Wat Chedi Luang translates literally from the Thai as 鈥楳onastery of the Great Stupa'. Construction of the temple began at the end of the 14th century when the Lan Na Kingdom was in its prime. King Saen Muang Ma (1385-1401) intended it as the site of a great reliquary to enshrine the ashes of his father; King Ku Na (1355-85). Today it is the the site of the Lak Muang or City Pillar. The annual Inthakin ceremony occurs within the confines of the temple.

Chiang Mai (meaning 'new city'); sometimes written as 'Chiengmai' or 'Chiangmai'; is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand. King Mengrai founded the city of Chiang Mai in 1296; and it succeeded Chiang Rai as capital of the Lanna kingdom.