Chedi Luang Temple

Chedi Luang is one of the four most famous ancient temples in Chiang Mai city. It was started construction during the reign of King Saen Muang Ma . in 1391, but it was not until 1475 that the temple was completed. At the time of completion, the main stupa of the temple was 80m high and 45m wide, but after an earthquake in 1545, this stupa was severely damaged and not intact in its original condition. It was only in the 90s of the 20th century that the temple was completely renovated and built to preserve and serve the needs of people's Buddhist beliefs.

When visiting Chedi Luang Pagoda, you will be impressed by the beautiful surrounding landscape with blue sky and white clouds bringing a sense of peace and relaxation. The ancient architecture with vivid sculptural lines shows the talents and aesthetics of the ancient Thai people. Not only that, the main attraction of Chedi Luang temple is the image of the dead bodies of 3 monks in the sitting posture of meditation, extremely relaxed as if still alive with ruddy skin and eyes. morning is open. The unsolved mystery is that all three monks did not use chemicals to embalm and keep the body.

Right in front of the temple gate on the left is a large Gum tree. Legend has it that if the tree falls, a terrible disaster will befall the people of Lanna. Right next to this gum tree is a temple to worship the gatekeeper Prueksa Thevada, the god of wisdom, the sage of Lanna. The center of the temple after being renovated is a stupa 60m high and built on a 45m wide podium. The stupa is surrounded by a moat, the four directions of the tower have stairs going up, the two sides of the railings of the stairs are decorated with the statue of the snake god Naga, the decoration commonly found in temples in Thailand. .

Next to the central stupa is an old building, built in 1928 with a large size and extremely splendid. This building has a very large statue of Buddha in a standing position, facing the door, called Phra Chao Attarot, which gives the temple majesty and antiquity. In the grounds of Chedi Luang Temple, there is also a smaller temple called Phan Tao, which is made entirely of teak wood and is beautifully carved. A special feature of Phan Tao Pagoda is a very relaxing reclining Buddha statue. In addition, in the temple, there are many precious Buddhist scriptures and ancient scriptures carved on palm leaves and stored in old wooden boxes with gilded patterns.

In May or June every year, the Inthakhin festival is held at the temple. The festival lasts 7 days, praying for favorable rain, fertile crops and people's lives. According to custom, this is also the festival to protect the Lanna people from wars and conflicts.

Opening hours: Chedi Luang Chiang Mai Temple is open every day of the week from 08:00 - 17:00