Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan, Chiang Mai

The old chedi is as beautiful as I remembered it all those years ago. The main cathedral/prayer hall at the front is beautiful, go inside and enjoy the cooling shade and marvel at those huge golden pillars. Toilets are super clean with slippers to use (unless if you encounter a big group of China tourists...). So much of development around the old Chedi Luang, wish they'd stop though. Security was friendly and you can park your bicycles at the motorbike parking area.

The most famous, almost the same age with the city itself. The main attraction of the temple is a huge chedi, 98 m high and 54 m wide. Pagoda was raised in 1481 and had an even greater height, but due to the earthquake of 1545 it was partially destroyed.

I am a little sad about this majestic temple ruin in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I have been a regular long stay visitor in Chiang Mai for many years and one place I liked to visit regularly was Wat Chedi Luang. I would ride my bicycle there early in the morning just to see the shifting morning light on the ruined Chedi itself and also on the orange robes of the monks as they made their morning rounds. There would be no tourists, just me an my bicycle and my camera, sitting on a bench, in the shade of a very old tree. Fast forward to today and someone has figured out that the large numbers of tourists now visiting are all willing to pay an entrance fee. So there are now security gates and uniformed enforcers running around making sure no-one gets in without paying. The peace and tranquility that once enveloped this temple has been trampled on in exchange for a very poorly planned and laid out method of making an income of what once was a very beautiful place to spend a few moments in the shade contemplating the majesty of man's many great attempts to put meaning to this life. Suggestion for enjoying Wat Chedi Luang as it is now: I am not really sure, maybe arrive very early, the entrance fee is not very high, so that is not what I am complaining about. It is all the commotion that goes on because of the increase in tourism and the enforcement of the entrance fee structure that is annoying to me, Maybe wear ear plugs and dark glasses while dealing with security and the arrival of tour groups.

Simply Stunning. Visited yesterday. 31/05/18. Had hired a driver to take us to a few Wats/Temples/Chedi around the City. This was our first stop. It was a Spectacular, Mind Blowing, with Magnificent Monuments. We used up all our time here so had to do a renegotiation of price with our driver....no problem. He was even taking "selfies". Everywhere you looked was a photo opportunity. You'd be looking at one of the Temples and then something minute would catch the corner of your eye. There were so many moments of, " did you see this? Did you see that?" I was in Awe of the History told in so Many Different Ways. From the Magnificent Breath Taking Chedi Luang itself. To the Giant Trees that have stood for Centuries over this Sacred Place. The tiny Precious Stone Statues inlaid with Gold and Gems. And then around the corner in a nondescript little Temple the most Incredible Golden Buddha. I'll be returning in the next few days to spend much more time there. Even just to sit under one of the Giant Trees in the shade to only LOOK. Oh, one of the Temples is off limits to Women. It's a Religious Rule. Don't be offended. The Admission for non Thai is 40 baht. The Toilets are spotless.....use for a small donation. There are stalls for Souvenirs, cold drinks and snacks. Take plenty of water to drink. Wear a hat or have an umbrella. Enjoy.

It used to be the best temple in Chiang Mai to visit and walk around in without big crowds or an entrance fee. Things have changed. It is still a wonderful place, just less appealing in certain ways.