Wat Si Koet

The Wat Si Koet is a popular temple in Chiang Mai. Located along Ratchadamnoen Road, the quaint temple is distinct for its white colour accentuated by beautiful golden borders.

It may be small, but its architecture, design, and details genuinely stand out.

Wat Si Koet Temple History, Opening Hours & Address, Chiang Mai

The entire temple compound is spotless, and it has a serene ambience that invites visitors to come and meditate. As a place of work and worship for the monks, it’s not uncommon to see a few at the temple who are praying or reading. There aren’t many tourists here, which is a breath of fresh air compared to the other busy temples throughout Chiang Mai.

However, do keep in mind the number one rule for visiting temples in Thailand: dress modestly. This isn’t the time to come in shorts and tank tops; otherwise, you may risk being denied entry. There are also things you should avoid while inside the temple: pointing at a Buddha statue or a monk, turning your back on the image of Buddha, smoking, chewing gum, snacking, spitting, and disturbing monks.

For as long as you remember these, you’ll ensure that you aren’t disrespectful at a temple. And while most temples don’t charge an admission fee, they do appreciate a donation no matter how small. It’s not required or expected, but it helps support the monks and the temple’s maintenance.

Wat Si Koet’s convenient location makes it easy to see other attractions in Chiang Mai’s city centre. After exploring the temple, venture out to interact with the locals in the markets, stalls, and little shops. A charming small cafe is also found within the temple grounds where you can enjoy a delicious Thai coffee and snacks at affordable prices.

It’s a terrific place to get away from the touristy parts of the city, all while getting your fix of local culture. There are also numerous stalls throughout the grounds that offer inexpensive massages, as well as local Thai snacks.