Beautiful place for 40 baht each. The ruined Chedi is majestic and has a tinge of Burmese influence (and I’m assuming there’s a historical connection as this part of Thailand is very close to Myanmar). If you’ve been to Bagan then this may not be as impressive as it sounds. The main Sanctuary has a huge Buddha statue and is decorated with intricate designs. There’s also a daily monk chat corner that you can participate. You can spend an hour or an hour and a half to take photos, sit down at the bench to relax and enjoy the view.

Anh Nghi Le VietJan 24, 2018

This is a truly magnificent peice of Chiang Mai culture and history. Definitely don't leave the city without visiting these ruins! It's only 40baht to get in and definitely worth the price! Beware that you must follow the dress code which is similar to many other residents Buddhist temples throughout Asia. This temple has many smaller temples and shrines all around it so I'd recommend wearing shoes that are easy to put on and take off.

Sam ZalmanovichJan 15, 2018

What2Do in Chiang Mai - Prove you have been to Chiang Mai Well, 1. Of course, this is one of the things must do when you are in CM. The temple is about 600 years old! 2. Discover your zodiac animal and perform a small donation. 3. Go in the morning or during evening to get best photo shots. 4. Count how many elephant statue at this wat. I wonder is the number signify something? 5. Spend quality times and be awed by the architecture.

Kevin LimDec 23, 2017

Wowww the photos don't explain how BIG and beautiful this temple is!!!! Wat Chedi Luang is tall and mighty, with buddha statues inside. Honestly so beautiful and surprisingly not crowded, as the ground is spacious. Foreigners have to pay to enter but I notice they don't really check.

Kathy HoMar 4, 2018

Very recommended. It is a temple complex. In the center you can see the main structure (14th century) that kept in the past the Emerald Buddha and around other temples built afterwards. Also you can see quickly the effect of the earthquake (in 1545 therefore the Emerald Buddha was moved to another place). Visit can takes between 1h-2h. From my personal point of view, the most beautiful Temple in Chiang Mai city.

Pablo MourizJan 16, 2018

Fabulous legendary Buddhist temple of Chiangmai dated since 580 years ago. A finest collection of old statutes of Buddha's image in the big chapel. Some are more than 700 years of age.

Amonsak sriwilaiMar 28, 2018

Some of the most impressive structures in the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City. Try to come here before 7am as you will essentially have the entire places to yourself. Taking your time to stroll through the smaller temples surrounding the Chedi.

Mike HuaMar 31, 2018

I am a little sad about this majestic temple ruin in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I have been a regular long stay visitor in Chiang Mai for many years and one place I liked to visit regularly was Wat Chedi Luang. I would ride my bicycle there early in the morning just to see the shifting morning light on the ruined Chedi itself and also on the orange robes of the monks as they made their morning rounds. There would be no tourists, just me an my bicycle and my camera, sitting on a bench, in the shade of a very old tree. Fast forward to today and someone has figured out that the large numbers of tourists now visiting are all willing to pay an entrance fee. So there are now security gates and uniformed enforcers running around making sure no-one gets in without paying. The peace and tranquility that once enveloped this temple has been trampled on in exchange for a very poorly planned and laid out method of making an income of what once was a very beautiful place to spend a few moments in the shade contemplating the majesty of man's many great attempts to put meaning to this life. Suggestion for enjoying Wat Chedi Luang as it is now: I am not really sure, maybe arrive very early, the entrance fee is not very high, so that is not what I am complaining about. It is all the commotion that goes on because of the increase in tourism and the enforcement of the entrance fee structure that is annoying to me, Maybe wear ear plugs and dark glasses while dealing with security and the arrival of tour groups.

George LienemannApr 11, 2018

The old chedi is as beautiful as I remembered it all those years ago. The main cathedral/prayer hall at the front is beautiful, go inside and enjoy the cooling shade and marvel at those huge golden pillars. Toilets are super clean with slippers to use (unless if you encounter a big group of China tourists...). So much of development around the old Chedi Luang, wish they'd stop though. Security was friendly and you can park your bicycles at the motorbike parking area.

