Wat Chedi Luang

A thirteenth century gigantic temple which underwent a partial destruction in 16th century due to earthquake. There is a model kept from which we can only imagine how majestic the original 80 mtr high temple was. There are elephants and buddha statues on all four sides. Honeybees have made a hive above the statue on one side. The main viharna is also very beautiful inside. In the evening there is a laser decorative show. On one side there is an Indra temple below which a ching mai city pillar is kept. Ladies are not allowed in this temple. Indra is a king of gods but I have not come across a single Indra temple in India.But what amazed me most was the huge very tall rubber tree ,must be hundreds of years old. There are many big peepal trees inside. Lot of water lilies in big pots around the viharna hall. There is entrance ticket for foreigners of 50 baht. When I came out of this temple and turned left , I notic3d a very old big wood3n temple, clos3d and somewhat neglected. There is a bodhi(peepal)tree full of decorative sky lanterns hanging from braches with a sitting and meditating buddha statue under it . What a view!

Two Thai friends accompanied us, and served as our tour guides, in our recent evening visit to the wat. As the intention was specifically to enjoy the lights and the light show! Veritably, it was an truly amazing journey and experience, walking and strolling leisurely around the gigantic and awesome chedi and stupa structure. The colourful laser-light shows (each segment about 5 mins' duration) were quite interesting and fun for us. Overall, the wat is such a grand heritage creation from the ancestors generations and many centuries past. Quite unimaginable: truly, the wat remaining one of the most historically and spiritually significant temple complexes in Northern Thailand today. We were glad that we were also able to visit and experience the Chiang Mai City Pillar institution on the wat premises (near the main entrance) as well.

Wat Chedi Luang is especially beautiful at night. We visited after dark and the lighting completely changes the experience, giving the temple a much more powerful and atmospheric presence. It really takes the place to another level. There was a projection mapping show while we were there—not mind-blowing, but still interesting and nicely integrated into the space. The ancient structure of the temple itself is striking and feels very different from other temples, mainly because you don’t often get to see ruins of this scale so up close. Inside, the Reclining Buddha and the interior decorations add a calm, intimate contrast to the massive exterior. Overall, it’s a very pleasant night visit, easy to enjoy at a slower pace, and a nice way to experience the temple from a different perspective.