The chedi has seven spires which is quite unusual although it is in a state of mild disrepair. Besides the historical significance of these temple complex the other main draw is its peaceful and serene grounds. When I visited in late afternoon there were just a handful of visitors. I recommend you combine this visit with the national museum which is 5 or 6 hundred meters away and / or the tribal museum which is a bit farther north.
Consists of several temples & shrines, the most unique one is the snake temple with Indian influence. Many people come to pray as it's the full moon day of Lunar calender. It's pleasant to stroll around before noon as the wind was still bit cooler.
This is really one of the best temple complexes in the Chiang Mai area. It's a bit further out than most of the other temples, but that means fewer tourists, which is a good thing.
This isn't a single temple, but rather, a complex and will offer you both older sites and more modern temple buildings. The older sites are particularly fascinating and although they're billed as in the Indian style, the Khmer influence is obvious. The entire grounds are peaceful, much of it shaded (REALLY nice) on a hot, sunny day and a place where you can just casually walk, sit and enjoy yourself.
The one caution that I'd offer is to make sure that you arrange round trip transportation, because it is a bit out beyond the city center. We took a taxi out and our hotel assured us that getting transportation back would be no problem. That wasn't exactly the case. We couldn't find any transportation at the sire and since it's located next to the super highway, the local options just weren't there. They do have a tourist information office, but no one there spoke any English, so they weren't able to offer any help in that regard. We finally left the grounds and headed for the Maya Center up the road. We were finally able to snag a tuk tuk and get back to the old city, but I wouldn't want to chance it if you can help it. Do yourself a favor and hire round trip transportation, then enjoy a really fine experience at the complex.
My friend and I met a driver when we were at a temple in the Old City, who offered to drive us round half a dozen places or so for something stupid like 200 tbh. I'd had a similar experience in Phuket a few years ago and asked if it was the same system where he got stamps for taking tourists to shops; he confirmed it was. Turned out to be a lucky day for us!
He took us to some great places, my favourite of which was this temple. Our driver said its the oldest in Chiang Mai. The detail on the buildings is incredible and it was so quiet and rather than swamped by tourists and people selling tat. It was a pleasant change. We visited at the end of their new year and it was adorned in colourful banners and flags in celebration. So glad we had the opportunity to visit here.
Our local host, Khun Nueng Nathibayapthis brought us to this temple by his car. I love this temple because so quite, mystic, ancient, but well preserved. Thanks Khun Nueng!
