Wat Ched Yod ‘The temple of those who were born in Year of the Small Snake’
Were you born in Year of the Small Snake? If so, there is a place you should go for once in lifetime, just for your own good fortune.
🐍 The Guardian of the Snake Zodiac
Wat Ched Yod is one of the most valuable and historic temple of Thai Buddhism. Also, people acknowledge it as the temple for those who were born in Year of the Small Snake. The true reason started with the belief of Lanna people, which assumed that the Buddha’s relics for whoever born in the Small Snake Year is ‘Phothibullung Viharamahaphochedi’. The relics is actually in India, too far away from Thailand. Due to the great distance, similar-looking Chedis were built instead. These Chedi are ‘Phra Chedi Ched Yod’, of course.
If you know you were born in Year of the Small Snake, don’t miss a chance of paying respect to the Chedi. At least, this should make your mind peaceful and be able to do many good things. And if you do good things, your life will be happy.
🏯 History of Wat Jed Yod
Wat Ched Yod, officially named Wat Photharam Maha Vihara, is one of Chiang Mai’s most historically and spiritually significant temples. It was commissioned by King Tilokarat, a prominent ruler of the Lanna Kingdom, in the late 15th century (around 1455 CE). Inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India—where the Buddha attained enlightenment—the temple was built to embody that same spiritual energy. Its architecture and symbolism reflect deep Buddhist devotion, as well as the openness of the Lanna culture to diverse artistic influences.
The temple also played a vital role in Buddhist history when it was chosen as the site of the 8th Buddhist Council in 1477. Monks from across the Lanna region gathered here to review and recite the Pali Canon, reaffirming Chiang Mai’s position as a religious center of Southeast Asia. Recognized for its cultural significance, Wat Jed Yod was declared a national historical monument in 1935 and remains a living testimony to the city’s religious heritage.
🛕 Architecture & Sacred Structures
The most iconic feature of the temple is its seven-spired viharn (chapel), from which the temple gets its name—“Ched Yod” meaning “seven spires.” The square structure features a unique design rarely seen elsewhere in Thailand, influenced heavily by the Mahabodhi Temple’s design yet reinterpreted through the lens of Lanna artistry. This hybrid architectural style, blending Indian, Chinese, and Northern Thai aesthetics, makes the structure both exotic and distinctly local.
One of the most stunning aspects of the temple is its stucco reliefs—over 70 celestial deities (Thewada) in elegant poses are carved into the outer walls. Local legends suggest these divine figures may have been modeled after the relatives of King Tilokarat. Inside the viharn is a barrel-vaulted hallway that leads to the principal Buddha image. The temple grounds also include a bell-shaped chedi, a classic Lanna-style ubosot, a teakwood prayer hall, and a sacred Bodhi tree said to have originated from the same lineage as the one in Bodh Gaya.
In fact, every parts in Wat Ched Yod are all fabulous. However, if you do want advices of what you should look at most, here are some outstanding things of the temple.
- The Temple Entrance Gate : This one was made by red bricks, of course. You will see how nice the pattern is. The gate consists of layered walls and poles.
- Maha Vihara : Probably the most important ancient remains of the temple, this one was used by Tilokaraj as an assembling place of every adult monks in Lanna Kingdom before.
- The Ubosot : This one was built in the year 1502.
- The Monument Chedi of Tilokaraj : The storage of Tilokaraj’s relics
- Phra Chao Than Chai : Phra Chao Than Chai is a Lord Buddha’s statue located just behind Chedi Ched Yod. The statue was completely built in 1 day only, leaving people so surprised. But, anyway, there are other Phra Chao Than Chai statues in many temple around northern Thailand, beside of Chiang Mai, too.
🌄 Atmosphere and Architectural Highlights
Stepping into Wat Jed Yod feels like stepping into a quiet, sacred oasis in the midst of the city. The surrounding shade trees and historical ruins create a calm, reflective environment perfect for spiritual contemplation. The main viharn, with its seven spires and ancient stucco guardians, commands respect and curiosity alike. Its weathered brickwork, faded textures, and balanced proportions seem to whisper stories from centuries past.
Unlike more tourist-heavy temples in central Chiang Mai, Wat Jed Yod offers visitors peace and space. Morning or late afternoon visits are ideal, as the natural light casts soft golden tones across the temple’s red bricks and leafy grounds. It’s a place where time slows down—a rare gem for travelers who seek a deeper connection with the spiritual and architectural beauty of Lanna culture.
🙏 Recommended Activities for Visitors
Visitors to Wat Jed Yod are encouraged to explore its sacred grounds slowly and thoughtfully. Start by walking around the main viharn, observing the detailed reliefs and architectural nuances. Photographers will appreciate the unique angles offered by the seven spires and aged textures. If you’re spiritually inclined—or simply curious—take a moment to light incense, offer lotus flowers, or sit quietly under the Bodhi tree.
Those born in the Year of the Snake might consider performing a full merit-making ritual, including candle offerings, chanting, and making donations for temple upkeep. For travelers interested in history and art, the site offers a rare chance to study Lanna’s religious architecture through the lens of both local and international influence.
🧭 How to Get There
Wat Jed Yod is conveniently located on the Chiang Mai–Lampang Superhighway in the Chang Phueak sub-district, just northwest of Chiang Mai Old City. It will be best if you start your trip from Huai Kaew Road, in front of Chiangmai University. You need to drive right into the downtown first. Then turn left at Rin Kam Intersection, heading for Super Highway(Chiangmai-Lampang). Keep going along the outer road for about 1 kilometre, then you will find Wat Ched Yod on your left side.
🕰️ Opening Hours, Dress Code & Entry Info
The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and visitors are welcome free of charge. However, donations for maintenance and temple projects are appreciated. As with all sacred Thai temples, modest dress is required: shoulders and knees should be covered, and footwear must be removed before entering sacred halls. Visitors are encouraged to approach the site with respect, mindfulness, and a sense of calm.
Nearby Places
The Chiang Mai zoo is surrounded by beautiful lush, terrain which provides perfect conditions for many thousands of species of wild plants and flowers, showcasing the natural landscape of valleys streams and waterfalls. The zoo is the only zoo, in north Thailand, where visitors can experience the joy, wonder and intimacy of many species of animals in their natural habitat.
Nimmanhaemin Road’s been bubbling away for a good few years now as the new ‘alternative’ tourism and leisure hotspot in Chiang Mai, with trendy restaurants, cafes, bars and boutique hotels already all well-discovered by the locals and Thai holiday makers.
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