Wat Chet Yot (Seven Spired Temple)

Wat Chet Yot is my favorite temple in Chiang Mai. It is located outside of the city walls which considerably reduces the amount of wandering tourists. The lush greenery, free-roaming roosters, a vegetable patch, wood-carving shed: all-in-all, Wat Chet Yot looks almost homely. Frankly, it’s worth a visit just to look at the gates. They are magnificent and look like an illustration to some ancient legend or the Indiana Jones movie.

Wat Chet Yot Gates
Wat Chet Yot Gates

The temple was built in mid 15th century. The design of the main sanctuary, Maha Chedi, was influenced by Indian temples and has 7 spires after which the temple was named (chet yot=seven spires). The temple hosted the Eighth World Buddhist Council in 1477.

Maha Chedi, the central sanctuary
Maha Chedi, the central sanctuary
The Maha Chedi of Wat Chet Yot
The Maha Chedi of Wat Chet Yot
70 bas-relief sculptures adorn the exterior of Maha Chedi
70 bas-relief sculptures adorn the exterior of Maha Chedi

The older part of the temple:

King Tilokarat is buried in this chedi. He ordered the construction of Wat Chet Yot
King Tilokarat is buried in this chedi. He ordered the construction of Wat Chet Yot

Older part of the templeOlder part of the templeOlder part of the temple: the gatesQuiet cemetery

More modern and traditional buildings:

Traditional lanna styleNewer part of the templeNewer part of the temple

Every day life in the monks’ quarters:

Daily life of the templeDaily life of the templeDaily life of the temple

Adios, Wat Chet Yot
Adios, Wat Chet Yot

More information about temple’s history and architecture:

More Wat Chet Yot photos on Flickr

Wat Chet Yot on Google Maps

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