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](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/11462158764_a2b6c0039d_c.jpg)
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](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/11462189863_6630990d35_c.jpg)
![The Maha Chedi of Wat Chet Yot The Maha Chedi of Wat Chet Yot](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/11462173933_c68f2c24c0_c.jpg)
![70 bas-relief sculptures adorn the exterior of Maha Chedi 70 bas-relief sculptures adorn the exterior of Maha Chedi](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/11462181453_cf206fd08a_c.jpg)
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](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/11462125944_74a2779752_c.jpg)
More modern and traditional buildings:
Every day life in the monks’ quarters:
![Adios, Wat Chet Yot Adios, Wat Chet Yot](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/11462230946_bd525e5faf_c.jpg)
More information about temple’s history and architecture:
- Wat Chet Yot by Wikipedia
- Wat Chet Yot by Asian Historical Architecture
More Wat Chet Yot photos on Flickr
Wat Chet Yot on Google Maps
Interesting and beautiful. It looks like it was a pleasure to explore without many visitors.