Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai
One of Chiang Mai’s most important temples is the Wat Chedi Luang located in the ancient walled part of the city.
One of Chiang Mai’s most historically and culturally significant temples is Wat Chedi Luang, located in the ancient walled part of the city. Also known as Jedi Luang or “The Temple of the Great Stupa,” it was originally composed of two separate temples, Wat Ho Tham and Wat Sukmin, which were later merged into the magnificent structure seen today.
The Massive Chedi
The temple’s most striking feature is its massive chedi (pagoda), which dominates the temple grounds. The chedi was commissioned by King Saen Muang Ma to enshrine the ashes of his father. Construction began in 1391 and took nearly a century to complete. By the time it was finished in 1475, during the reign of King Tilokarat, the chedi had reached an impressive height of approximately 85 meters and a width of 44 meters, making it the largest structure in Chiang Mai at the time.
In 1545, a powerful earthquake caused significant damage, removing about 60 meters from the top of the chedi, leaving only the lower portion standing. In the 1990s, restoration efforts partially rebuilt the chedi, preserving its historical grandeur.
All four sides of the chedi feature large staircases flanked by mythical Naga guardian creatures. At the top of each staircase are niches housing Buddha images, and just below the stair platforms are Sinhalese-style stone elephants, emerging from the chedi and adding to the temple’s remarkable architectural beauty.
The Emerald Buddha Image
In 1468, the temple was home to Thailand’s most revered Buddha image, the Emerald Buddha. The sacred image remained at Wat Chedi Luang for nearly a century before being moved to Luang Prabang, in present-day Laos. Today, the Emerald Buddha resides in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, but a reproduction was placed in one of the chedi’s niches to commemorate its 600th anniversary, preserving the temple’s spiritual legacy.
How to Get to Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is conveniently located near the center of Chiang Mai’s old walled city. Visitors can find it about halfway along Ratchadamnoen Road, which crosses the old city from east to west. The main entrance is opposite Phra Pok Klao Road, just south of Ratchadamnoen Road.
Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
The temple grounds are open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and admission is free, making it an accessible and must-visit destination for travelers exploring Chiang Mai.
