Wat Ban Den is a large buddhist temple compound to the north of Chiang Mai. Visitors are attracted by the striking colors, the show-casing of religious art & lanna architecture, and as a site of religious devotion.
From a distance, the skyline above the temple (also known as Wat Bandensali Si Mueang Kaen) is dominated by 12 stupas surrounding a central chedi. Each of the stupas is associated with one of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac.
Respectful visitors are welcome to enter the various halls in the forecourt, including the ordination hall (ubosot), the scripture hall (ho trai), the drum tower, the sacred pillar shrine (sao inthakhin), a lanna-style teak monk’s house (kuti), and the shrine hall (wihan).
Generous donations from the public support an ambitious and ongoing building program.
Long skirts or trousers are required at the temples. Shoulders must also be covered.
