Wat Chedi Luang

Temple in Chiang Mai

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Fumihiko Ueno

Wat Chedi Luang, meaning “Temple of the Big Stupa” or “Temple of the Royal Stupa,” is a must-visit site in the historic heart of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Once comprised of three separate temples—Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Ho Tham, and Wat Sukmin—the temple complex is steeped in history and spiritual significance.

Construction of the temple began in 1391 under King Saen Muang Ma, intended to enshrine his father’s ashes, but it was not completed until 1475.

The temple’s most iconic feature is its towering chedi, which was the tallest structure in the region for nearly 500 years, visible from miles away. For a time, it housed the revered Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred artifact, now enshrined in Bangkok. In 1545, a devastating earthquake partially destroyed the spire, leaving it in its current truncated state.

Wat Chedi Luang encompasses expansive grounds, originally home to three separate temples. Visitors can easily spend an afternoon exploring its many features, including a museum that delves into the temple’s history. This museum is often overlooked due to limited signage but offers fascinating insights for those who find it.

Structures within Wat Chedi Luang

Phra Viharn Luang

The Phra Viharn Luang, or “Large Viharn,” houses the esteemed Phra Chao Attarat Buddha, a standing bronze image cast in the 14th century. The current viharn dates to 1929, built by Phra Ubali, and features a striking facade adorned with intricate gilded carvings and vibrant glass mosaics. Its triple-tiered roof is crowned with hamsa figures and decorated with naga bargeboards. The interior is simple, with whitewashed walls, richly patterned columns, and an imposing nine-meter-tall Buddha as the centerpiece.

Phra That Chedi Luang

The grand chedi, known as “Phra That Chedi Luang,” was constructed in 1391 by King Saen Muang Ma and later expanded by King Tilokarat in 1475, making it the largest in the Lanna Kingdom. Severely damaged by the 1545 earthquake, only the base and part of its structure remain. Despite restoration efforts in the 1990s, some elements were criticized for deviating from traditional Lanna architectural styles. The chedi once housed the Emerald Buddha and now contains a black jade Buddha, “Phra Phuttha Chalerm Sirirat,” created to commemorate significant milestones in Thai history.

Bhuridatto Viharn

Built in 1858, the Bhuridatto Viharn showcases pure Lanna architecture with steeply pitched roofs resembling protective bird wings. Intricate teak carvings with floral and foliate patterns, highlighted with glass and gold accents, adorn the building. Inside, the simple interior contains a shrine featuring a gilt mondop tower housing a revered molar tooth relic.

Viharn Chaturmuk-Burapachaan

This viharn, in Lampang folk style, houses Buddha relics and the remains of respected monks. The structure combines teak construction with a tiered roof tower and contains a wax effigy of a revered monk.

Reclining Buddha Pavilion

Constructed in 1955, this pavilion enshrines a reclining Buddha over 500 years old, crafted during King Muang Kaeo’s reign. Nearby is the “Fat Buddha,” or Phra Katchayana, believed to symbolize wisdom.

City Pillar Pavilion

The Sao Inthakin, or city pillar, is a highly venerated symbol believed to protect Chiang Mai. Housed in a colorful pavilion with vibrant murals, the pillar was moved here in 1800. Adjacent to it stands a massive Dipterocarp tree, also regarded as a protector of the city.