Christine LamMay 7, 2018

Simply Stunning. Visited yesterday. 31/05/18. Had hired a driver to take us to a few Wats/Temples/Chedi around the City. This was our first stop. It was a Spectacular, Mind Blowing, with Magnificent Monuments. We used up all our time here so had to do a renegotiation of price with our driver....no problem. He was even taking "selfies". Everywhere you looked was a photo opportunity. You'd be looking at one of the Temples and then something minute would catch the corner of your eye. There were so many moments of, " did you see this? Did you see that?" I was in Awe of the History told in so Many Different Ways. From the Magnificent Breath Taking Chedi Luang itself. To the Giant Trees that have stood for Centuries over this Sacred Place. The tiny Precious Stone Statues inlaid with Gold and Gems. And then around the corner in a nondescript little Temple the most Incredible Golden Buddha. I'll be returning in the next few days to spend much more time there. Even just to sit under one of the Giant Trees in the shade to only LOOK. Oh, one of the Temples is off limits to Women. It's a Religious Rule. Don't be offended. The Admission for non Thai is 40 baht. The Toilets are spotless.....use for a small donation. There are stalls for Souvenirs, cold drinks and snacks. Take plenty of water to drink. Wear a hat or have an umbrella. Enjoy.

Therese JayJun 1, 2018

I visited Wat Chedi Luang during the day and it was 40 Baht to enter. It was cool to see the old ruins and there are multiple temples around the area. We saw some monks walking around the area too. It took about 20 to 30 minutes to walk around and enter into some of the other temples. This place also needs knees and shoulders to be covered so bring a scarf/ pants to cover up.

Kimberly YeeMay 8, 2018

The most famous, almost the same age with the city itself. The main attraction of the temple is a huge chedi, 98 m high and 54 m wide. Pagoda was raised in 1481 and had an even greater height, but due to the earthquake of 1545 it was partially destroyed.

Yoga Art HomeJul 2, 2018

It used to be the best temple in Chiang Mai to visit and walk around in without big crowds or an entrance fee. Things have changed. It is still a wonderful place, just less appealing in certain ways.

Jim WatanaJul 8, 2018

Frankly, the temple is really nice and beautiful and the price is cheap (20 baht per person = less than 1€/$). This is the most visited temple in central Chiang Mai. There is one only thing I do not like: one of the temples allowed only access to men. I could understand their habits of disregarding women on a religious basis, I'm not fighting their culture. But why on Earth do they then charge the same (even though if it is do little) to a woman than to a man if she is not able to see the whole thing? At least they could inform in advance and let you decide if you want to access the temple area.

Javier VictorJul 23, 2018

Very impressive temple! The first of my visit in Chiang Mai but no doubts it was my favorite! Take your time to visit everything! The day I visited there was a typical market, music and scouts everywhere! Don’t forget to take off your shoes!

Frederico Leitao de MeloJul 12, 2018

Beautiful place for 40 baht each. The ruined Chedi is majestic and has a tinge of Burmese influence (and I’m assuming there’s a historical connection as this part of Thailand is very close to Myanmar). If you’ve been to Bagan then this may not be as impressive as it sounds. The main Sanctuary has a huge Buddha statue and is decorated with intricate designs. There’s also a daily monk chat corner that you can participate. You can spend an hour or an hour and a half to take photos, sit down at the bench to relax and enjoy the view.

Anh Nghi Le VietJan 24, 2018

This is a truly magnificent peice of Chiang Mai culture and history. Definitely don't leave the city without visiting these ruins! It's only 40baht to get in and definitely worth the price! Beware that you must follow the dress code which is similar to many other residents Buddhist temples throughout Asia. This temple has many smaller temples and shrines all around it so I'd recommend wearing shoes that are easy to put on and take off.

Sam ZalmanovichJan 15, 2018

What2Do in Chiang Mai - Prove you have been to Chiang Mai Well, 1. Of course, this is one of the things must do when you are in CM. The temple is about 600 years old! 2. Discover your zodiac animal and perform a small donation. 3. Go in the morning or during evening to get best photo shots. 4. Count how many elephant statue at this wat. I wonder is the number signify something? 5. Spend quality times and be awed by the architecture.

Kevin LimDec 23, 2017

Wowww the photos don't explain how BIG and beautiful this temple is!!!! Wat Chedi Luang is tall and mighty, with buddha statues inside. Honestly so beautiful and surprisingly not crowded, as the ground is spacious. Foreigners have to pay to enter but I notice they don't really check.

Kathy HoMar 4, 2018

Very recommended. It is a temple complex. In the center you can see the main structure (14th century) that kept in the past the Emerald Buddha and around other temples built afterwards. Also you can see quickly the effect of the earthquake (in 1545 therefore the Emerald Buddha was moved to another place). Visit can takes between 1h-2h. From my personal point of view, the most beautiful Temple in Chiang Mai city.

Pablo MourizJan 16, 2018

Fabulous legendary Buddhist temple of Chiangmai dated since 580 years ago. A finest collection of old statutes of Buddha's image in the big chapel. Some are more than 700 years of age.

