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Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Chedi Luang: Our most recommended tours and activities

Chiang Mai’s Highlights: Sightseeing Night Bike Tour

1. Chiang Mai’s Highlights: Sightseeing Night Bike Tour

Begin your laid-back evening bike tour at 6.00 PM by heading towards the old city wall’s eastern gate, passing many of Chiang Mai’s quaint lanes. Arrive at the first stop, Tha Phae Gate, which was once the entrance through which traders brought their wares into the city. Learn more about Chiang Mai's history as a trading hub at this beautifully restored gate.  Continue your ride through the spaghetti streets of the old city to the temple Wat Intakhin, with its serene 700 hundred year old white Buddha and the Three Kings Monument, where you will hear about the founding of Chiang Mai. Proceed with the tour to the city moat. Leaving the bikes by the side of the moat, walk across to Wat Lok Molee with its beautifully illuminated stupa and ornate wooden prayer hall. At this time of day you have a good chance of hearing the monks chanting their prayers.  The next stop is Chiang Mai’s grandest monument: Wat Chedi Luang was built to house the ashes of a king and was once the home of the Emerald Buddha, now housing the City Pillar and 3 auspicious dipterocarp trees which provide protection to the city. Cycle to Chiang Mai’s Gate Market for the last stop and wander through the bustling night market. Walking through the market, your guide will point out the different types of street foods available. After selecting some food to sample, sit down with a drink and enjoy the night market atmosphere.

Chiang Mai: Private Tuk Tuk Tour of City Temples With Pickup

2. Chiang Mai: Private Tuk Tuk Tour of City Temples With Pickup

Explore Chiang Mai’s more popular temples with a Tuk Tuk and take a stroll through the eclectic and colorful Warorot Street Market in this half-day tour. The first stop will be Wat Chedi Luang. Known as the “Temple of the Big Stupa”, this 700+-year-old temple, famous for its Lanna-inspired designs, was once the home of the much-revered Emerald Buddha statue. Take a visit there today and you'll see a replica version which was a donation from the Thai king.  Pass by the 3 Kings Monument, a shrine named after the three founders of Chiang Mai, before moving on to Wat Phra Singh temple. One of the more venerated temples in Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh was built in the 14th century and is famous for its northern Thai designs and impeccable gardens. Next, visit the Tha Phae Gate. A famous landmark for locals and visitors alike, it was once part of a high-bricked defensive wall that surrounded the city. Discover the host of bars, restaurants, and hotels within walking distance. After wandering around the gate, visit Wat Srisuphan, or the Silver Temple which was named after its ornate silver-colored designs. Before the day ends, stop at Warorot Market or Muang Mai Street Market and shop for local street food or produce.

Chiang Mai: Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour

3. Chiang Mai: Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour

Join a short walking tour around Chiang Mai to visit some of the city’s most famous temples in just two hours. You'll see Wat Chedi Luang with its large stupa, the humble Wat Phan Lao and stunning Wat Phra Singh. The first stop on your walking tour will be Wat Chedi Luang. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, this impressive temple has the largest stupa in Chiang Mai. Walking around the sprawling compound you have the chance to see striking Lanna-style design up close. Compared to Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phan Tao will seem quite humble in size. However, don’t let its size fool you, this small temple features intricately carved teak wood facades. It was once a throne hall for King Mahotara Prateth before becoming a dedicated house of prayer.  Lavish Wat Phra Singh is the final stop on your tour. This stunning building built in the 14th century is one of Chiang Mai’s finest temples. With amazing grounds, mosaic-inlaid sanctuary, large Lion Buddha statue and gilded pagodas, there’s a photo opportunity waiting around every corner.

