Wat Umong
Wat Umong
4.4
4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
This unique 14th-century temple is built into the side of Suthep mountain and is constructed of a series of tunnels.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,682 within 5 kms
Attractions
275 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
1,285 reviews
Excellent
681
Very good
468
Average
122
Poor
13
Terrible
1
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
wilsonhocw
Singapore, Singapore3,511 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
Visited here on Monday, 4 November 2024. A very unique "cave temple" to visit and explore in Chiangmai.
Interesting small tunnels inside this cave temple where you can explore the various Buddha statues. If lucky, you might see some bats flying inside the cave.
Outside the cave, there's some historical Buddha statues in the main ground. Also, there's a stairs leading up to the Chedi.
Interesting small tunnels inside this cave temple where you can explore the various Buddha statues. If lucky, you might see some bats flying inside the cave.
Outside the cave, there's some historical Buddha statues in the main ground. Also, there's a stairs leading up to the Chedi.
Written November 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valter M
Milan, Italy3,727 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
700 year old Buddhist temple. It is located near the Doi Suthep mountains. The temple was built in 1297 by King Mangrai of the Lanna dynasty. Of particular interest is a modern replica of the original condition of the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath in India. The wat is famous for its ancient tunnels and large chedis. There are tunnels with Buddhist images under the chedi which can be easily explored. These tunnels were supposedly built by the king and painted with bush scenes. Signs (proverbs) written in English and Thai hang from the trees on the paths leading to the small lake. Other attractions are a couple of rock stupas in the forest, behind the large stupa, not easily reachable (but if you happen to do so you might encounter some animals as shown in the photo).
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Essenziall
Elzach, Germany765 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Wat Umong is an old temple complex.
First you stand in front of a green wall covered in moss with three entrances. Through these you enter the corridors in which there are several statues and Buddha figures. There is a wonderful, special atmosphere in the tunnel corridors.
We thought this complex was really great - and really something different to all the golden and magnificent temples.
Here you can really feel the history that lies in the complex in every corner.
The large pagoda above these tunnel corridors is also great.
We were surprised that hardly any tourists come here - even though this complex is really worth seeing.
First you stand in front of a green wall covered in moss with three entrances. Through these you enter the corridors in which there are several statues and Buddha figures. There is a wonderful, special atmosphere in the tunnel corridors.
We thought this complex was really great - and really something different to all the golden and magnificent temples.
Here you can really feel the history that lies in the complex in every corner.
The large pagoda above these tunnel corridors is also great.
We were surprised that hardly any tourists come here - even though this complex is really worth seeing.
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela Xu
2 contributions
Dec 2022
Meditation Center Wat Umong is a great place to learn and do meditation. It is my first time to have this unique experience, and it will be a life-long memory. We have two monk teachers, both of them are helpful and lovely, they teach us the techniques to do meditation with patience and also spent time guiding us to the cave at night time and the forest at day time to do meditation there, which are really amazing experience. Staying here and doing meditation can really make you calm down and focus on your own heart. The younger teacher Tawachai speaks great English and German, so you can ask him questions and he has a good sense of humour. This is a place which is really worthy to come, you will enjoy the life with the kind teachers, the fresh air, the green forests and the deer, the ancient temple, you will think about coming back again.(one thing need to be clear here is this is not a hotel, this is a temple and it needs operation, we stay here and use the water and electricity, the government wont pay for it, so please stop complaining about the simple living facility and the small fees)
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
singhasam
Weymouth, UK4,076 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
THIS was an unusual temple to visit because of its tunnels.
The cool confines contained many figures in alcoves and was built more than 750 years ago.
We arrived and wandered round a site which has toilets which are clean and well kept.
Very unusually for such a sprawling site it only had one stall, a handicraft man selling wooden mobile phone stands he had carved himself. I bought two.
Further down there is a fish pond where visitors can buy food to feed them while further up is a stupa with good views.
Take your time and keep a check on where you go because it is possible to get turned around.
Well worth a visit.
The cool confines contained many figures in alcoves and was built more than 750 years ago.
We arrived and wandered round a site which has toilets which are clean and well kept.
Very unusually for such a sprawling site it only had one stall, a handicraft man selling wooden mobile phone stands he had carved himself. I bought two.
Further down there is a fish pond where visitors can buy food to feed them while further up is a stupa with good views.
Take your time and keep a check on where you go because it is possible to get turned around.
Well worth a visit.
Written December 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
無名
World9,893 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
Yes, this is a very nice-looking, old temple in beautiful, natural surroundings. Also a bit different than most I've been to. Its most dominant feature is the tunnels under the old main chedi that are lined with various statues and artifacts. I enjoyed roaming around them for a little while while admiring the different, beautiful Buddha images lining them. There's also kind of an open air room (building) with lots murals (frescoes?) on its walls detailing various stories and legends that I enjoyed studying a bit. I was thinking maybe these paintings are offering guidance (or warnings) about life or behavior of something like that. You know, all around the temple are these little signs both in Thai and English with supposedly helpful life "advices" written on them. They're kind of interesting to read, but I was thinking I know I never asked for this kind advice just by coming here. And clearly nobody here knows whether I or anyone else needs them or not. Maybe I'm overthinking this as I normally do with such things. And there was a "garden" of old and broken Buddha statues pieces and artifacts centered by a large Buddha head that affected me most for some reason. The aesthetic of this garden kind of overwhelmed me with some sort of emotion, possibly confusion. Maybe it just seemed all so vulnerable and needy of care - like most human beings. I guess this garden imitated or reflected life as it really is. Or as it is for me.
