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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Angela Xu2 contributionsGreat Meditation Centre Wat Umong in ChiangMaiMeditation 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)Visited December 2022Written 14 December 2022
- Robert YHong Kong, China100 contributionsThe temple with tunnelsA very unusual temple outside the old city. It's an archaeological site discovered years ago. The connecting tunnels make the temple very unusual. Its location away from the city protects its tranquility.Visited January 2023Written 25 January 2023
- jwhartmannZoetermeer, The Netherlands343 contributionsPeacefull temple in the forestWat 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.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2023
- lifenadventureDubai, United Arab Emirates1,821 contributionsOut of town and so peacefulOut of town say 15mins, set in the mountains, this is a ‘must visit.there are so many different things to see here, a temple, a pagoda, the tunnel abs so forth. Because it’s in the mountains it’s very cool here, compared to the city. Less people as well. Totally worth a taxi ride out here and a long stroll around the beautiful area.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 July 2023
- Paul E10 contributionsTemple with a DifferanceThis is known as the Tunnel Temple and was built around 1267. Very different as most of the temple, as its name suggests is inside tunnels. These have small alcoves for Buddha statues. Some small bats sleeping on the ceiling as well.Visited August 2023Written 27 August 2023
- LeonhknyHong Kong, China14,201 contributionsIn the wildernessWat U Mong is a secluded temple west of Chiang Mai's historic walled city. While the dated, encompassing stupa is impressive, the network of underground tunnels is the main reason to come. With the ends of each tunnel dotted with deities, the whole complex is solemn and spiritual.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,273 reviews
Excellent
676
Very good
463
Average
120
Poor
13
Terrible
1
tord w
Sandnes, Norway5 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Cool temple with cool underground passages. Few people so you can go in peace.
at the bottom you can buy food for the fish that live in the pond. you should try it!!
at the bottom you can buy food for the fish that live in the pond. you should try it!!
Written 28 November 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.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China14,201 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Wat U Mong is a secluded temple west of Chiang Mai's historic walled city. While the dated, encompassing stupa is impressive, the network of underground tunnels is the main reason to come. With the ends of each tunnel dotted with deities, the whole complex is solemn and spiritual.
Written 22 September 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.
Paul E
10 contributions
Aug 2023
This is known as the Tunnel Temple and was built around 1267. Very different as most of the temple, as its name suggests is inside tunnels. These have small alcoves for Buddha statues. Some small bats sleeping on the ceiling as well.
Written 28 August 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.
Vlaamse_Reiziger
Belgium215 contributions
Aug 2023
Off the beaten track, outside the city. Nice stupa and great "underground" corridors as port of this temple. Very photogenic. Highly recommended. Better do this than go to Doi Suthep temple.
Written 15 August 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.
lifenadventure
Dubai, United Arab Emirates1,821 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Out of town say 15mins, set in the mountains, this is a ‘must visit.there are so many different things to see here, a temple, a pagoda, the tunnel abs so forth. Because it’s in the mountains it’s very cool here, compared to the city. Less people as well. Totally worth a taxi ride out here and a long stroll around the beautiful area.
Written 15 July 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.
P V
Pinner, UK175 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Nice Bhuddist stupa a short drive from Chiang Mia city. We visited this late on the evening when it is less crowded. I still would have like to see this during the day but ran out of time.
There are lovely tunnels with Bhudda statues.
Nice walks around the area.
There are lovely tunnels with Bhudda statues.
Nice walks around the area.
Written 4 June 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.
JDZatSF
San Francisco, CA1,097 contributions
Jan 2023
Just a bit out of town, this forest temple is spectacular, fascinating, and very worthwhile. It has tunnels, old Buddha images, tunnels, and more than make it place to experience.
Written 20 May 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.
jwhartmann
Zoetermeer, The Netherlands343 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.
Ivette V
Boulder, CO11 contributions
Feb 2023
Hidden gem just on city limits. It doesn't have the shiny bling of other temples but the atmosphere is beautiful and serene. Surrounded by nature. Don't miss it. We even (and unplanned) got blessed by a monk.
Written 10 February 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.
Robert Y
Hong Kong, China100 contributions
Jan 2023
A very unusual temple outside the old city. It's an archaeological site discovered years ago. The connecting tunnels make the temple very unusual. Its location away from the city protects its tranquility.
Written 25 January 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.
ccastrianni
Toms River, NJ28 contributions
I hear there is class run meditation at this location. How do I find out more information?
Elena A
Blenheim, New Zealand23 contributions
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.
Paul O
London, UK130 contributions
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.
HappyinHK888
Hong Kong, China177 contributions
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.
finneanman
San Francisco, CA25 contributions
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
thaires23a
Chiang Mai, Thailand17 contributions
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
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wat Umong
- Hotels near Wat Umong:
- (0.00 km) The Gust Q Boutique Hotel
- (0.05 km) Sindy Guest House
- (0.05 km) Thai Thai House
- (0.07 km) The Rose of Suthep Home Stay
- (0.07 km) Sirinart Garden Hotel
- Restaurants near Wat Umong:
- (0.31 km) Rendezvous Guesthouse & Cafe
- (0.37 km) Maewmoth Cat Cafe
- (0.37 km) King's Pizza Chiangmai
- (0.37 km) Yellow Mango
- (0.43 km) Butter & Neighbor
- Attractions near Wat Umong:
- (0.07 km) Trekking Chiang Mai - Private Day Tours
- (0.09 km) Baan orjao
- (0.32 km) Siam Rice Thai Cookery School
- (0.39 km) Siam Home Cooking Class and Chef's Table
- (0.37 km) Trips Chiang Mai