Chiang Mai: Temples & Culture Tour

4. Chiang Mai: Temples & Culture Tour

Explore the historical and cultural heritage of Chiang Mai on a small-group or private tour of the most important temples, including Phra Singh, Chedi Luang and Chiang Man. Benefit from hotel pick-up, and then make your way by air-conditioned minivan to the active temple of Wat Phra Singh. Marvel at the highly revered Buddha images of the 14th-century monument, including the important Buddha statue of Phra Buddha Sihing. Discover the largest monument of Chiang Mai during the days of the Lanna Kingdom at the beautiful Wat Chedi Luang. Learn more about the ancient rulers of Northern Thailand on a tour of the temple grounds. Continue to Wat Chiang Man, built by the Lanna king Mangrai in 1297 AD. See historical artifacts that tell the story of the city at the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, built in the traditional northern architectural style with a typical Lanna-style.

Chiang Mai Top Temples & Handicraft Center Private Day Tour

5. Chiang Mai Top Temples & Handicraft Center Private Day Tour

Enjoy a day visiting Chiang Mai's ancient temples and a handicraft center to see craftsmen at work. The first stop is the 14th-century Wat Chediluang, in the heart of old city. Continue to Wat Phra Sing, the city's most venerated temple. Its smaller worship hall is a fine example of Lanna architecture. Afterwards, visit Wat Chiang Man, the first temple in Chiang Mai built by King Mangrai. Enjoy authentic Thai food for lunch before visiting the Doi Suthep Temple, perched on a mountaintop at 3,520 feet above sea level. Head to the Sankampaeng handicraft center to see silk weaving and to visit silverware, lacquerware, ceramics and jewelry factories.

Chiang Mai City Culture Bicycle Ride

6. Chiang Mai City Culture Bicycle Ride

Explore the city of Chiang Mai on a half-day 25KM cycling tour that takes you through and around the rich cultural center of Chiang Mai. Ride through small back roads, alleyways and pass beautiful temples and colorful markets while seeing local people continue their daily activities. Stop at a silversmith who fabricates beautiful jewelry in different shapes and sizes (sorry, no shopping). Visit the adjacent Silver Temple to see the monks keeping themselves busy making decorations of alloy used for the renovation of this temple. Continue through narrow alleys and small lanes to the center of the city, where you'll visit Wat Chedi Luang. After shooting pictures of this remarkable Chedi, stop for a refreshment at the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution. Not too far from here, make a stop at the most visited and most beautiful temple of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh. Continue to the outer circle of the center, passing through a fresh and flower market where you'll see the most beautiful flowers of the North. Cycle further and cross the river and stop for another refreshment at a local market. Learn about and taste some exotic fruits and/or local snacks. Take a surprising route back to the partner's office. With a lot of new impressions, return to your hotel.

Chiang Mai: Ancient Temples Guided Spanish Tour

7. Chiang Mai: Ancient Temples Guided Spanish Tour

Discover some of Chiang Mai’s most stunning temples and discover delicious treats at a popular food market on a half-day tour with a Spanish-speaking guide. Choose from a shared group tour or a private tour. Meet your Spanish guide in front of the gates of the Wat Phra Sing temple, one of the most important and well-known temples in Chiang Mai. Explore the picturesque grounds and lush garden and get a deeper understanding of Buddhism and Buddhist monks.    Continue to uncover another jewel of Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang, an ancient temple that was used as a fortress to protect property and monarchy from Burmese invasions. Inside the enclosure, you will see the huge chedi, a traditional hemispherical structure, where the Emerald Buddha was once one display. Next, visit the oldest temple in Chiang Mai made of teak wood, Wat Phan Tao. Wander around and see the garden and the different enclosures. The temple’s chedi has many elephant figures around it, making it a photogenic point where you can see rituals on many days. Lastly, go to a local fruit and vegetable market with beautiful wall interiors. Listen as your guide informs you about how the produce is used in Thai cuisine. The tour will be at around 1:00 PM and your guide will give you recommendations for places to enjoy a delicious lunch.

