The chedis were the first temple structures to be build, and contain relics of the Buddha, Kings or important monks. The other temple structures found today in the wats of Chiang Mai have been restored many times over the centuries, and sometimes have been completely rebuild.
In Chiang Mai city alone, some 300 temples have been built often very richly decorated and containing beautiful mural paintings depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha on the walls inside. In many of the wats huge mythical snake creatures called Nagas can be found protecting the temple.