Wat Chet Yot: Location, Timings, Things to See & Do

Wat Chet Yot, also called Wat Photharam Maha Wihan, is a well-known Buddhist temple in northern Chiang Mai, Thailand. Because of its unique design, which includes seven chedis (pagodas), the temple is often called the “seven-spired temple.” Many people who were born in the year of the Snake think Wat Chet Yot is a special place. They go there to pray for good luck and safety. Wat Chet Yot is not very crowded with tourists, unlike other temples in Chiang Mai. This makes it a quiet place to learn about Thai culture and history. It is also a part of Chiang Mai’s religious and cultural history, and people come from all over to see traditional Thai buildings and learn more about Buddhism in the area.

History of Wat Chet Yot

The history of Wat Chet Yot is long and interesting, going back hundreds of years. King Tilokarat ordered the temple to be built in 1455 CE. He sent monks to Bagan in Burma to study the Mahabodhi temple. This temple in Burma was a copy of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, where Buddha became enlightened. The temple became an important place for Buddhist ceremonies, such as the 8th Buddhist World Council, where the Pali Canon was updated. Wat Chet Yot was neglected at times, especially when the Lanna Kingdom fell apart and the area came under Burmese control. For hundreds of years, the temple was almost empty, and some of its buildings fell apart.

The local community, led by Phra Kruba Kantha Wang So, the temple’s first abbot after the restoration, helped fix up the temple in 1843, when King Rama III was in charge. Wat Chet Yot was officially named a third-class royal temple in Thailand in 1978. The temple is a beautiful example of Lanna-era architecture and a reminder of the area’s spiritual and cultural history. The temple grounds are open to visitors who want to explore them. Its seven chedis, central shrine, and surrounding structures are all well-kept.

Location, Directions & Timings

Wat Chet Yot is northwest of the center of Chiang Mai, along the Super Highway (Highway 11), close to where Huai Kaeo Road and Nimmanhaemin Road meet. It is a little off the main tourist paths, so it is quieter than some of the city’s other well-known temples. It’s easy to get to the temple by car or motorbike, and the peaceful setting makes it a great place for travellers who want a more authentic and peaceful temple experience.

If you’re coming from Chiang Mai City, take Highway 11 north. When you get to the intersection of Huai Kaeo Road and Nimmanhemin Road, turn to the Super Highway. After a few kilometres, the temple will be on your left. Taxis and Grab are the easiest ways to get there, but you can also take a local bus or songthaew going to the Super Highway and ask the driver to drop you off near the temple.

Open every day from 6 am to 6 pm. In the evening. To avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful temple atmosphere, it’s best to go early in the morning. 

Things to See and Do in Wat Chet Yot

• Maha Chedi: The Maha Chedi, or main shrine, is the most interesting part of Wat Chet Yot. The seven spires on this temple are based on the Mahabodhi Temple in India. This gives it a unique and elegant look compared to other temples in Chiang Mai. People can walk around the chedi and look at the beautiful carvings and decorations that are inspired by Thai and Burmese architecture.
• Statues of the Buddha: There is a big statue of a sitting Buddha inside the main temple, as well as smaller statues of the Buddha in different positions. These statues are important for worship and meditation, and many people come here to pray, light incense, and bring flowers.
• The Bodhi Tree: A bodhi tree was planted at the site in 1455 CE as part of the original foundation of the temple. The tree is a very important symbol of Buddhism today because it stands for the Buddha’s enlightenment. People often meditate or sit under the tree to think quietly.
• Chedis from the past: There are also a few smaller chedis around the temple grounds in addition to the main chedi. These buildings were fixed up after they fell into disrepair, and now they give us a look at the temple’s long history. Visitors can walk among them and take pictures, enjoying the peaceful setting and intricate architecture.
• Halls for ceremonies: There are rooms in Wat Chet Yot where people can pray and hold ceremonies, such as Kathin (robe-offering) events and other important Buddhist rituals. If you’re lucky, you might see monks chanting or villagers taking part in traditional ceremonies. This is a great way to learn about the culture.
• Beautiful surroundings: There are trees and gardens around the temple that make it a peaceful place to walk, meditate, and take pictures. Wat Chet Yot is less crowded than other temples in Chiang Mai, so visitors can enjoy a peaceful and reflective atmosphere.

Tips before you Visit

• Put on clothes that are modest and cover your shoulders and knees.
• As a sign of respect for the temple and the monks, don’t wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, or clothes that show too much skin.
• For quiet visits and soft lighting, come in the morning between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
• Some places may not allow photography, so be respectful of these sacred areas.
• Take off your shoes before going into indoor temple areas.
• Talk quietly and stay away from loud conversations.
• Do not touch statues of Buddha or other holy things.

FAQs on Wat Chet Yot