Wat Chedi Luang | Serenity and Distance

Wat Chedi Luang, also known as the Great Buddha Stupa, is located right in the center of Chiang Mai's old city. Wat Chedi Luang is the largest temple in Chiang Mai and one of the most famous, sharing the highest rank with Wat Phra Singh. Transportation: 🐽 If you are staying within the old city of Chiang Mai, you can walk to the temple. If you are staying outside the old city, you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi. 🐉 Wat Chedi Luang is a typical Lanna-style architecture, consisting of the main hall, small Buddha halls, and monk quarters, all very exquisite. The most eye-catching feature is the central stupa, which is damaged, known as the Great Buddha Stupa, the iconic structure of Wat Chedi Luang. In fact, this stupa, which is a mix of Indian and Sri Lankan styles, was originally 98 meters tall and was once the tallest building in northern Thailand. Unfortunately, a major earthquake struck Chiang Mai in 1545, causing the spire of the Great Buddha Stupa to collapse overnight, revealing the golden Buddha statue inside. During the Thai-Burmese wars of the 16th century, the Great Buddha Stupa was damaged again, and now only about 60 meters high remains. 🐒 Although it was restored in 1992, since there were no precise records of its original construction, no one knows the exact structure of its upper part. Therefore, today's Great Buddha Stupa only has its base remaining. Even so, it is still the tallest structure in Chiang Mai. Address: 103 Prapokkloa Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai Admission: 40 Thai baht for adults Opening hours: 6:00-18:00 Note: Shoes must be removed before entering the temple.