The 3 Temples to See in Chiang Mai with Kids

In this post, I’ll walk you through the 3 temples to see in Chiang Mai with kids, the ones that stood out to us not just for their beauty, but for their experiences. These aren’t just places to “look at,” they’re places to interact, explore, and gently teach your kids about spirituality, culture, and respect in a way that feels natural and age-appropriate.

If you’re heading to Chiang Mai, Thailand with your family, you might be wondering: Is it really worth visiting temples with little kids?

As a mom who spent a month slow traveling here with a three- and five-year-old, let me tell you, absolutely yes. Visiting temples in Chiang Mai ended up being one of the most meaningful, memorable, and surprisingly doable things we did with our kids. We skipped the big-ticket tourist spots like elephant sanctuaries and flashy waterfalls, and instead focused on what made Chiang Mai feel special, its peaceful, spiritual, and incredibly family-friendly temples.

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Why Temples in Chiang Mai Are Actually Amazing with Kids

One of the first things people ask me is, “Are temples really worth it with little kids?” And I totally get it. I wasn’t sure either at first. I imagined dragging tired kids through sacred spaces while begging them to whisper and not touch anything. But after spending time in Chiang Mai with my kids, I can honestly say, yes, it’s worth it. And not just worth it, it’s actually one of the best things we did in Thailand.

Visiting temples gave us a chance to talk about spirituality without making it heavy. I told them, “For a lot of people here, this is how they connect with something bigger than themselves. It helps them feel peaceful, or strong, or thankful.” That landed. They didn’t need a deep explanation, they just needed to understand that this was important to others, and that we could be respectful guests.

What surprised me most was how engaged they were. Temples aren’t boring. There are bells to ring, candles glowing, giant chedis to look up at, prayer wheels to spin, and monks doing their daily routines. It’s sensory, it’s visual, and it’s real. Kids can feel that. They know when something matters.

The 3 Temples to See in Chiang Mai with Kids (And Why These)

We narrowed it down to three temples that truly stood out:

• Wat Pha Lat – a jungle temple you hike to via the Monk’s Trail
  
• Doi Suthep – a majestic, golden temple with views over Chiang Mai
  
• Wat Chedi Luang – a towering ancient ruin right in Old Town
  

Each one offered something unique, so you’re not visiting three near-identical places and wondering if your kids are going to revolt by the third stop. They’re all part of Thailand’s deep spiritual heritage, but with different vibes and surroundings to keep it interesting.

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Wat Pha Lat: The Jungle Temple Hidden on the Monk’s Trail

If you only visit one temple in Chiang Mai with your kids, make it Wat Pha Lat. I’m serious. This was hands down my favorite. It felt different from the second we got there.

We got there by hiking the Monk’s Trail, which I highly recommend if your kids can handle a short hike. It’s just over a mile and took us about 45 minutes with a three- and five-year-old. It’s mostly shaded, not too steep, and the ground is a mix of packed dirt and stone. Our kids loved it.

You can drive if you really need to, but if it’s possible, do the hike. It makes the arrival feel earned and a little magical. You come out of the trees and suddenly you’re standing in the middle of this temple surrounded by moss-covered statues, old stone steps, colorful prayer flags, and even a little stream running through the center of the grounds.

Our kids got to explore without us constantly saying “don’t touch that.” There was space to roam, things to look at and ask about, and nothing was too precious to be around little feet. And the vibe? Calm. Not crowded. We stayed for about an hour and could’ve easily lingered longer.

Just a few things to know: There’s no entrance fee. The hike is best done early in the day before the sun gets too intense.

You can read a more in-depth blog post about Wat Pha Lat and what the hike entailed by clicking here.

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Doi Suthep: The Temple With a View

If you’re visiting Chiang Mai, you’ll hear about Doi Suthep right away. It’s probably the most famous temple in the area, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. It sits on top of a mountain overlooking the whole city, and the moment you step inside, it just hits you.

Getting there is pretty straightforward. You can hike, though most people either take a red truck (they’re called songthaews) or call a Grab, which is what we did. The ride up is winding, so if you or your kids get motion sick easily, maybe take something before heading out. Once you’re at the base, you have two options: walk up the stairs or take the funicular. The stairs are totally doable even with kids. It’s about 300 steps, not steep, and there are rails the whole way. If you want to save some energy, the funicular is quick and inexpensive.

There’s a small entrance fee for foreigners. Kids were free when we went. Once inside, you take your shoes off and enter the main temple area. We saw people praying, lighting candles, and walking in a slow circle around the base of the chedi with flowers in hand. 

One of the highlights for us was getting a blessing from a monk. He sprinkled water on us and tied a string bracelet around our wrists. Our daughter talked about it for days. It was one of those small but really meaningful travel moments that stick with you.

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Wat Chedi Luang: Ancient Ruins in the Heart of Old Town

If you’re already staying around Chiang Mai’s Old Town then Wat Chedi Luang is a no-brainer to slot into your day. Here’s what you should expect and how to make it work for your family:

When we visited each foreign adult paid about 50 Thai Baht, which was under two US dollars at the time. Kids go free, so it felt really accessible. You need to slip off your shoes before entering the temples.

Around the main structure you’ll find smaller temples and shrines, each one with its own style and energy. One section is marked men only based on cultural beliefs about sacred spaces and menstrual cycles.

