Wat Chet Yot

Wat Chet Yot is a Buddhist temple in northern Chiang Mai featuring a central pyramid-shaped sanctuary crowned by seven distinctive spires. The grounds contain multiple bell-shaped chedis scattered throughout that house Buddha statues and religious structures.

King Tilokarat founded the temple in 1455 after sending monks to study the Mahabodhi temple in Bagan for architectural inspiration. This royal commission established a significant Buddhist center in northern Siam based on those religious teachings.

The temple holds special significance for those born in the Year of the Snake and draws devotees to its regular Buddhist ceremonies and religious gatherings. Visitors can observe how the community uses the space for daily worship and spiritual practice.

The temple sits northwest of Chiang Mai's city center and requires visitors to wear appropriate clothing as a sign of respect for the sacred site. The grounds are open daily and allow time to walk through the various structures and courtyards at a leisurely pace.

The central Maha Chedi contains weathered stucco reliefs depicting divine beings that may represent members of Tilokarat's family from the 15th century. These intricate carvings suggest a personal connection between the royal founder and the sacred structure he commissioned.

Location: Chang Phueak

GPS coordinates: 18.80908,98.97165

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42