Wat Chedi Luang

Temple in Chiang Mai

Wat Chedi Luang is hard to miss. It’s right in the middle of the old city of Chiang Mai, and the chedi (stupa) at its centre is massive—even in ruins, it dominates the temple grounds. Built in the 15th century, it once stood over 80 metres tall before a big earthquake brought the top down. Now it’s about 60 metres high, but still incredibly impressive. The base is square, made of aged bricks, and partly surrounded by elephant statues that add to its character. It has a very raw, powerful presence.

Unlike some temples that are tucked away or hidden behind gates, Wat Chedi Luang feels wide open. The grounds are spacious and easy to explore, with a few shaded areas to take a break. It’s a peaceful place, even when a few tour groups pass through. Early morning or late afternoon is usually the quietest time to visit.

The Main Viharn (Prayer Hall)

Near the entrance, you’ll see the main viharn, the large wooden prayer hall. It’s beautifully built, with a high roof and tall columns leading your eyes straight to the golden Buddha statue inside. The size of the statue, combined with the symmetry of the hall, creates a strong impression as you step in. Most visitors stop to sit or kneel for a moment, even if they’re not religious—it’s that kind of space.

There’s also a small table where you can light candles and incense, or donate a few coins. Don’t forget to take off your shoes before entering and dress respectfully (covered shoulders and knees). These rules might sound obvious, but they’re sometimes overlooked by visitors not familiar with Thai customs.

The Giant Tree and Wooden Temple

Behind the main chedi, there’s a smaller wooden hall that’s easy to miss if you don’t wander around. It’s set in the shade of an enormous tree—one of the biggest we’ve ever seen inside a temple ground. At first, it might not seem that big, especially next to the old chedi, but if you take a step back, the size of the tree becomes clear. Locals believe the tree protects the city, and next to it is a small shrine dedicated to the city’s guardian spirit.

The wooden building nearby is simple and elegant, with clean lines and just the right proportions. In the late afternoon, when the light filters through the leaves, it feels quiet and timeless.

Useful Info

Wat Chedi Luang is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee for foreigners is 40 baht. Thai nationals can enter for free. The address is 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Si Phum, Chiang Mai 50200, right in the heart of the old city. It’s easy to reach on foot or by bicycle if you’re staying nearby, or just grab a tuk-tuk or songthaew if you’re a bit further out.

Despite being partly ruined, the main chedi still stands as one of Chiang Mai’s most striking historic sites—and the whole temple feels like a quiet step back in time.

In the back, the Chedi is another small but beautifully crafted wood temple in the shade of a gigantic tree. Because of its beautiful proportions, you might not notice how huge the tree is, but once you look at it from a distance, it’s quite jaw-dropping (see photos).

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