Travel Plan
Wat Chedi Luang

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · CHIANG MAI

Wat Chedi Luang

A vast ruined brick chedi in the heart of Chiang Mai's old walled city.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
2 hours
Entry
Paid (small fee)
Best time
Late afternoon
Area
Old City

Ancient temples inside the moat and old walls.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: 103 Phra Pokklao Road, Old City, Chiang Mai

  • On foot: In the centre of the old city, on Phra Pokklao Road.
  • Nearby: Wat Phra Singh is 10 minutes' walk west.
  • Songthaew: Red songthaews go anywhere in town for a small fare.

The story of Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang's great chedi was built in the late 14th and 15th centuries and was once about 80 metres tall, one of the largest structures in the Lanna kingdom. An earthquake in the 16th century brought down its top.

From 1468 it housed the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok. Today a jade replica sits in its eastern niche. In the afternoons, monks hold "monk chats" where visitors can ask about Buddhist life.

Best time to visit

Best season

November to February.

Best time of day

Late afternoon light on the brick.

Festival

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng in November fill the old city with lanterns.

Tips before you go

  • Join a free monk chat at Wat Chedi Luang.
  • Join a "monk chat" to learn about Buddhism from novice monks.
  • Walk on to Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Mai's most revered temple.

Best hotels near Wat Chedi Luang

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Resort among rice terraces in the Mae Rim valley.

See prices

137 Pillars House

Colonial-era teak house turned luxury hotel.

See prices

Tamarind Village

Lanna-style boutique hotel inside the old city.

See prices
All hotels near Wat Chedi Luang

What's around Wat Chedi Luang

  • Wat Phra SinghLanna-style temple in the old city.
  • Three Kings MonumentStatues of Chiang Mai's founders.
  • Tha Phae GateMain gate of the old city.
  • Sunday Walking StreetNight market on Ratchadamnoen Road.

Questions travellers ask

Can I climb the chedi?

No, visitors may not climb it.

What is a monk chat?

A free conversation with monks about Buddhism and life.

How long does it take?

About an hour, or two with nearby temples.

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Travel Plan · Wat Chedi Luang Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure