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Buddha statue at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen, Thailand

Wat Chedi Luang is one of the more interesting ruins in the old Lanna city of Chiang Saen, Thailand. The temple was originally built in 1291, not long after the construction of the city walls by King Saen Phu.

These days, Wat Chedi Luang is still a working temple, and there are some modern structures built among and on top of the old ruins.

Surrounding the temple is a brick wall with various statues built on top of it.

A tree strangles a wall at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen, Thailand

A tree growing over the surrounding wall

Statues at the entrance gate at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen, Thailand

A statue at the entrance gate

Most of the temple is badly in ruin, however the most impressive structure is the main chedi which gives the temple it’s name and is the largest in Chiang Saen. There are other remains of chedis and different structures scattered around the grounds, but central to it all is the old viharn which has a modern structure built over it for current use. It has been built in such a way that you can still appreciate the ruins of the viharn underneath it.

main chedi at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen, Thailand

The main chedi built in the late 13th century and extended in the 16th century

A wall at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen, Thailand

An ancient wall and pathway in the temple

Crumbled ruins at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen, Thailand

The crumbled remains of a chedi

Tree growing over ruins at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen, Thailand

A tree growing over some ruins

The remains of an old chedi at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen, Thailand

The remains of an old chedi

Viharn at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Saen, Thailand

The old viharn with modern roof and decorations

If you love history and exploring ancient ruins, Chiang Saen is well worth a visit, and you can easily make a day trip from Chiang Rai and include a visit to the Golden Triangle at the same time. When I visited Chiang Saen I seemed to be the only tourist in town, so it’s also a great place to escape the crowds and have more of a local experience.