Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai (must see)

Wat Chedi Luang is one of Chiang Mai鈥檚 most historically significant temples, located at the center of the Old City. Its name refers to the massive stupa that once dominated the skyline, originally constructed in the 14th century by King Saen Muang Ma to enshrine the ashes of his father, King Ku Na. Over the following decades, later rulers enlarged the structure, and by the mid-15th century it stood at an estimated 82 meters high, making it one of the tallest structures in the Lanna Kingdom.

For a brief period, Wat Chedi Luang also housed the revered Emerald Buddha, today kept in Bangkok鈥檚 Grand Palace. After an earthquake in the 16th century caused major damage to the chedi鈥檚 upper portion, the statue was relocated to Luang Prabang, and the temple gradually fell into partial ruin.

In the 1990s, restoration efforts supported by UNESCO and the Japanese government stabilized the structure. However, the reconstruction of the upper tiers in a Central Thai style, rather than traditional Lanna design, sparked debate among local historians and architects. The chedi remains intentionally truncated, preserving a sense of its dramatic history.

Visitors can still admire the weathered brick base, accessed by steep stairways guarded by stone nagas and elephants. The large main assembly hall, contains Phra Chao Attarot, a respected statue of the Buddha in a graceful standing posture. An ancient Dipterocarp tree grows nearby and is traditionally believed to protect the city. Adjacent to it is the city pillar, housed in a small shrine dedicated to guardian spirits that watch over Chiang Mai.

Wat Chedi Luang remains an active spiritual center. Visitors may witness monks performing daily rituals or join a Monk Chat session hosted on the grounds, where monastics share insights into Buddhist teachings and life in the temple community.

Tip:
If possible, go at (or stay until) nightfall to walk around this one. You can feel the peacefulness and the ambiance going after dark because these parts of the city are full of magic!

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chiang Mai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Sight Name: Wat Chedi Luang
Sight Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand (See walking tours in Chiang Mai)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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