Amonsak sriwilaiMar 28, 2018

Some of the most impressive structures in the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City. Try to come here before 7am as you will essentially have the entire places to yourself. Taking your time to stroll through the smaller temples surrounding the Chedi.

Mike HuaMar 31, 2018

I am a little sad about this majestic temple ruin in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I have been a regular long stay visitor in Chiang Mai for many years and one place I liked to visit regularly was Wat Chedi Luang. I would ride my bicycle there early in the morning just to see the shifting morning light on the ruined Chedi itself and also on the orange robes of the monks as they made their morning rounds. There would be no tourists, just me an my bicycle and my camera, sitting on a bench, in the shade of a very old tree. Fast forward to today and someone has figured out that the large numbers of tourists now visiting are all willing to pay an entrance fee. So there are now security gates and uniformed enforcers running around making sure no-one gets in without paying. The peace and tranquility that once enveloped this temple has been trampled on in exchange for a very poorly planned and laid out method of making an income of what once was a very beautiful place to spend a few moments in the shade contemplating the majesty of man's many great attempts to put meaning to this life. Suggestion for enjoying Wat Chedi Luang as it is now: I am not really sure, maybe arrive very early, the entrance fee is not very high, so that is not what I am complaining about. It is all the commotion that goes on because of the increase in tourism and the enforcement of the entrance fee structure that is annoying to me, Maybe wear ear plugs and dark glasses while dealing with security and the arrival of tour groups.

George LienemannApr 11, 2018

The old chedi is as beautiful as I remembered it all those years ago. The main cathedral/prayer hall at the front is beautiful, go inside and enjoy the cooling shade and marvel at those huge golden pillars. Toilets are super clean with slippers to use (unless if you encounter a big group of China tourists...). So much of development around the old Chedi Luang, wish they'd stop though. Security was friendly and you can park your bicycles at the motorbike parking area.

Christine LamMay 7, 2018

Simply Stunning. Visited yesterday. 31/05/18. Had hired a driver to take us to a few Wats/Temples/Chedi around the City. This was our first stop. It was a Spectacular, Mind Blowing, with Magnificent Monuments. We used up all our time here so had to do a renegotiation of price with our driver....no problem. He was even taking "selfies". Everywhere you looked was a photo opportunity. You'd be looking at one of the Temples and then something minute would catch the corner of your eye. There were so many moments of, " did you see this? Did you see that?" I was in Awe of the History told in so Many Different Ways. From the Magnificent Breath Taking Chedi Luang itself. To the Giant Trees that have stood for Centuries over this Sacred Place. The tiny Precious Stone Statues inlaid with Gold and Gems. And then around the corner in a nondescript little Temple the most Incredible Golden Buddha. I'll be returning in the next few days to spend much more time there. Even just to sit under one of the Giant Trees in the shade to only LOOK. Oh, one of the Temples is off limits to Women. It's a Religious Rule. Don't be offended. The Admission for non Thai is 40 baht. The Toilets are spotless.....use for a small donation. There are stalls for Souvenirs, cold drinks and snacks. Take plenty of water to drink. Wear a hat or have an umbrella. Enjoy.

Therese JayJun 1, 2018

I visited Wat Chedi Luang during the day and it was 40 Baht to enter. It was cool to see the old ruins and there are multiple temples around the area. We saw some monks walking around the area too. It took about 20 to 30 minutes to walk around and enter into some of the other temples. This place also needs knees and shoulders to be covered so bring a scarf/ pants to cover up.

Kimberly YeeMay 8, 2018

The most famous, almost the same age with the city itself. The main attraction of the temple is a huge chedi, 98 m high and 54 m wide. Pagoda was raised in 1481 and had an even greater height, but due to the earthquake of 1545 it was partially destroyed.

Yoga Art HomeJul 2, 2018

It used to be the best temple in Chiang Mai to visit and walk around in without big crowds or an entrance fee. Things have changed. It is still a wonderful place, just less appealing in certain ways.

Jim WatanaJul 8, 2018

Frankly, the temple is really nice and beautiful and the price is cheap (20 baht per person = less than 1€/$). This is the most visited temple in central Chiang Mai. There is one only thing I do not like: one of the temples allowed only access to men. I could understand their habits of disregarding women on a religious basis, I'm not fighting their culture. But why on Earth do they then charge the same (even though if it is do little) to a woman than to a man if she is not able to see the whole thing? At least they could inform in advance and let you decide if you want to access the temple area.

Javier VictorJul 23, 2018

Very impressive temple! The first of my visit in Chiang Mai but no doubts it was my favorite! Take your time to visit everything! The day I visited there was a typical market, music and scouts everywhere! Don’t forget to take off your shoes!

Frederico Leitao de MeloJul 12, 2018