Mae Hia rice fields, and see our guide to Mae Hia for more on this quiet side of Chiang Mai.
FAQ
Is Wat Ton Kwen free?
Yes. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.
What is the official name of Wat Ton Kwen?
Wat Inthrawat. Locals still call it Wat Ton Kwen.
How old is Wat Ton Kwen?
It was built in 1858 and has kept its original teak buildings.
How far is Wat Ton Kwen from Mae Hia?
About 10 minutes by car, closer than any other place on this site outside Mae Hia itself.
What are the opening hours of Wat Ton Kwen?
The grounds are open 06:00 to 18:00 every day.
