Wat Chedi Luang Temple

It’s easy to see why Wat Chedi Luang is one of the most popular temples in Chiang Mai.

There’s a surprising amount to see here and the wat land area is huge. Chedi Luang is a very popular temple for Thai’s who come here to celebrate many of the larger Buddhist celebrations.

You’ll find the main temple packed on these days and during the evening on these specials occasions people can be seen holding candles circling the main chedi. It’s a wonder to behold on these special days.

Wat Chedi Luang is also great for kids due to its large open space, historical significance, and the sacred things it beholds.

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See why Wat Chedi Luang temple is so famous in Chiang Mai

The ancient chedi is the most obvious reason why the temple is so well-known. The chedi itself is over 700 years old and is located right in the heart of the moat of Chiang Mai. For most of history, it was the tallest structure in the city.

The structure is protected from the public, meaning kids or adults cannot climb up the stairs or on it. However, it’s beautiful to walk around, even meditative if you choose. The tradition is to walk around the chedi three times with good intentions. Donations can be made to purchase incense, candles, or flowers.

Just remember to follow proper temple etiquette when visiting.

Inside the main temple of Wat Chedi Luang is just glorious. Everything beams with gold! You are welcome to enter (without shoes) and join in the traditional merits. It’s not a place for kids running around though and it may have a calming effect as it’s very tranquil inside.

The grounds themselves are just beautiful. There are plenty of other structures to visit. Unfortunately, only males are allowed to enter some of the other structures. The grounds are also home to what I believe is the tallest, an possibly oldest, tree downtown Chiang Mai.

You can also find a giant lying Buddha which is really detailed.

Around each of these sights are opportunities to make donations. The most common is to bring a bunch of one baht coins and drop them into the numerous donation pots lying around.

You can also find Buddha statues where people are dropping money into or appearing to pray over. These are good luck Buddhas for each day of the week. Your buddha statue is the one for the day you were born on! Find out your good luck Buddha here.

Inside this building, is one of the most sacred evidence of enlightenment. It can be disturbing for children, so you’ll want to explain first before sending them in to see.

What you’ll find is the embalmed body of a real monk. Some temples around Thailand have these ‘living statues.’ They are always the bodies of revered monks who have passed on, theoretically to enlightenment.

It is said that their hair and nails still grow and that they sometimes sweat.

In addition, this room houses artifacts that the monk has turned in gems, sort of like alchemy. It’s up to you what to believe, but it is absolutely fascinating.