Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai Monuments and Historic Buildings: Wat Chedi Luang
Wat Chedi Luang is situated on the Prapokklao Road which lies directly at the center of the city.
The name roughly translates to a “Royal Pagoda” and it is the site of a massive pagoda, which was destroyed during the earthquake of 1545. The pagoda has been partially restored but is without a spire.
The temple was originally built by King Saeng Muang Ma in the year 1401 and shortly before the earthquake; it was extended to a height of eighty-six meter.
The reconstruction work started in 1991-92 and it amounted to millions of baht. Today it stands as one of the major tourist attractions of Chaing Mai. For a short time, the temple also housed the Emerald Buddha image, which is the most scared image of Buddha, in all of Thailand.
Apart from the pagoda, the temple contains many Buddha images in various postures. A large plaza located in the complex often sees various artists offering their wares.