Wat Ton Kwen, also known as Wat Intharawat, is a small temple named after a tree. Located 14 km outside of Chiang Mai, it was built in 1858 and is very popular with Thais, but rarely visited by foreign tourists. It is one of the few Lanna-style temples with an original wooden wihaan (ordination hall). The ramps of the small staircase leading into the wihaan are made of stone and depict nagas (mythical serpents). An open pavilion surrounds the building on three sides. The temple's special charm lies in its facade of carved wooden panels, richly decorated with inlaid, colorful mosaics. The interior is also worth seeing (I don't have any photos, as photography is prohibited). Wat Ton Kwen, Wat Ton Khwen, or Wat Ton Kaen – there are three Western spellings – is suitable for a short visit. It's not one of the must-see places in Chiang Mai, but if you happen to be passing by on your way to Rajapruek Royal Floral Park or Wat Phrat That Doi Kam, for example, you should make a short detour there.

There is no public transport to Wat Ton Kwen, but you can hire a red car in Chiang Mai. A round trip will cost approximately 250–400 THB, depending on the number of passengers, the driver's waiting time, and your bargaining skills. Alternatively, a Grab ride is cheaper.

Wat Ton Kwen is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Ton Kwen? There is no direct public transport to Wat Ton Kwen, but you can hire a red car in Chiang Mai. A round trip will cost approximately 250–400 THB, depending on the number of passengers, the driver's waiting time, and your bargaining skills. Alternatively, a Grab ride is cheaper.