Wat Chet Yot, Chiang Mai

Photo © Tanit Follett. View all images in our Wat Chet Yot Photo Gallery.

Photo © John Wigham.

Photo © Gi+Cri Fargilli.

Wat Chet Yot (also spelled Wat Jed Yod) in Chiang Mai is a unique and elegant temple located in peaceful green grounds. Built in 1453 to host the eighth World Buddhist Council, it is named for its seven spires.

History

Wat Chet Yot was built in 1453 during the reign of King Tilokkarat, whose remains are in one of the temple's small chedis. In 1477, it hosted the eighth meeting of the World Buddhist Council, convened to clarify doctrinal matters.

What to See

Located near a major highway, the grounds of Wat Chet Yot are nevertheless green and peaceful. The temple's architecture is patterned after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, India, where the Buddha found enlightenment. The seven spires represent the seven weeks he subsequently spent in meditation there.

The temple also incorporates Thai, Lao, Indian, and Chinese influences, giving it a unique but elegant appearance.

The rectangular base of the pagoda is decorated with 70 weathered bas-reliefs, considered masterpieces of Lanna art. The temple roof can be climbed, but unfortunately only male visitors can enjoy this privilege.

Quick Facts on Wat Chet Yot

Site Information
Names:	Wat Chedi Yot (Seven-Spired Pagoda); Wat Chet Yot; Wat Chet Yot, Chiang Mai; Wat Jed Yod; Wat Photharam Maha Viharn
City:	Chiang Mai
Country:	Thailand
cat:	Temples
faith:	Buddhism
Status:	active
Visitor and Contact Information
Location:	Chiang Mai, Thailand
Coordinates:	18.808915° N, 98.971823° E (view on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:	Daily 6am-5pm
Cost:	Suggested donation 20B
Lodging:	View hotels near this location

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of Wat Chet Yot

Below is a location map and aerial view of Wat Chet Yot. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

Wat Chet Yot - Asian Historical Architecture
Wat Jed Yod - Frommer's Thailand
Wat Chedi Yot - Fodor's Thailand

More Information

Wat Chet Yot, Chiang Mai - Go Historic
Photos of Wat Chet Yot - here on Sacred Destinations

Article Info

Title:	Wat Chet Yot, Chiang Mai
Author:	Holly Hayes
Last updated:	06/20/2009
Permalink:	www.sacred-destinations.com/thailand/chiang-mai-wat-chet-yot
Link code:	<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/thailand/chiang-mai-wat-chet-yot">Wat Chet Yot, Chiang Mai</a>