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Photo of the Week: Novice Monks at Historic Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Photo of the Week: Novice Monks at Historic Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai, ThailandChiang Mai in northern Thailand masterfully blends modern amenities with over 300 Buddhist temples (wats) seamlessly woven into the urban landscape. Nestled on quiet backstreets, dramatically perched along major roads, and gracing nearly every corner, each wat is uniquely captivating.

Wat Chedi Luang, showcased in our photo above, ranks among Chiang Mai's oldest temple complexes, constructed in the 14th century. Prior to its partial destruction in the 1545 earthquake, the main chedi was Thailand's largest, towering 82 meters high with a 54-meter base diameter.

Only a handful of the massive stone elephants protruding from the structure withstood the quake. Yet, Wat Chedi Luang endures as one of Chiang Mai's most awe-inspiring sites. Visit early morning to commune peacefully with the Buddhas, stone elephants, and novice monks en route to school, ahead of the crowds.


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