Unveiling Chiang Mai’s Creepy Ghost Legends

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Hey there, fellow travel enthusiasts! It's your favorite Thai blogger, Sirinya, here with another thrilling article to share with you. Today, I'm taking you on a spooky journey through the streets of Chiang Mai as we uncover the city's most frightening ghost legends.

Chiang Mai is a vibrant northern city in Thailand that's known for its ancient temples, stunning mountain landscapes, and traditional markets. However, what many people don't know is that this city also has a dark side. Chiang Mai has been a place of death, tragedy, and war, which has left behind a legacy of ghost stories and legends. These legends have been passed down from generation to generation, and they continue to haunt the city to this day.

If you're a fan of the supernatural or just love a good scare, then keep reading because I'm going to share with you some of Chiang Mai's chilling ghost stories. From the Lady in Pink to the Headless Monk, these legends are sure to send shivers down your spine. Get ready to discover the eerie secrets that are hidden within the walls of this ancient city. Let's begin our journey into Chiang Mai's ghostly underworld!

The Legend of Mae Nak

One of the most popular and well-known ghost legends in Chiang Mai is the story of Mae Nak, a young woman who died during childbirth and returned as a vengeful ghost. The story goes that Mae Nak's husband, Mak, was a soldier who was away at war when his wife gave birth. When he returned home, he was overjoyed to find his wife and child alive and well. However, little did he know that his wife had actually died during childbirth and was now an angry spirit.

Mae Nak's spirit refused to let Mak leave her side and haunted him at every turn. She would appear to him at night, causing him to become sick with fear. Mak's friends, who knew about the ghost haunting, were too afraid to help him. Finally, the intervention of a powerful monk was required to exorcise the spirit and restore peace to the village.

To this day, many people in Chiang Mai believe that Mae Nak's spirit still lingers in the city and that she can be seen haunting the streets at night.

The Vengeful Ghost of Wiang Kum Kam

Another chilling ghost story that has been passed down through the generations in Chiang Mai is that of the vengeful ghost of Wiang Kum Kam. According to legend, a high-ranking nobleman once lived in this ancient city, which was called Wiang Kum Kam at the time. He was known for his cruelty and his love of torture, and it was said that he killed and mutilated many of his own people.

One day, the nobleman's enemies had had enough, and they banded together to bring him down. They captured him and tortured him for days until he finally died. However, it is said that the nobleman's spirit never left Wiang Kum Kam and that he now haunts the city as a vengeful ghost.

Those who have seen the ghost of the nobleman say that he appears as a dark shadow, dripping blood and with glowing red eyes. He is said to be particularly active around the full moon, and his presence is said to bring bad luck and misfortune to anyone who crosses his path.

The Haunted Ruins of Chedi Luang

Chedi Luang, located in the heart of Chiang Mai, is one of the city's most famous landmarks. It was once a magnificent temple that housed the Emerald Buddha, but it was destroyed during a war in the 18th century. Today, all that remains of the temple are its impressive ruins, which still manage to inspire awe and wonder in those who visit the site.

However, legend has it that the ruins of Chedi Luang are also home to a number of vengeful spirits. It is said that the ghosts of Buddhist monks, who were killed during the war that destroyed the temple, still haunt the site and can be seen wandering the ruins at night.

Those who have encountered the ghosts of Chedi Luang say that they are particularly scary because they are silent and appear out of nowhere. They are also said to be particularly active during the full moon, and some people claim to have felt a cold breeze and heard strange noises while visiting the site.

The Terrifying Spirit of the Golden Shower Tree

One of the more unusual ghost stories in Chiang Mai involves the spirit of a Golden Shower Tree, which is said to be located near the Wat Phra Singh temple. According to legend, the tree is haunted by the ghost of a young girl who was raped and murdered beneath its branches.

Those who have seen the ghost of the girl say that she appears as a white figure, her hair hanging down over her face. She is said to be particularly active after dark, and many people claim to have felt her presence while walking near the tree.

The Spooky Hospital of Ban Wiang Haeng

In the north of Chiang Mai, close to the border with Myanmar, lies the village of Ban Wiang Haeng. It is said that the village's hospital is one of the most haunted places in the region, with patients and doctors alike reporting strange goings-on.

According to legend, the hospital was built on land that was once a burial ground. The spirits of the ancestors were disturbed by the construction of the hospital, and they now haunt the site, causing patients to become sick with fear and doctors to refuse to work there.

Those who have visited the hospital say that they have seen strange apparitions and heard unexplained noises. They also report feeling a sense of unease and dread while walking through the corridors.

The Ghostly Teacher of Chiang Mai University

Chiang Mai University is known for its beautiful campus, which is surrounded by lush gardens and tranquil lakes. However, it is also home to a ghostly legend that has been handed down through the generations.

According to legend, a teacher once worked at Chiang Mai University who was particularly strict and unforgiving. When one of his students committed suicide, he was so angry that he cursed her and vowed to make her spirit suffer.

Now, it is said that the ghost of the student haunts the campus, seeking revenge on the teacher who tormented her in life. Those who have seen the ghostly student say that she appears as a shadowy figure, her face twisted in rage.

The Mystery of the Doi Suthep Ghost House

Doi Suthep is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chiang Mai, with tourists flocking to the mountain to visit its stunning temples and enjoy its natural beauty. However, there is one spot on Doi Suthep that is said to be cursed, and tourists are warned to steer clear of it.

The spot in question is a small, abandoned house that sits at the side of the road. According to legend, the house was once the home of a farmer who was killed by bandits. His spirit now haunts the house, and those who enter it are said to be cursed with bad luck.

Despite the warnings, many tourists still choose to visit the house on Doi Suthep, hoping for a glimpse of the ghostly farmer. However, those who have seen the ghostly figure say that it is a terrifying experience that they would not want to repeat.


Chiang Mai is a city steeped in history and legend, and its ghost stories are an important part of its cultural heritage. Whether you believe in the ghosts or not, there is no denying that these tales add an extra layer of mystery and intrigue to this already fascinating city.

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