The Wat Chedi Luang is a partially-restored Buddhist temple in the heart of Chiang Mai. Construction of the temple first began in the 14th century but wasn’t completed for 100 years. It was the tallest structure at 82 m high. Reconstruction began in the 1990s. The original Emerald Buddha was moved to another temple, but a black jade version was installed in the reconstructed eastern niche. Be sure to pay homage to the Phra Phut Chaloem Sirirat, or Phra Yok its more common name. The temple is where worshipers offer prayer during Buddhist holidays.
Outside of the temple is the city pillar, which according to ancient beliefs is the center of the universe, in this case, the center of the Lanna Kingdom. Besides the city pillar is a gum tree. Legends say that if the gum tree falls, catastrophe will follow. There are four naga stairways that have been restored. At the base, there are also five elephant sculptures which have been reproduced. One is an original, built out of brick and stucco.
The Wat Chedi Luang’s claim-to-fame include a standing Buddha statue, a reclining Buddha, and a half-naked sitting Buddha. Curious about what the different positions mean? Talk to one of the monks about these and regular monastery life during the Monk Chat. Ladies, it is a taboo to touch the monks and their belongings. If you have to give them anything, make sure a man does it for you.
By songthaew:
Any songthaew (red trucks that act as shared taxis) can take you to the temple within the old city.
By walking:
Take a walk from the city centre to Wat Chedi Luang. It is a journey of 652 m that is covered in 7 minutes.
Sunday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Waiting Time
During peak season and festivals, there can be waiting time for 30 minutes due to large crowds.
Entrance Fee
Time you can spend
2 hours
Weather
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