Wat Chedi Luang

Temple Thailand, Thailand

Wat Chedi Luang is located in the historic center of Chang Mai, within the city walls. It is one of the most important temples in the city, a very active place of worship, frequented by numerous monks. Its large ruined Chedi and the buildings that surround it make the complex very impressive.

Construction began in 1391 and lasted almost a century. When the chedi was finally finished in 1475 during the reign of King Tilokarat it had reached a height of about 85 meters and a width of 44 meters, which made it by far the largest structure of Chiang Mai. In the year 1545 disaster struck when a massive earthquake destroyed much of the chedi. The quake took off some 60 meters from the top of the chedi after which about 60 meters remained. In the 1990’s the chedi was partially restored. All four sides contain large staircases flanked by guardian mythical Naga creatures. At the top of the stairs are niches, where Buddha images are enshrined. Just below the top of the stairs is a platform containing Sinhalese style stone elephants on one side emerging from the chedi.