Visit Wat Ton Kwen (Chiang Mai)

Also called Wat Intharawat, Wat Ton Kwen is a small temple named after a tree. 14 km outside Chiang Mai, built in 1858, it is very popular with Thais and very little 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 to the interior of the vihaan are stone Naga (mythical snakes). Around, on 3 sides, an open pavilion surrounds the building. What makes the charm of this temple is its facade composed of carved wooden panels richly decorated with inlaid colorful mosaics. The interior (I do not have pictures it is forbiddent to take photographs inside), is also interesting.

Wat Ton Kwen or Wat Ton Khwen or Wat Ton Kaen, you will find the 3 Western spellings, is a short visit. It is not one of the must-see places in Chiang Mai, but if you pass by on the way to Rajapruek Royal Floral Park or the Wat Phrat That Doi Kam for example, make a quick hook to visit it.