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Everything You Need to Know about Wat Chedi Luang
- Where is Wat Chedi Luang?
- Things to Know
- How to Get to Wat Chedi Luang
- What to See and Do in Wat Chedi Luang
- Admire Wat Chedi Luang’s ancient pagoda architecture
- Check out Wat Chedi Luang’s ubosot
- Visit the Chiang Mai City Pillar Shrine
- Pay your respects at the small shrines and prayer halls in Wat Chedi Luang
- Head to the Buddhist Manuscript Library and Museum
- Observe the temple’s afternoon monk ceremony
- Stroll around the temple grounds
- Chat with the temple’s monks
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Wat Chedi Luang
- Cafe de Thaan Aoan
- Blue Noodle Shop
- Coconut Shell Thai Food
- Where to Shop in and Near Wat Chedi Luang
- Anusarn Market
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
- Sunday Night Market
- Where to Stay in and Near Wat Chedi Luang
- 8th House Chiangmai Old Town
- U Chiang Mai Hotel
- Chala Number 6 Hotel
- FAQs about Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is the heart of Chiang Mai Old City, a must-see on any day trip to the biggest city in Northern Thailand. Location aside, it’s at the center of the city’s rich Lanna history, culture, and religion.
The temple’s main chedi architecture, enduring century-long reconstructions, natural disasters, and human interventions, reflects the Thai people’s long-standing devotion to Lord Buddha’s teachings. And going here means you can witness this firsthand.
You can also admire its ancient architecture and talk to the temple monk for insight into the local culture.
Where is Wat Chedi Luang?
Wat Chedi Luang is located in the heart of Chiang Mai Old City. It’s bounded by Rachadamnoen Road in the north, Jhaban Road in the west, Rachamanka Road in the south, and Prapokkloa Road in the east.
Things to Know
Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)
Phone: +66 97 195 4695
Admission Cost: 50 baht (Adults), 25 baht (Kids)
How to Get to Wat Chedi Luang
Taxi: It’s easy to get to Wat Chedi Luang via taxi since it’s only in Chiang Mai Old City. You can hail any taxi on the streets of Chiang Mai or you can book one with the Bolt or Grab app so it can take you up at your hotel or the airport.
Rental: If you have your driver’s license and International Driving Permit, you can rent a car in Chiang Mai and self-drive to Wat Chedi Luang. You’ll find the temple in the heart of the old city along Prapokklao Road.
Walk: If you’re already staying in Chiang Mai Old City, you can get to Wat Chedi Luang easily by walking. Just look for Prapokklao Road and keep walking until you reach the temple.
What to See and Do in Wat Chedi Luang
Admire Wat Chedi Luang’s ancient pagoda architecture
Wat Chedi Luang is well-known for its ancient Lanna-style pagoda. In fact, it’s also the most photographed structure within the temple complex so it’s not surprising that people from various places come here just to see it.
The chedi’s main features are its sweeping staircase and four niches, each facing a major direction and holding a standing Buddha image. These statues are all replicas, including the large Emerald Buddha made from black jade in the chedi’s eastern niche.
It also has several elephant statues around it which are said to provide protection, peace, and good luck. This pagoda underwent numerous reconstructions until a 1545 earthquake damaged it beyond repair.
Check out Wat Chedi Luang’s ubosot
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A visit to Wat Chedi Luang won’t be complete without checking out its ubosot or ordination hall. This serves as the temple’s principal building and it’s where communal services are held.
The temple’s ubosot has ivory-white walls, red multi-tier roofs, and a gilded frieze with intricate carvings above the front pillars. Inside, you’ll see gilded pillars, an ornate ceiling, and numerous Buddha images.
Its principal Buddha image is the largest and also the only one in a walking posture. Plus, it has a raised right-hand gesture of protection and fearlessness symbolizing Lord Buddha’s willingness to guide humanity on its path to enlightenment.
Visit the Chiang Mai City Pillar Shrine
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Chiang Mai City Pillar Shrine, also known as Sao Inthakin, is one of the most sacred structures in Wat Chedi Luang, so it’s definitely a must-see for its religious importance.
In fact, they even hold an eight-day festival to honor this shrine every year.
The Inthakin Festival always starts on the 12th day of the 6th lunar month and the ceremony is held in Wat Chedi Luang. This shrine has distinct ivory-white walls, multi-tier roofs, and black gilded accents.
