Wat Chedi Luang

What is it?

Once the tallest structure in the ancient Lanna Kingdom – a Chiang Mai pyramid if you will – Wat Chedi Luang is one of the city's most important temples, dating back to the 14th century. Although its once massive red brick stupa collapsed in an earthquake in 1545, the temple is no less jaw dropping and is also home to Chiang Mai’s city pillar, a shrine believed to protect the city's spiritual health and prosperity. Go and pay your respects.

Why we love it: 

Chedi Luang is also a great place to learn about the region's history. The temple was also home to the Emerald Buddha for a time (it’s now in Bangkok) and its size and scale really demonstrates the religious devotion of the medieval Lanna kings.

Time Out tip:

It does cost B50 to get in, although sometimes you can slip through the back gate. Visit in the evening to see the Bat-signal-esque searchlights swooping up over the huge stupa.

103 Prapokklao Road, Old City. B50 entry. 5am-10.30pm