Thailand is a country with rich historical sites left behind by the previous empires and kingdom since thousand years ago. Take for example wat chedi Luang temple located in Chiang Mai. This historic site is quite impressive. When you visit wat chedi Luang, you will travel back to the era at six centuries ago.
History of Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang Chiang Mai, also known as the Jedi Luang, and the temple of the Great Stupa was built as the order of King Saen Muang Ma in the 14th century to enshrine his father’s ashes. He died 10 years later leaving the building unfinished. His widow tried to continue the project but the stability problems caused the temple construction to be finished when king Tilokaraj was on charge.
In1535, a massive earthquake caused much damage to wat Chedi Luang. The 85 meters tall and 44-meter width building lose its top part with around 60 meters left. But the reconstruction was done in the early 1990s, financed by UNESCO and the Japanese government, resulting in what Chedi Luang Chiang Mai today, claimed to have Central Thai style instead of Lanna style.
Things to Do in Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang has large grounds, offering things to see. The best attraction is the huge chedi (pagoda) which has five elephant sculptures on the south side at the base. The four sides of the chedi itself also contain large staircases flanked by the naga (serpents), creating a mythical feeling about the building. The eastern side of temple Chiang Mai used to be the place of the Emerald Buddha replica but it was never taken back after the restoration. Wandering around the temple grounds, you will also find two viharas or prayer halls, city pillar building and Wat Phan Tao, a beautifully carved teak temple with a smaller size.
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Wat Chedi Luang Entrance Fee
Wat Chedi Luang in Thailand is one of the most visited temples in this country. Locals usually come to pray, especially when religious events and services held. If you want to visit this temple, you must dress respectfully by covering your knees, shoulders and midriffs. It opens daily from 6 am to 8 pm where you can spend about 30-60 minutes for exploring temple. Do not forget to prepare money for the entrance fee, which is 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children while it is free for locals.
How to Go to Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang location is on Prakpokklao Road, in the center of the old city between Chiang Mai Gate and Changpuak Gate. It is quite easy to find the temple because it is the tallest building in Chiang Mai. You can take a songthaew (red trucks operate as shared taxis), the local transport to destination that costs around 30 baht per person.
The best time to visit wat chedi Luang Chiang Mai is in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of sunshine. Besides wandering around the temple grounds, you can also find a chance to have chats with the daily monks. Have you checked your holidays? Visit Airpaz to book the flight to wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.
Photo by : Lim Kim Keong & Asia tour
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