Chiang Mai: Customize Your Own Chiang Mai City Tour

8. Chiang Mai: Customize Your Own Chiang Mai City Tour

Plan your own tour of Chiang Mai and have your own driver take you around the temples, markets, and famous sights. Shop for local food at Warorot Market, visit sacred temples such as Wat Chiang Man, and buy handicrafts on Chang Moi Street. Relax in a comfortable air-conditioned car. Craft your own itinerary and indicate three to four attractions you would like to see when you purchase your trip. Take note of the distance between locations when you are planning. Give your guide some options so that the best tour schedule can be designed for you. If you are unsure, check out the sacred temples of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singh, or Wat Chedi Luang (Temple of the Big Stupa). Visit Warorot Market and see the clothes, local products, and food on sale at the most famous market in Northern Thailand. Check out the silver temple at Wat Srisuphan, purchase fruit and flowers at Ton Lamyai Flower Market, and walk along Chang Moi Street, known for selling handicrafts. Take in the famous landmark of Tha Pae Gate, the eastern gate of the walled city. The complete list of attractions includes Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang (Temple of the Big Stupa), Wat Phan Tao, 3 Kings Monument, Wat Chiang Man (Chiang Mai’s oldest temple), Wat Lok Moli, Wat Suan Dok, Wat Umong (tunnel temple), Wat Srisuphan (silver temple), Warorot Market (Kad Luang), Ton Lamyai Flower Market (fruit and flower market), Thapae Gate, Chang Moi Street (handicraft street), Kruba Srivichai Monument, Wat Pha Lat (Hidden Temple).

Chiang Mai: Nighttime City Highlights Tram Tour

9. Chiang Mai: Nighttime City Highlights Tram Tour

06.00 p.m. Meet a local tour guide at the meeting point, Three King Monument, and then brief history of Chiang Mai history in this area. Get on the tram around moat and city gates through numerous temples, local market with vibrant street food scene with a local foodie. A short stop for highlight places - Wat Lok Molee, one of the oldest temples in Chiang Mai - Chiang Mai Gate, the best street food spot for local and tourist - Wat Chedi Luang, enormous temple for the most important city and religious ceremonies - Wat Pan Tao, originally build as a royal residence with Lanna architecture 08.00 p.m. Drop off at Three King Monument

Chiang Mai: Historic Old City 4-Hour Bike Tour

10. Chiang Mai: Historic Old City 4-Hour Bike Tour

Discover the back streets inside the Old City walls of Chiang Mai on a slow and easy 12-kilometer bike ride suitable for families with young children. Meander through the small lanes to sights such as the Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple where ancient marble and crystal Buddha images are enshrined. Discover the rarely visited Wat Sadue Muang, known as the "“Temple of the City Navel” in reference to the location where the temple was built over 700 years ago. See its glorious white Buddha statue and the Three Kings Monument. Learn more about the Wat Chedi Luang, built to house the ashes of a Lanna king and formerly the home of the Emerald Buddha now at the Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. Admire the gate of Tha Phae, where traders used to bring their wares into the city, and learn about Chiang Mai's history as a trading hub. Then, wander through Somphet Market and taste a few of the local fruits and sweets.

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What people are saying about Wat Chedi Luang

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 170 reviews

Kit was awesome! He was a few minutes early at our hotel for our tour. He explained each stop on our tour in pleasant detail. There wasn’t a single question that stumped him. The Doi Suthep temple experience for sunrise is something we will never forget. It felt like we had the temple to ourselves before all the big tour busses arrive. Watt Pha Lot temple was tranquil and beautiful. We even met a man before his ceremony to become a new monk. I would highly recommend this tour and Kit!

Pisout was an amazing guide, he has so much knowledge just wish the tour could have gone on for longer, we visited some temples and learnt so much and then he bought us a fresh coconut after too! He also is so friendly and welcome to ask him any questions Thank you so much pisout !!!

This tour is a good use of your time instead of wandering aimlessly by yourself admiring the temples, a friendly guide tells you about some of the local history and gives you the context you need to appreciate them and get more out of your experience in old town cuang mai.

Paul was an amazing guide and told us a lot about the history, the temples and Chiang mai. We would definitely recommend the tour!

Excellent guide and driver. Made our time in Chiangmai memorable. Very good English and interesting depth of knowledge.