How to get there

From Chiang Mai International Airport: Chiang Mai International Airport is about 4 kilometers away from Wat Chedi Luang. You can choose to take a taxi, which takes about 15-20 minutes and costs about 200-300 baht. Remember to negotiate the price before getting on the car; you can also take the Grab taxi app to call a taxi, the price is relatively transparent and will be slightly cheaper than a taxi; you can also choose the airport bus, after arriving at the station near the ancient city, you can change to a songthaew or walk to the destination. This method is the most affordable, and the airport bus fare is about 60 baht.

Getting there in the Old Town of Chiang Mai: Transportation in the old town is very convenient. Renting a motorcycle is a good choice. The rental fee is about 200-300 baht a day. You can freely travel through the streets and alleys of the old town and enjoy the scenery along the way. Taking a rickshaw is also a common way to travel. Just wave and the driver will stop. Tell the driver your destination. It usually costs 20-40 baht per person. The driver will pick you up along the way according to the passenger's destination. If you like walking, it is also very pleasant to walk from every corner of the old town to Chedi Luang Temple. Not only can you feel the charm of the old town, but you can also stop at any time to explore the roadside shops. The whole journey takes about 20-40 minutes, depending on the departure point.

Ticket Information

The ticket price for Chedi Luang Temple is usually 30-50 baht, which is affordable and very cost-effective. The ticket office is right at the entrance of the temple and is very conspicuous. The temple is open from 6:00 to 18:00 every day. It is recommended to go there before 9:00 am or after 4:00 pm to avoid the peak tourist hours. You can better appreciate the temple scenery and take pictures without too many people.

Tour route planning

Entrance and courtyard: Entering from the main gate of the temple, the first thing that comes into view is the spacious courtyard with stone slabs on the ground and lush green plants on both sides. Stroll in the courtyard and feel the peaceful and peaceful atmosphere. At the same time, you can see the majestic main pagoda in the distance.

Main pagoda area: The main pagoda is the core building of Chedi Luang Temple. Although it has been destroyed, it is still magnificent. Visit the main pagoda clockwise and carefully observe the carvings on the pagoda. Although some of these carvings are incomplete, they still show the exquisite craftsmanship of the Lanna Dynasty at that time. There are Buddha statues in the four directions of the pagoda. Although some of the Buddha statues are missing their heads, the solemnity and compassion can still be felt from their postures.

Surrounding temples: After visiting the main pagoda, go to the surrounding temples. These temples have different styles, with Buddha statues of different shapes enshrined inside. The walls are painted with exquisite murals, telling Buddhist stories and the history of the Lanna Dynasty. Some temples also have monks chanting scriptures. Visitors can sit quietly aside, listen to the scriptures, and feel the profoundness of Buddhist culture.

Small pagodas and ruins in the back: Continue to walk back, and you can see some small pagodas and architectural ruins. Although they are small in scale, they also carry the memory of history. Here you can slow down, savor every detail, and imagine the prosperous scene of the temple in the past.

Recommended snacks nearby

Northern Thai curry noodles: This is one of the specialties of Chiang Mai. The rich curry soup is paired with chewy noodles, plus tender chicken or beef, and sprinkled with crispy noodles. It has a rich taste and rich flavor. Every bite is full of northern Thai style. It can be tasted in many restaurants around Chedi Luang Temple.

Mango sticky rice: Sweet and soft sticky rice with fresh and juicy mango, topped with a layer of fragrant coconut milk, sweet but not greasy, is a popular dessert. When eating, stir the mango, sticky rice and coconut milk together, so that every bite is full of the wonderful fusion of the three ingredients.

Roasted insects: This is a relatively unique snack, including roasted crickets, roasted silkworm pupae, etc. For tourists who dare to try, it is a novel experience, with a crispy taste and a light spice flavor, which can be found in the surrounding night market stalls.

Local customs and precautions

Dress etiquette: Dress appropriately when entering the temple, and avoid wearing revealing clothes such as shorts, short skirts, and belly-baring clothes. You can rent a pair of sarongs or trousers at the entrance of the temple, the cost is about 20-50 baht.

Religious etiquette: Respect Buddhist beliefs, take off your shoes when entering the temple, and do not touch the Buddha statues and religious items at will. Do not make loud noises in the temple, keep quiet, and do not behave disrespectfully.

Photo etiquette: When photographing Buddha statues and monks, you must first ask for their consent. Do not use flash to avoid affecting others and damaging cultural relics.

Respect customs: Thai people attach great importance to etiquette. When meeting, they usually put their hands together. Tourists can imitate the etiquette of locals to show respect. When communicating with locals, be polite and humble.

A trip to Chedi Luang Temple is not only an exploration of history and culture, but also a spiritual baptism. I hope this guide can help you better appreciate the charm of Chedi Luang Temple and spend an unforgettable trip to Chiang Mai.