Written May 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suratrichard
Surat Thani, Thailand2,676 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
This temple is totally different from any other we had seen. It was absolutely fascinating and full of interest and history.
Thee are a series of tunnels which form part of the temple and appear very old judging by the walls and ceilings. Be warned as some of the roofs are quite low so it’s quiet easy to bang heads! Parts are quite dark but there are some beautiful artifacts within the tunnels. It’s probably best to visit as early in the morning as possible and preferably during the week rather than at weekends when it will be busy.
The temple grounds outside the tunnels are dominated by an old Chedi and it’s worth just wandering around the grounds. Many of the trees have “messages” in Thai and English fastened to them, many of which make interesting reading!
Entrance is free although donations points are plentiful. Toilets are available and there is a large car park. Take some water with you as the only stall we found selling drinks didn’t sell water!
Well worth visiting.
Thee are a series of tunnels which form part of the temple and appear very old judging by the walls and ceilings. Be warned as some of the roofs are quite low so it’s quiet easy to bang heads! Parts are quite dark but there are some beautiful artifacts within the tunnels. It’s probably best to visit as early in the morning as possible and preferably during the week rather than at weekends when it will be busy.
The temple grounds outside the tunnels are dominated by an old Chedi and it’s worth just wandering around the grounds. Many of the trees have “messages” in Thai and English fastened to them, many of which make interesting reading!
Entrance is free although donations points are plentiful. Toilets are available and there is a large car park. Take some water with you as the only stall we found selling drinks didn’t sell water!
Well worth visiting.
Written March 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jwhartmann
Zoetermeer, The Netherlands358 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Wat Umong is a unique and peaceful temple located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. What sets this temple apart from others in the area is its location in a forested area, which provides a tranquil and serene atmosphere that is perfect for meditation and reflection. The temple has a large chedi and several meditation caves that were once used by monks seeking solitude and quiet contemplation. The caves are decorated with Buddhist images and provide a cool respite from the heat outside. One of the most interesting features of Wat Umong is the tunnel system that runs underneath the temple grounds. These tunnels were built by the temple's founder, and visitors can explore them to see the various shrines and Buddhist statues that are hidden away in the darkness.
Overall, Wat Umong is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to escape the crowds and experience a more peaceful and contemplative side of Thailand's temple culture. The temple's beautiful forest setting and unique features make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhism or Thai history and culture.
Overall, Wat Umong is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to escape the crowds and experience a more peaceful and contemplative side of Thailand's temple culture. The temple's beautiful forest setting and unique features make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhism or Thai history and culture.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wolfee600
Singapore, Singapore773 contributions
Oct 2022
This place is free to visit and enjoy the tranquility as you walk around the area. Take pictures of the beautiful pagoda and enjoy the cool as you walk into the tunnels to visit the statues of Buddha. Do take time to take in the beauty of the place. There is no need to rush.
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Regan M
Regina, Canada26 contributions
Feb 2020
This temple built into tunnels is very different from the traditional temples we saw in the area. We took a red truck from the zoo to get there and it wasn't too expensive. We went in the afternoon and it was not crowded at all - very peaceful. If you can handle pigeons, there is a little island in the lake there that had a ton of pigeons and some turtles in the water.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adie1946
San Diego, California
Is there a quiet place to
sit and meditate? can you talk to a monk?
Written February 20, 2025
Is any of this wheelchair accessible?
Written December 6, 2016
Not really - wheelchair access is not really a priority in Thailand. Very view locations/wats facilitate wheelchairs. You can get into the complex, but not inside temples/buildings
Written December 24, 2016
I hear there is class run meditation at this location. How do I find out more information?
Written August 24, 2015
Hi! You can send them an email (you can find it on internet), or if you are already at Chiang Mai you can go there to the meditation center office and ask them about information. Usually there is plenty of room and you can start the day you want (you can arrive and start straight) and stay as long as you want, usually no more 3-4 weeks, accommodation and meals are provided for a 220 bahts a day fee and you have to wear white clothes (you can buy or rent them there). I recommend you that place for a meditation retreat, for me it was great.
Written August 25, 2015
How much would a Tuk-Tuk or Taxi cost from Tha Pae gate to this place cost ?
Would greatly appreciate any information on this at all.
Thank you.
Paul.
Written January 13, 2015
Sorry just saw this - apologies just saw this so answering late. Tuktuk quoted me 100 baht one-way but I asked him to wait an hour for me so paid 300 round trip. But maybe cheaper than average as I used him for other excursions….good luck.
Written January 25, 2015
Would like to try and reach this temple (Wat Umong) by bike and since you've attempted before I was wondering how far it is from the Thae Pae gate where I'm staying in February 2015. I'm in good shape and a mountain bike rider if that helps you.
distance in miles?
time to get there?
Really appreciate the help, thanks!
Terry
Written December 30, 2014
yes this is entirly doable. From Thapae make your way to canal road (the outer of the two ring roads), you can then either cross canal road at the Doi suthep traffic lights, (CM university would then be on your right) contine on for a few 100 metres before takeing one of the left turns and then furtle your way through the lanes for about a kilometer. You should then either pick up a sign or be so close that anyone you ask will be able to dirrect you to the temple.
Alternativly turn left at the lights continue on until you see a small lane on the opposite side of the duel carrage way, cross over from which point the temple should be either signposted or again ask in what i am sure is impecable thai. Hope you make it and enjoy your time in CM.
then turn left away from chiang mai. after about 500 metres
Written December 31, 2014
Showing results 1-6 of 6
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing