Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang is a historic Buddhist temple in the walled old city of Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province. Founded in the late 14th century and completed in the 15th century, it is famous for its massive, partially ruined brick chedi that once housed the Emerald Buddha. The temple remains an active religious site and a major cultural landmark within the old city.

Visitors can expect a large temple compound centered on the towering, partially ruined Lanna-style chedi with elephant sculptures at its base. The grounds include smaller chapels, the city pillar shrine (Sao Inthakin), active prayer halls with Buddha images, and shaded courtyards. Visitors can walk around the chedi exterior, observe monks, participate in the Monk Chat program, and photograph historic architecture within the old city walls.

Construction began in 1391 under King Saen Muang Ma to enshrine the ashes of his father King Ku Na, and was completed in the mid-15th century under King Tilokaraj. The chedi reached about 80-82 meters and was the tallest structure in ancient Chiang Mai. It housed the Emerald Buddha from 1468 to 1551. The upper portion collapsed in an earthquake in 1545 and has remained partially ruined.

An important Theravada Buddhist temple and active place of worship in Chiang Mai. It houses the Chiang Mai City Pillar (Sao Inthakin), considered the spiritual navel of the city, and is a center for religious ceremonies and the well-known Monk Chat program where visitors can converse with monks about Buddhism and culture.