Wat Ou Sai Kham

Wat Ou Sai Kham is a small Buddhist temple located just outside the historic walled town centre in Chiang Mai.

Also known as The Temple of Golden Sand, the temple features a viharn, a Ho Trai scripture library, an ubosot, and a chedi.

Wat Ou Sai Kham, Buddhist Temple Address & Hours, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is full of temples, with each of them special in their own way and has a unique story to tell. This temple is no different, and it’s also less touristy than the other temples so it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s enclosed by a wall that features Dhamma wheels on top, while the main gate is protected by a white Chinthe.

The most incredible aspect of this temple is the magnificent jade Buddha images that you will discover inside, which is known as Phra Sing Yok. There are different colours on the statue including purple, pearl grey, green, and some white spots.

Other interesting features include the ancient pulpit, which is still in use today. Check out the old wall paintings located behind the chapel, and the beautiful Tripitaka Hall designed in traditional Lanna architecture. A stunning statue of Phra Mae Thorani, who is the Earth Goddess in Buddhism, is also found within the temple. She is famous in Buddhist mythology for drowning the demon armies of Mara by wringing water from her hair.

No one really knows when the temple was built exactly, but it’s believed to be over three centuries old. It was also rebuilt in 1841, and some of the changes included transferring the original chedi into the new, bigger chedi.

Wat Ou Sai Kham temple is located outside the city walls just north of Tae Phae Gate and is open daily from 6am to 7pm. If you are already in the old city, the temple is a few minutes’ walk away but you can also hire a tuk-tuk, use a songthaew or rent a motorbike to get here. Admission is free.