Wat Chedi Luang translates as ‘royal stupa temple’; there are quite a few similarly named temples around but we’re referring to the old Chiang Saen one, so named since it’s thought to have been the principal temple of King Mengrai’s former capital. Located in the northwest of Chiang Rai province on the banks of the Mekong near the Golden Triangle, the city’s ruins are scattered throughout the modern town of Chiang Saen. Wat Chedi Luang is situated near the old west gate and next to the Chiang Saen Museum.