Next to it is a sacred gum tree believed to represent Chiang Mai City’s prosperity. Unfortunately, women aren’t allowed inside the shrine, so they’re limited to admiring it from the outside.
Pay your respects at the small shrines and prayer halls in Wat Chedi Luang
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Though Wat Chedi Luang is well-known for its Lanna-style chedi and City Pillar Shrine, its complex is also home to several smaller shrines and prayer halls. These Buddhist structures enshrine Buddha images and relics that visitors can pay their respects to.
Even if you’re not a devotee, these shrines and prayer halls are definitely worth checking out, especially if you like to take temple photos. We particularly like the prayer hall behind the ancient chedi because it has a large reclining Buddha image.
This reclining Buddha is approximately 8.7 meters long and 1.9 meters high. Though there are no records of its construction date, it’s believed to be as old as the temple’s ancient chedi.
Head to the Buddhist Manuscript Library and Museum
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If you want to learn more about Wat Chedi Luang, a tour of the Buddhist Manuscript Library Museum is an excellent option. This museum is a chapel-like temple building with multi-tier roofs and a charming landscaped garden behind the ancient chedi.
Here, you can read detailed information about Wat Chedi Luang’s history. You can also find numerous displays of ancient relics and objects used in the temple’s wihan before its reconstruction.
Plus, they have exhibits honoring revered monks, so expect to see several life-like wax models during your tour. The museum closes at 5 p.m.
Observe the temple’s afternoon monk ceremony
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Going to Wat Chedi Luang gives you the best chance to observe and learn about monk ceremonies and rituals. Here, you can join merit-making ceremonies or watch evening chant prayers inside the temple’s ubosot or in front of its ancient chedi.
If you’re interested, you can check their Facebook page for announcements and schedules of these activities.
Stroll around the temple grounds
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Wat Chedi Luang offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for worship and meditation. That’s why it’s also a great place for pleasant morning and afternoon walks.
Plus, a stroll around its complex is excellent for sightseeing since you can find numerous temple structures, wall art, and Buddha images. You can also find many sacred cannonball trees around the ancient chedi.
These unique trees bear bomb-looking fruits that bloom into giant flowers resembling the Naga. Also, there are numerous benches and wooden gazebos within the temple grounds, so you can relax while you soak in the pleasant atmosphere.
Chat with the temple’s monks
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Chatting with the monks in Wat Chedi Luang isn’t just a popular activity, but also encouraged. In fact, they have a dedicated pavilion where visitors can interact with the temple monks.
This is a great way for tourists to learn about the temple and the local culture. Meanwhile, the monks can also enhance their English-speaking skills so everybody wins.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Wat Chedi Luang
Cafe de Thaan Aoan
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Address: 154/5 Prapokkloa Road, Tambon Phra Sing
Phone: +66 92 613 0320
Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for breakfast and brunch
The foodies on our team say Cafe de Thaan Aoan is the best breakfast and brunch spot near Wat Chedi Luang. Their wide selection of Thai and Western-style breakfast sets is great if you like full-on variety.
We also like their warm-toned rustic interior and pleasant alfresco garden dining area, perfect for a relaxing meal. Our go-to is their breakfast set C because it’s fully loaded with toast, eggs, veggie salad, coffee, juice, and a choice of sausage, ham, or bacon.
They also have a dedicated vegetarian menu if you prefer healthier food options.
Blue Noodle Shop
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Address: 71 Rachadamnoen Road, Phra Sing
Phone: +66 93 589 6477
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for budget eaters and noodle lovers
Blue Noodle Shop is a popular noodle restaurant near Wat Chedi Luang. It’s particularly a hit with tourists and expats who frequent Chiang Mai Old City for its authentic and affordable Thai noodle dishes.
They serve beef and pork-based broth and give you three noodle options, so choose the one with your preferred thickness, texture, or firmness. Plus, you can order add-ons like stewed beef, boiled fresh beef, boiled beef balls, or steamed rice.
There are two serving sizes, but the largest is under 100 baht so you won’t break the bank eating here.
Coconut Shell Thai Food
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Address: 42, 4 Ratchamanka Road, Si Phum
Phone: +66 65 816 1655
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Sunday – Friday)
Good to know: Good for authentic Thai food
If you’re a huge fan of authentic Northern Thai dishes, Coconut Shell Thai Food is an excellent option. Though this local food haunt has a modest and cramped interior, the quality of its food is top-notch.
