Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan (Chedi Luang Temple)

chedi luang temple, wat chedi luang, important temples in chiang mai

Chedi Luang Temple one of the regions most important temples in Chiang Mai Thailand

In the vibrant heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City stands Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, commonly known as Chedi Luang Temple or the “Grand Stupa.” This monumental site is both a sacred sanctuary and a cultural icon, representing the wealth, artistry, and faith of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Built in the 14th century, the temple remains one of the most revered Chiang Mai Tourist attractions, blending history, spirituality, and architectural magnificence.

🏛️ The Historic Essence of Chedi Luang Temple

Construction began under King Saen Muang Ma, who intended the great chedi to enshrine his father’s ashes. Over time, expansions in the 15th century transformed the site into the tallest structure in the Lanna capital, once soaring nearly 90 meters high. It symbolized both spiritual devotion and political power. Despite destruction from earthquakes and wars, Wat Chedi Luang continues to embody Chiang Mai’s resilience and remains one of the Important Temples in The North of Thailand.

📍 Attraction in Wat Chedi Luang

✨ Chedi or the Great Stupa

The Great Stupa is the temple’s centerpiece. Once towering over the city, it now stands at around 60 meters after partial collapse.

Mythical Guardians: Each side features monumental staircases flanked by naga serpents and sculpted stone elephants, symbolizing protection and stability.
Historical Relics: In 1468, the revered Emerald Buddha was enshrined here, making Chedi Luang a religious heart of the Lanna Kingdom. Though the original was moved to Bangkok, a replica remains today.
Enduring Symbol: Restoration in the 1990s stabilized the structure, leaving the spire unreconstructed to preserve authenticity. Visitors walking around its base sense both grandeur and fragility, a blend of power and impermanence.

🕍 Viharns – The Temple Halls

The Chedi Luang Temple in Chiang Mai boasts two impressive viharns, or temple halls, that serve as gathering places for the local community. The first viharn is a large, striking building with a three-tiered roof and a golden front facade. Constructed in 1928, the high red ceiling is supported by two rows of tall round columns. Inside, visitors can admire the large standing Buddha image, Phra Chao Attarot, located opposite the entrance and dating back to the temple’s founding in the late 14th century.

The second viharn, much smaller in size, is noted for its elegant front facade, decorated with intricate wood carvings. Visitors will also be greeted by large nagas, mythical snake-like creatures, guarding the stairs leading to the entrance. Adjacent to the viharn is a small pavilion in the Burmese style. These viharns at the Chedi Luang Temple highlight the rich cultural heritage and religious traditions of Buddhism in northern Thailand and are an integral part of the temple’s history and significance.

🕊️ Sao Inthakin – The City Pillar

The Sao Inthakin, or City Pillar, is an important part of the cultural heritage of Chiang Mai and is housed in a small building on the temple grounds. According to local belief, the Sao Inthakin protects the city and is accompanied by a small shrine built to house the guardian spirits who brought the Sao Inthakin from heaven. Three massive Dipterocarp trees, believed to be protectors of the city, can also be found near the Sao Inthakin hall. Legend has it that if the tree closest to the Sao Inthakin were to fall, a great catastrophe would occur.

Every May, the Inthakhin Festival brings the temple to life with candlelit processions, floral offerings, and chants that echo through the night — a powerful blend of faith and community.

🌟 Additional Structures & Features

Reclining Buddha Pavilion: A serene image symbolizing peace and the Buddha’s final Nirvana.
Bell Tower: Used for ceremonial calls, echoing across the city.
Adjacent Wat Phan Tao: A teakwood temple once part of the royal palace, now a tranquil complement to Chedi Luang.
Together, these structures create a campus of devotion and artistry, making the temple a focal point of day tours Chiang Mai.

Dipterocarp trees in chedi luang temple, Dipterocarp trees in wat chedi luang

🌳 Dipterocarp Trees – Guardians of Chiang Mai

The Dipterocarp Trees, also known as Yang trees, located near the Sao Inthakin hall, play a significant role in the cultural beliefs and traditions of the local community. According to local legend, these three massive trees serve as protectors of the city. If the tree closest to the Sao Inthakin were to fall, it is said that a great catastrophe would occur.

📚 Monk Chat – Dialogue with Monks

Wat Chedi Luang has a popular Monk Chat program open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the northern side of the grounds. Visitors can chat with monks about Buddhism, a monk’s life, Thai culture, or other relevant topics. This program allows monks to practice their English, and visitors get face time with a Buddhist monk. (Ladies, be sure not to touch them as it is taboo.)

💎 The Emerald Buddha Legacy

Wat Chedi Luang was also important because it housed the holy Emerald Buddha, considered the most important and sacred object in Thailand, for a short time. The Emerald Buddha is now in Bangkok, but a few years ago, the king donated a replica to Chedi Luang Temple.

The base of Chedi Luang Temple has splendid elephant statues, and the temple also features a small open shed housing a Reclining Buddha image. Wat Chedi Luang attracts numerous tourists, helping tourism in Chiang Mai to flourish.

🧘 Atmosphere & Overall Impressions

Chedi Luang temple possesses a timeless stillness that transcends tourist activity. Stepping into its grounds feels like stepping into a different dimension—one where time slows down and the spirit becomes more attuned. The aroma of incense, the rustle of leaves, and the soft murmurs of monks chanting in the distance together evoke an indescribable peace.

Despite being located in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Old City, the temple exudes sacredness. Weathered bricks and fractured walls tell stories of survival and reverence, while the towering chedi serves as a monument not only to architectural skill but to the enduring soul of Lanna culture.

Whether you arrive as a curious traveler or a devout pilgrim, Wat Chedi Luang quietly invites you to pause, reflect, and simply breathe.

Embark on a journey to discover the timeless beauty and spiritual depth of Wat Chedi Luang. Book your Chiang Mai Day Tour now and immerse yourself in the heart of Lanna culture. This experience is not only enlightening but also deeply enriching, making it a must-visit on any trip to Chiang Mai.

chedi luang temple map, wat chedi luang map

🚕 How to Get There

The Wat Chedi Luang is located close to the centre of the old walled part of Chiang Mai. You will find it about half way Ratchadamnoen road that crosses the old city from East to West. The main entrance is opposite Phra Pok Klao road, just South of Ratchadamnoen road. A must see!! Very beautiful architecture and hopefully you can find a tour guide that is knowledgeable about its history. If you interest to visit the most important temple in the city for half day tour, we can provide a budget tour or a private tour for your group.

⏰ Entrance Fees & Hours

The temple grounds are open daily from 6 am. until 6 pm. Admission is free for Thai people and 40 THB per person for foreigner.

Wat Jedi Luang is one of the must see temple in the chiangmai old city. You will see the architecture of the ancient thai style, which is different to what you see in Bangkok and southern part of Thailand.

Note : Wheelchair user is accessible

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