Chiang Mai offers its visitors many and varied attractions and activities (and believe us there are many!) and is known, among other things, for the many temples located there and in the immediate vicinity, which you can often visit for free, enjoy the impressive buildings, participate in meditation classes, watch the monks during the sacred ceremonies and experience authentic and traditional Thailand.
Among the many temples in the area, the Chedi Luang temple is considered one of the most beautiful, so if you are debating which of the temples to visit and which to pass up - it is recommended not to miss this special temple.
Chedi Luang Temple is the holiest temple in the city and is located in the heart of the old city of Chiang Mai. Its construction began towards the end of the 14th century AD and was completed during the 15th century and at the time it was considered particularly prominent thanks to the magnificent buildings and religious symbols in it and due to its great height (almost 100 meters!), which made it an integral part of the city's skyline.
During the tour, you will be able to admire the magnificent pagoda, a golden Buddha statue and other ancient relics that have been preserved over the years despite the forces of nature. In addition to these, you can enjoy small temples located near it, for example the Wat Phan Tao temple, which is also recommended to visit.
Indeed, the temple has seen better days. Due to its great height and location, it was exposed to the elements and various disasters, the most significant of which was an earthquake that damaged the structure during the 16th century, leaving behind destruction and ruin and destroying large parts of the beautiful temple. Despite this, the Chedi Leung Temple is still considered spectacular in its beauty and the buildings that have survived the ravages of time are considered luxurious and well-kept.
Historically, one of the things that makes this temple so important to the locals is the fact that it was once used as the home of the Emerald Buddha, so it is not surprising that towards the end of the 20th century, many efforts were invested in the restoration and renovation of the historical site in which the iconic elephant statues were restored, among other things at the entrance to the complex. It should be noted that these works have not been completed to this very day.
Address - 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Activity time - Monday to Sunday 08:00-17:00 (hours may change and it is recommended to check before visiting)
Prices - 40 baht for an adult, 20 baht for a child