Their food is made for local tastebuds so you won’t get watered-down versions of popular dishes like pad Thai, som tum, panang curry, khao soi, hung lay curry, etc. Plus, their prices are local-friendly, perfect if you’re on a tight budget.
They also serve affordable local beers, so you can come here to drink after your temple visit.
Where to Shop in and Near Wat Chedi Luang
Anusarn Market
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Address: 149 Changklan Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district
Phone: +66 86 429 4792
Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿
Operating Hours: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping and entertainment
Anusarn Market is a trendy night market 2.3 kilometers from Wat Chedi Luang, so it’s definitely worth checking out. It has numerous vendors selling street food, clothes, accessories, fresh produce, and handicrafts, perfect for all your shopping needs.
This is a traditional night market so you can haggle the price with the local vendors.
Also, this market has Thai massage studios, live music, and mini cabaret shows, so there’s plenty to enjoy beyond shopping.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
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Address: Changklan Road, Chang Moi Sub-district
Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿
Operating Hours: 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for local goods and street food
Chaing Mai Night Bazaar is arguably the most popular night market in the city, and it’s only a 7-minute drive from Wat Chedi Luang. This market has everything, from street food stalls to local vendors selling souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and more.
This market is divided into sections so different kinds of street vendors have their designated areas. It’s convenient when shopping for clothes and accessories because the shops selling them are all together.
You can also find local musicians performing live and portrait artists painting on the street. Other curiosities include bamboo tattoo studios, cabaret shows, massage shops, and outdoor bars.
Sunday Night Market
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Address: Rachadamnoen Road, Tambon Si Phum
Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿
Operating Hours: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
Sunday Night Market is a convenient option. It’s inside Chiang Mai Old City and only 400 meters from Wat Chedi Luang, so it’s the nearest shopping spot you can find.
It’s packed with local vendors selling traditional street food, local crafts, clothes, accessories, religious items, toys, home decor, flowers, etc. But it’s only open on Sundays which is a minus.
Where to Stay in and Near Wat Chedi Luang
8th House Chiangmai Old Town
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Address: 8, 1-5 Prapokklao Lane 7, Phra Sing
Phone: +66 89 763 5656
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
8th House Chiangmai Old Town is a top-rated lodging house within Chiang Mai’s old city walls. It’s only a 5-minute walk from Wat Chedi Luang, so it’s perfect if you plan to visit the temple daily, especially during multi-day festivities.
This place has two lodging options: a one-bedroom apartment and a two-bedroom townhouse. The first one is ideal for couples and includes a king bed, sofa bed, kitchenette, balcony, air conditioning, private bathroom, WiFi, and flat-screen TV.
Meanwhile, their two-bedroom townhouse is perfect for families since you get 2 separate rooms, 3 king beds, 1 single bed, a balcony, 3 bathrooms, a kitchenette, and basic amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV.
U Chiang Mai Hotel
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Address: 70 Rachadamnoen Road, Tambon Si Phum
Phone: +66 53 327 000
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
If you prefer to stay at an upscale hotel with quick access to Wat Chedi Luang, U Chiang Mai Hotel is an excellent option. It’s only 230 meters from the temple and its modern airy rooms offer the ultimate comfort and city views.
They include a terrace with daybeds, bathroom and shower facilities, and all the basic amenities you’ll ever need. We also like that they allow kids below 13 years old to stay for free with their parents which is a plus if you’re on a family vacation.
But bear in mind it’s only limited to 1 kid per room. Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast buffets and free bike use which is helpful for sightseeing in the old city.
Chala Number 6 Hotel
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Address: 6, 6 Prapokklao Road, Phra Sing
Phone: +66 52 010 466
Pricing: ฿฿ – ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples
Chala Number 6 is a swanky hotel across the street from Wat Chedi Luang, so it’s your best option location-wise. It’s also a luxury hotel, so it’s a solid option if you want a stylish decked-out room, top-tier amenities, and modern facilities.
Their standard room also includes a balcony with a charming garden view which is a plus. Or you can upgrade to a suite for extra sitting and living areas, bedrooms, and temple views.
Also, you get access to a full-service spa, classy restaurant, chic cafe, modern fitness gym, outdoor pool, and landscaped garden.
