Làk Meuang

Chiang Mai


Housed in a striking stucco chapel resembling a mon·dòp (a spire representing a Thai adaptation of a Hindu shrine) at Wat Chedi Luang, the Làk Meuang was allegedly raised by King Mengrai when Chiang Mai was founded in 1296. The pillar is locally called Sao Inthakin, and it was previously enshrined at Wat Inthakin, around the corner on Th Inthawarorot.

Buddhist rules dictate that only men can enter the pavilion to view the pillar. Note the handsome pair of yaksha (guardian demons) flanking the gateway to the shrine on Th Phra Pakklao and the Lanna warriors depicted in bas relief on the wooden doors.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chiang Mai attractions

1. Wat Phan Tao

0.07 MILES

Without doubt the most atmospheric wát in the old city, this teak marvel sits in the shadow of Wat Chedi Luang. Set in a compound full of fluttering…

2. Wat Chedi Luang

0.09 MILES

Wat Chedi Luang isn't as grand as Wat Phra Singh, but its towering, ruined Lanna-style chedi (built in 1441) is much taller and the sprawling compound…

3. Lanna Architecture Center

0.09 MILES

Formerly owned by prince Jao Maha In, this handsome mansion built in a hybrid Lanna and European style between 1889 and 1893 houses a small education…

4. Treasury Pavilion Coin Museum

0.12 MILES

It's worth ducking into this small government museum to see the bizarre shapes that Thai money has taken over the years, from hammered coins to round…

5. Wat Duang Di

0.2 MILES

This colourful, 16th-century wát's name means 'good fortune temple'. It was first constructed in the 16th century, but its massive wooden doors date from…

6. Wat Jet Lin

0.2 MILES

This friendly wát was used for the coronation of Lanna kings in the 16th century; today you can see a collection of giant gongs, a big old mon·dòp-style…

7. Wat Phan On

0.2 MILES

Fringed by gilded Buddhas, the stately chedi at this prosperous wát is visited by scores of locals after dark. There's a coffee shop and massage pavilion…

8. Wat Inthakhin Saduemuang

0.22 MILES

Tucked to the side of the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, this was the original location of the Làk Meuang (city pillar). Marooned in the middle…