Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang is a major Buddhist temple complex in the historic center of Chiang Mai, Thailand, notable for its large, partially ruined central chedi. Construction began in the Lanna period and the site remains one of the city’s principal temple compounds.

The most prominent feature is the multi-storied brick chedi, which rises above the surrounding viharns and cloisters and shows visible effects of past collapse and repair. Visitors encounter decorated prayer halls, monastery buildings and open courtyards typical of large northern Thai temple complexes.

The chedi was built during the Lanna period and was later damaged by an earthquake in the 16th century; large religious objects have been housed there at various times. Repairs and restorations have been carried out at different periods to stabilize the structure and conserve the temple complex.

Wat Chedi Luang sits within Chiang Mai’s walled old city on a main thoroughfare, a short walk from other central temples and markets. The site is readily reached on foot from the old city’s central moat and plazas.

• Emerald Buddha history: The temple once housed the Emerald Buddha before that image was moved north and eventually to Bangkok; traces of that history are noted on-site.
• Central chedi: The central chedi is a massive, partially ruined brick structure that dominates the temple compound and is visible from surrounding city streets.