Practical information
- Location
- Chiang Mai (old city), Chiang Mai · 18.78694, 98.98639
- Dress code
- Dress politely: long sleeves, trousers or a knee-length skirt; no sleeveless, crop, tight or revealing tops. Take off your shoes before entering the chapel or other buildings. (source: thailand.go.th)
- Period
- Lanna period, 14th–15th century
Opening hours and entrance fee: no reliable source found, so not listed. Ask on site or check the official website.
About Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang, the 'temple of the great stupa', stands in the heart of Chiang Mai's old city. Its massive brick chedi, partly collapsed after an earthquake centuries ago, is still the most imposing structure inside the moat. Elephant sculptures guard its base and nagas line the stairways. The grounds originally combined three temples and also contain the city pillar shrine. In the afternoon you can join a 'monk chat', where novice monks practise English and answer questions about Buddhism. In the evening the chedi is lit and especially atmospheric.
Highlights
- Ruined great chedi A huge brick stupa damaged by an earthquake.
- Monk chat Talk with young monks about Buddhism.
- City pillar The Lak Mueang shrine is in the grounds.
Tips for Wat Chedi Luang
- Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.
- Combine your visit with Wat Phra Singh, about 1 km away as the crow flies.
More photos of Wat Chedi Luang
Lanna-style hall with tiered roof, Wat Chedi Luang Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Gilded wall decoration, Wat Chedi Luang Photo: Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Wat Chedi Luang on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Frequently asked questions about Wat Chedi Luang
Where is Wat Chedi Luang?
Wat Chedi Luang is in Chiang Mai (old city), Chiang Mai province, in northern Thailand.
What is Wat Chedi Luang known for?
Wat Chedi Luang, the 'temple of the great stupa', stands in the heart of Chiang Mai's old city. Highlights include Ruined great chedi, Monk chat and City pillar.
How old is Wat Chedi Luang?
Lanna period, 14th–15th century.