Wat Ched Yod was originally called Wat Photharam Mahavihara and was built in 1455 during the reign of King Tilokarat, the 9th ruler of the Mangrai Dynasty, a golden era of the Lanna Kingdom.

Historical Monuments and Unique Architecture

Seven-Spire Chedi (Mahabodhi Temple):

• Inspiration: Modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India, where the Buddha attained enlightenment. King Tilokarat commissioned Siha Khotsenabodi to study and bring back the design.

• Architecture: A square-shaped chedi with seven spires situated on a base structure, giving the temple its name “Wat Ched Yod.”

• Deva Assembly Stucco: The exterior walls are decorated with stucco sculptures of standing and kneeling angels, representing the Deva Assembly from ten thousand universes paying homage to the Buddha. The motifs show a mix of Lankā and Sukhothai artistic influences blended with local Lanna craftsmanship.

• Chedi Containing King Tilokarat’s Ashes: Located northeast of the main Chedi hall, built during the reign of King Yot Chiang Rai (son of King Tilokarat).

Historical and Religious Significance

• 8th World Recitation of the Tipitaka: In 1477 CE, the temple hosted the 8th World Recitation of the Tipitaka under King Tilokarat’s patronage, the first such event in Thailand.

• Seven Sacred Sites (Sattamahasathan): King Tilokarat ordered the construction of seven sacred sites corresponding to the seven weeks Buddha spent after attaining enlightenment, mirroring Bodh Gaya.

• Temple for the Year of the Snake: The Seven-Spire Chedi serves as the sacred relic for people born in the Year of the Snake.

By car/taxi:

• From Huay Kaew Road, turn right at Rin Kham Intersection (near Maya Mall) onto the Superhighway (Highway 11), then follow the signs to the temple.

Public transport:

• Local red trucks (Songthaew) in Chiang Mai city, ask to go to “Wat Ched Yod.”

Parking:

• Visitor parking available inside the temple grounds.

• Art appreciation: Examine the stucco angels around the chedi to appreciate Lanna-era artistic mastery.

• Best time to visit: Morning to avoid the heat, as the chedi is an open-air heritage site.

• Dress code: As a royal monastery and historical site, dress respectfully.

Admission Fee:

• Free of charge

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 06:00 – 18:00