Wat Chedi Luang stands next to the National Museum on the main road through Chiang Saen. With only its original chedi and an open-sided viharn covered by a tin roof remaining, and the rest of its ancient religious buildings in ruins, this temple stands as a reminder of the town’s turbulent history.
Once a major city-state and the birthplace of King Mengrai, founder of the Kingdom of Lanna, the town and its many temples and palaces had been a strategic objective for several hundred years during the Burmese occupation and the frequent conflicts of resistance.
In the early 19th century, the town was strategically destroyed on the orders of the Siamese monarch Rama I to prevent its re-occupation by the Burmese. Wat Chedi Luang was founded in 1331 as Chiang Saen’s main Buddhist temple and enlarged and modified in 1515.
The octagonal chedi, still in fine condition, is 58 meters tall, pure Chiang Saen in design, and was the tallest religious structure in the north. The only remnants of the temple’s other religious buildings are the foundations and low walls, and a modern viharn has been placed on the ancient footings of the original hall. Some handicraft stalls are located int he car park, waiting for the steady stream of visitors twho pass through.
The temple grounds are quiet, rustic and overgrown with foliage and moss. Chiang Saen was repopulated by order of the Siamese King Mongkut in the late 19th century, and remains a quiet small town with many architectural remnants to this day.
Getting There
It’s a pleasant walk from the city center.
Need to Know
- What is it? A meditative ruined temple complex with an ancient chedi.
- Opening hours: 06:00-18:00 daily.
- Entrance fee: none.
- Address: Phaholyothin Road
- Where: Next to the museum and close to the western city gate.