Wat Umong
Wat Umong
4.5
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
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4.5
1,285 reviews
Excellent
681
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468
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122
Poor
13
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1
Suratrichard
Surat Thani, Thailand2,558 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 3 March 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.
melkeet
Ipoh, Malaysia1,383 contributions
Jan 2020
Wat Umong Suan Puthatham is a Buddhist temple and meditation centre, located west of Chiang Mai city near Doi Suthep Mountain. We hired a private taxi to visit Doi Suthep and this was one of the stops, on our way back. Just like Wat Phalat, this temple is also located in the forest. It has a system of tunnels and is known as the “Temple of the tunnels “
According to the displays, the temple was built by a king for a monk, who regularly advised the king on various matters. The monk used the tunnels to meditate in peace. Even now there are monks’ quarters in this temple and a place of meditation for them. Among the displays include a large chedi and a golden colour statue of King Mangrai. Words of wisdom written in English and Thai hung from the trees on footpaths. There was a replica of the Ashok pillar with four lions similar to the one in Vaishalli in India. There was a library-museum which was closed at the time we visited.
Admission was free. We spent about 2 hours here to look around and capture some pictures. Since the temple is a bit out of the way, it can be difficult to find a ride for the return trip, so it would be advisable to book a round trip and have the driver wait.
According to the displays, the temple was built by a king for a monk, who regularly advised the king on various matters. The monk used the tunnels to meditate in peace. Even now there are monks’ quarters in this temple and a place of meditation for them. Among the displays include a large chedi and a golden colour statue of King Mangrai. Words of wisdom written in English and Thai hung from the trees on footpaths. There was a replica of the Ashok pillar with four lions similar to the one in Vaishalli in India. There was a library-museum which was closed at the time we visited.
Admission was free. We spent about 2 hours here to look around and capture some pictures. Since the temple is a bit out of the way, it can be difficult to find a ride for the return trip, so it would be advisable to book a round trip and have the driver wait.
Written 28 December 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.
無名
World9,898 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 29 May 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.
Abovetheclouds
2,321 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
I really enjoyed this. Different from the other Wat's. Located in a forest about a twenty minute ride from the main gate of the old city. Take a Tuk Tuk and get them to wait and bring you back. Cheap. You need about twenty to thirty minutes there. The grounds are huge and it reminded me partly of being back in Cambodia or visiting the Mayan ruins in Central America. The underground tunnels were really cool and there was a room nearby almost like a museum with some interesting scriptures and paintings. The grounds also include the main temple, pagoda, meditation area, a lake and living quarters for the monks. There appeared to be some food stalls too but these were closed. I touched on and explored the main parts. I would not say it was peaceful as the area was busy mainly with locals. If it had been less busier, it would have been very nice and tranquil.
Written 30 December 2021
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 14 December 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.
chiangmaicharlies
Chiang Mai, Thailand5,596 contributions
Jan 2022
A unique temple complex on the hillside to the west of Chiang Mai city, well worth a visit.
It features a number of spotless tunnels and statues in the centre of the grounds, plus a number of interesting statues, exhibitions and a large stupa within the grounds.
There are a number of paths to follow and a large lake with an island and bridges. A large number of turtles can be seen here.
It features a number of spotless tunnels and statues in the centre of the grounds, plus a number of interesting statues, exhibitions and a large stupa within the grounds.
There are a number of paths to follow and a large lake with an island and bridges. A large number of turtles can be seen here.
Written 2 February 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.
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 12 November 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 Netherlands363 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 2 April 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.
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 9 December 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.
Josephine C
26 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
The monastery is in the midst of trees giving it a peaceful and tranquil feel. The trip is made in the evening this the air is cool. It leads to an underground tunnel where the temple is. It has a mysterious feel to it.
Written 10 June 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.
Is any of this wheelchair accessible?
Written 6 December 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 24 December 2016
I hear there is class run meditation at this location. How do I find out more information?
Written 24 August 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 25 August 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 13 January 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 25 January 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 30 December 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 31 December 2014
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