Wat Tha Ton Temple
Riverside temple with hilltop pagoda and views
North of Chiang Mai, Wat Tha Ton sits above the Kok River valley with tiered staircases and riverside shrines; visitors come for valley outlooks and nearby hillwalking routes.
Wat Tha Ton at a Glance#
Hours: Daily dawn-dusk
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
About Wat Tha Ton#
Wat Tha Ton is Tha Ton’s only significant sight, a sprawling monastery of nine levels occupying some 65 hectares, with fine views over the river and the surrounding countryside. Look for the huge gateway on the main road, from where a narrow road climbs to the summit, passing temple buildings and statues along the way.
About halfway up, on the third level, two enormous Buddha images stand visible for miles around, and at the top level is a new and colourful chedi, the Phra Boromathat Rajamonk Klajarn Samanachant Chedi Kaew, from where there are sweeping views. A meditation centre where foreigners once studied has since closed.
Best Time to Visit Wat Tha Ton#
Aim for the cool, dry season (November-February) when conditions on the mountain are most comfortable and views are clearer.
Weather & Climate near Wat Tha Ton#
Wat Tha Ton's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in April) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1330 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 8 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (219 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (265 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (208 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.