They offer monk chats here. We caught a session, but the monk happened to be a shy teenager with just a little English. He answered a few questions and that was fine. It still felt cool, kids got to sit down and see real spirituality in action. If you catch an adult monk who speaks English, the conversation can be longer and more insightful. I’d recommend going earlier when more monks are around.

Right across the street is a luxury style ice cream shop with air-conditioning. I’ll just say our kids begged to go back there twice. This is where it’s handy to plan meals or snacks around visits. After you explore, grab a cone, sit in the cool air, and talk about what you saw. 

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How to Plan Temple Days Without the Meltdowns

Let’s be honest. You could try to see all three temples in one day, but if you’ve got little kids with you, I really wouldn’t. We tried to keep it simple by doing one temple per day and that worked so much better. It gave us space to actually enjoy the experience instead of racing through it just to check things off.

We treated each temple visit like the main event for the day. That meant we planned around it, made sure we were all fed before we went, and kept expectations really low. Each visit lasted around an hour.

I think the biggest mistake people make is trying to squeeze in too much back-to-back. Temples are sensory-heavy. They’re full of color, sound, smells, new rules, and unfamiliar rituals. That’s a lot for a kid to take in. So we made sure the rest of our day was super light. After a temple visit we might grab a snack, find a park nearby, or head back to where we were staying for quiet time or the pool. It helped us all reset.

Here’s what made the biggest difference for us:

• Go early to avoid crowds and heat
• Keep visits short and focused
• Let your kids lead once inside—walk slowly, let them ask questions, and explore at their pace
• Be willing to call it early if someone’s not feeling it

What to Wear and Bring to Temples in Chiang Mai

One of the questions I get the most is about what to wear when visiting temples in Chiang Mai. It can feel confusing, especially with kids, but it’s actually pretty simple once you know the basics. And trust me, it’s way better to come prepared than to get turned away at the entrance or feel uncomfortable the whole time.

Adults need to cover their shoulders and knees to be allowed inside any temple. That goes for both men and women. I usually wore a loose cotton t-shirt and lightweight pants. My husband wore pants and a breathable short-sleeve shirt that covered his shoulders. Nothing fancy, just respectful and comfortable for the heat.

For the kids, the rules are often more relaxed, but we didn’t want to take any chances. Our daughter wore a light cotton dress that covered her knees and paired it with shorts underneath.

For footwear, you’ll be taking them off constantly before entering temple buildings and some sacred spaces, so don’t wear anything that’s hard to untie or zip. Slip-on sandals or sneakers you can kick off easily are best. We left them on the designated racks near the entrances.

Here’s what else I recommend bringing:

• Water: It gets hot fast, especially by late morning. 
• Bug spray: If you’re going to Wat Pha Lat or anywhere with jungle surroundings, bring it and reapply before the hike.
• Lightweight scarf or sarong: I kept one in my bag at all times. It works as a shoulder cover, a skirt wrap, or even extra shade when walking between temple sites.
• Baby carrier: Most temples aren’t stroller friendly. There are stairs, uneven walkways, and tight corners. A soft carrier made it easier for us to keep our toddler close and move around without stress.

Some temples do offer rental wraps or scarves if you forget something, but I wouldn’t rely on that, especially when visiting smaller or less touristy spots. And while some signs suggest there’s a fee, others are donation based, so bring small cash just in case.

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Getting Around Chiang Mai with Kids

If you’re traveling around Chiang Mai with little kids, I can’t recommend using Grab enough. It’s Southeast Asia’s version of Uber and it made everything so much easier for us. 

We used Grab for just about everything, from getting to temples to running quick errands or going out for dinner. Most rides within the city cost us around two to three US dollars. A longer ride, like out to Doi Suthep or the Monk’s Trail to reach Wat Pha Lat, was a little more but still really reasonable. We never waited long for a driver and even when we were up at Doi Suthep, there were plenty of drivers around or willing to wait.

There’s also the option of taking songthaews, which are the red shared trucks that drive around town. You’ll see them everywhere and they are definitely cheaper if you’re going a short distance. But with two small kids, we found them less comfortable. They don’t have seat belts, the benches are side-facing, and depending on where you’re sitting, you might be a little too close to the edge for comfort

You might be wondering if you need to hire a driver for the day. Honestly, we didn’t. Grab was so easy and reliable that it didn’t make sense to hire someone for a full day of waiting around.

Teaching Temple Etiquette to Young Kids

We kept it simple:

• “We take off our shoes here.”
• “We speak quietly inside.”
• “We wear these clothes because this place is important to others.”

Honestly, our kids followed the crowd. Everyone else is quiet and respectful, and they picked up on it. If one of them got antsy, we stepped outside, regrouped, and re-entered when ready. Zero stress.

Final Thoughts on the 3 Temples to See in Chiang Mai with Kids

This isn’t about ticking off boxes or seeing all the temples in Thailand. It’s about slowing down, letting your kids experience something new, and learning side by side.

If I had to pick just one?
Wat Pha Lat. The jungle hike, the peaceful setting, the unexpected beauty, it felt like magic.

But really, all three temples offer something different, and if you’re coming to Chiang Mai with kids, they deserve a spot on your itinerary.

Trust me: you won’t regret it.

More on the Blog:

Another must visit with kids in Chiang Mai is the Royal Park Rajapruek. Read more here.

Read more on the Wat Pha Lat Trail hike with kids.

10 FAQs about Slow Family Travel