Wat Ton Kwen, also known as Wat Intharawat, is one of the most beautiful alternative temples in Chiang Mai. After its appearance in the hit series "Klin Kasalong," it achieved overnight fame and has since become a popular subject for photographs among Thais. The reasons are obvious: beautifully preserved wood carvings and decorations, as well as Lanna lanterns hanging from the sloping roofs.

Unlike other temples in Chiang Mai that have been lavishly renovated or adorned with gold, Wat Ton Kwen has retained its rustic charm. The wooden pavilion and assembly hall appear weathered, lending the place—along with the sandy courtyard and surrounding trees—a relaxing atmosphere. Even if you don't want to take photos, you can still enjoy the peaceful temple grounds.

Things to see in Wat Ton Kwen

Wat Ton Kwen was built around 1852 under King Kawilorot Suriyawong. It served as a resting place for kings and monks when they brought Buddha relics to the ancient kingdom. The architecture is typical of the Lanna style, built with local materials and woodcarving techniques, and blends harmoniously into the landscape of northern Thailand. Here are the main sights:

The Wihan (Assembly Hall)

The largest structure at Wat Ton Kwen is the assembly hall, or "Wihan." From the outside, the steep roofs and the beautiful combination of dark teak wood and earthy, cream-colored walls are striking. Inside, dark red pillars and a small Buddha statue at the rear dominate the scene. Your photographer will then lead you to the entrance, where you will pose in front of the orange brick staircase and the Naga serpents.

The Chaturamuk Pavilion

Another wonderful spot at Wat Ton Kwen is the pavilion: an open structure famous for its four-sided veranda (the last of its kind in Northern Thailand). On the bamboo mats, you'll discover small offering altars and countless white Lanna lanterns. Your photographer will be happy to help you pose in front of the altars—with baskets and flowers—and capture the unique lighting.

The Sala Bat (U-shaped cloister)

The Sala Bat (cloister) surrounds the assembly hall in a U-shape and serves as a covered walkway for visitors to stroll through. Aside from the lanterns and rows of white columns, there isn't much to see here. The Sala Bat, along with the two other structures mentioned above, forms the entire ground plan of Wat Ton Kwen. While it's not the largest temple complex in Thailand, its traditional Lanna architecture and intimate atmosphere make it a worthwhile addition to your Chiang Mai trip.

Traditional Clothing & Photoshoot Experience

Is it worth dressing up for a photo shoot?

Dressing up for a photoshoot is not usually the done thing in Thailand. It can sometimes seem kitschy and touristy, especially at places like Wat Pho in Bangkok. However, the experience at Wat Ton Kwen is completely different. For one thing, you're not surrounded by a throng of tourists. We practically had the temple to ourselves, apart from a few locals who joined us. Secondly, the temple grounds are incredibly photogenic. The rustic wooden structures and the Lanna lanterns create a very appealing atmosphere.

Admittedly, some of the photos are a bit staged—for example, when we pretended to hang a lantern, smell flowers, or point into the distance. Even so, it was a lot of fun, and the whole family got to participate. We were there with friends who have a three-year-old daughter, and she loved dressing up. We even played a little prank on our families back home and sent them photos of our "wedding" at the temple. Of course, we'll invite them when the big day finally arrives.

“Getting Married” by Won Ton Kwen

How to rent a traditional Lanna dress

Opposite the temple entrance, you'll find several shops offering traditional Lanna clothing for rent. The cost ranges from 150 to 300 THB per person and includes everything from trousers, shirts, coats, and hats for men to sarongs, tops, scarves, and jewelry for women. The staff will help you choose colors, dress you stylishly and appropriately, and ensure your comfort. We also recommend using the provided flip-flops, as they are easy to remove when entering the historic wooden buildings.

How to book a photoshoot at Wat Ton Kwen

Photographers are usually found in front of shops or just inside temple gates. It's best to ask around about available options. To be on the safe side, you can also book in advance online through Airbnb Experiences: Chiang Mai Chic Photos by Birdy & Friends. As far as I remember, we paid around 1,000 THB as a couple and received over 150 professional photos – much better than we could have achieved with our iPhones.

The local photographer will guide you through the temple and suggest different poses in various locations. Just let yourself go with the flow, and you'll take home some beautiful souvenirs. A few things to keep in mind: Bring sunglasses, as some photo opportunities are difficult to capture in direct sunlight. Ladies can also rent an umbrella, which serves as both an accessory and sun protection.

Photoshoot at Wat Ton Kwen

Wat Ton Kwen Visitor Information

  • Opening hours: 6:00 - 17:00
  • Best time to visit: We arrived around 10:00 AM and started our photo shoot shortly after. A few more visitors arrived around noon, but it wasn't crowded. We recommend arriving around 9:00 AM.
  • Getting there: Wat Ton Kwen is located south of the old city in the Hang Dong district. The journey takes about 25 minutes by taxi or Grab, and about 30 minutes by scooter or motorbike.
  • Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Wearing traditional Lanna clothing complies with this dress code. For some photos, women may briefly lower their shoulder shawl slightly; however, this should not cause any problems.

    • Final thoughts on Wat Ton Kwen

    As beautiful as Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep are in Chiang Mai, if you're looking for a more tranquil temple atmosphere, Wat Ton Kwen is unmatched. It's the perfect spot for a photoshoot with a couple, family, or friends. And while you're in the area, why not also visit the nearby, imposing mountain temple Wat Phra That Doi Kham or the Royal Park Rajapruek pavilion, which is modeled after Wat Ton Kwen?