The Temple of the Great Stupa or Temple of the Royal Stupa is what Wat Chedi Luang is often called. It is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This famous temple is in the middle of the Old City. It is a spiritual centre, an architectural wonder, and a living reminder of how great the Lanna Kingdom was. The temple is still one of the most impressive monuments in Northern Thailand, even though time and natural disasters have made it shorter.
Wat Chedi Luang is more than just a temple; it’s a treasure trove of culture. People come here not only to see the old Lanna-style buildings and the huge ruined chedi, but also to learn about Buddhism, meditate, or join monk chat sessions. They can also see the city’s protective pillar shrine. Wat Chedi Luang is a must-see landmark in Chiang Mai that attracts both devoted Buddhists and curious tourists.
History of Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang was built in the late 14th century, during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma , the sixth king of the Lanna Kingdom. The king wanted to put his father’s ashes in a big stupa. Building started but stopped when the king died. Later, his widow took over the project again, but problems with the stability of the structure caused delays.
It wasn’t until the middle of the 15th century, when King Tilokaraj ruled, that the chedi was finished. At that point, it reached a height of 82 meters and a base diameter of 54 meters, making it the tallest building in Lanna at the time.
Wat Chedi Luang Location & Directions
Wat Chedi Luang is in the middle of Chiang Mai’s Old City, where the remains of old walls and moats that used to protect the Lanna capital can still be seen. The address is 103 Prapokklao Road, Phra Sing Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The temple grounds are a large area that includes the City Pillar Shrine and a number of smaller temples. Because it is in the middle of the Old City, visitors can easily get there on foot, by bike, or by tuk-tuk.
- From Chiang Mai International Airport: Distance is 5 km (around 15 minutes by car)
- From Tha Pae Gate (Old City entrance): Distance is about 1 km
- From Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: Distance is about 2 km (about 10 minutes by tuk-tuk)
Opening and Closing Time
Every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The best times to visit are early in the morning (to avoid crowds and heat) or late in the afternoon (when the light makes the chedi glow). Foreigners usually have to pay a small fee to get in (about 40 THB), but Thai citizens can get in for free.
Things to Do and See
At Wat Chedi Luang, you can do and see many things. For example, you can
- Explore the Great Chedi: The central stupa, which has been partly restored, is the best part. It still looks grand and powerful, even though it’s broken.
- Go to the City Pillar: This holy pillar is thought to keep Chiang Mai safe. It is in a small pavilion on the temple grounds. King Mengrai, who founded the city, built it in 1296.People celebrate the pillar at the Inthakin Festival every year (usually in May or June) with offerings, flowers, and Buddhist rituals.
- Look at the Ordination Hall: The temple entrance has a large teak wood hall with beautiful Lanna architecture. Phra Chao Attarot, a standing Buddha statue with two disciples on either side is inside.
- Take part in a Monk Chat: Wat Chedi Luang is one of the few temples that has “Monk Chat” programs every day. Visitors can sit under a shady tree and talk to monks. It’s a great chance to learn about Thai culture, Buddhism, meditation, and life in a monastery.
- Look at the Buddha lying down: A small chapel at the back of the compound has a peaceful reclining Buddha.
- Look around the side temples and shrines: Wat Ho Tham and Wat Sukmin are two of the temples in the complex. There are also smaller chapels and statues, each with its own unique features.
- Go to festivals or ceremonies: If you go during important Buddhist holidays like Visakha Bucha, Loy Krathong, or the Inthakin Festival, you can see parades, candlelight ceremonies, and other local customs.
Tip Before you Visit the Wat Chedi Luang
- You must wear modest clothes at all Buddhist temples in Thailand.
- Put something on your shoulders and knees. Don’t wear tops, shorts, or mini skirts that show too much skin.
- You can often rent sarongs near the entrance.
- The best time of day to visit is early in the morning, when it’s cool and quiet
- Take off your shoes before going into the halls.
- Be polite and speak softly.
- Don’t touch or climb on the chedi or the statues of the Buddha.
FAQs on Wat Chedi Luang
The huge ruined chedi at Wat Chedi Luang is what makes it famous. It used to be the tallest building in the Lanna Kingdom. It used to be home to the Emerald Buddha, which is Thailand’s most holy religious object.
The chedi was originally 82 meters tall and 54 meters wide at the base. The upper part fell down after an earthquake in 1545, and now it is about 60 meters tall.
No, the original Emerald Buddha is now in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. In 1995, though, a black jade copy (Phra Yok) was put in the eastern niche.
Yes. Visitors from other countries usually pay about 40 THB. Thai citizens can get in for free.
Yes, through the Monk Chat program at the temple. This casual setting lets visitors ask questions about Thai life, Buddhism, and how to meditate.
