WAT CHEDI LUANG

Wat Chedi Luang is a Buddhist temple located in the old city of Chiang Mai in Thailand. Also known as ‘the temple of the Great Stupa’, it consists of three temples, the construction of which dates back to the 14th-century. The temple houses one of the most significant religious relics, the Emerald Buddha, making it an important place in Thailand.

Wat Chedi Luang features the largest Buddhist chedi located in the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. It comprises three temples, namely, Wat Ho Tham, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Sukmi, which make the temple the greatest of all times. The most crucial part of the temple is its chedi (pagoda), built in the Lama-style architecture, which stands tall in the entire region.

If you are a history buff, Wat Chedi Luang is one of the best places to visit during your trip to Thailand due to its historical significance. While exploring the temple, you will discover several other attractions that will leave you surprised by its grandeur. 

The temple includes the city pillar that is the epitome of the center of the universe, which is also popularly known as Sao Inthakin. Moving further, there is the primary ‘viharn’ that hosts the popular standing Buddha statue and giant gum trees that are trusted to safeguard the city from evils. 

This religious attraction gathers a massive crowd during the Buddhist holidays, which is another best site to behold. During these times, all the devotees of Lord Buddha come together to offer their prayers and perform the task of evening candle procession.

Highlights

• Witness the intricate and striking architecture of the fundamental chedi (pagoda) of the temple that stands at a height of 80 meters.
• Observe the ancient beauty of the elephant sculptures on all the four sides of the Chedi located at the south side of the foundation.
• Immerse in the immaculate beauty of the stone carvings of Buddha at the top of the staircase.
• Find the latest statue of Emerald Buddha in the temple, which is a significant Buddist symbol of the city.
• Extend your prayers to the beautiful standing Buddha statue called Phra Chao Attarot in the primary ‘viharn’ of the temple.
• Watch another gorgeous statue of a reclining Buddha situated on the grounds of the temple, also known as one of the most interesting statues of Buddha.
• Visit the holy city pillar named Sao Inthakin in another building on the premises that is believed to safeguard the city from evils.
• Pay a visit to another small temple named Wat Phan Tao which is surrounded by a garden of beautifully carved teak and consists of the golden statue of Buddha in its primary prayer hall.

How To Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to Wat Chedi Luang is Chiang Mai International Airport. It is located about 5.1 kilometres away. Upon landing, opt for a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Grab to reach the temple directly. The drive typically takes around 10 to 20 minutes.

By Road: Reaching Wat Chedi Luang by road from Chiang Mai or its nearby destinations is convenient. It is situated on Prapokklao Road near the old city centre and is easily accessible. It is also well-connected via major roads like Huay Kaew Road and the Nimmanhaemin Road. you can hire a car or book a taxi to reach this attraction within a few minutes.

By Public Transport: For those staying within Chiang Mai City, you can use public transportation such as tuk-tuks, songthaews (red trucks) to reach the temple. From the Old City, a tuk-tuk or songthaew ride can take about 5 to 10 minutes. 

By Bicycle or On Foot: Wat Chedi Luang is also accessible by walking or biking. You can rent bicycles from local rental shops to get to the temple at your own pace. Walking from anywhere within the Old City can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the distance between the two places.

Best Time To Visit

Wat Chedi Luang is open to visitors every day of the year. It is one of the most versatile attractions in Chiang Mai. Weekdays are ideal for a visit to Wat Chedi Luang and early morning is the perfect time of the day to experience the temple. With a quieter setting and cooler temperatures, these hours offer the best experience of Wat Chedi Luang and to explore the attraction. 

Other Essential Information

1. Dress modestly to respect the temple's code by covering your knees and shoulders.

2. Refrain from loud conversations to maintain the temple's peaceful atmosphere.

3. Photography is allowed outside, but avoid using flash inside the temple.

4. Do not disturb monks, especially during meditation or prayer times.

5. Engage in monk chats between 09:00 a.m. and 06:00 p.m., and learn about the Buddhist and Thai cultures.