A spokesperson for the temple explained that income from the admission fees would be used to help with maintenance and repairs. Signs have been posted up at the main entry points which inform visitors of the introduction of the charge.
Tourist companies in the northern Thai city say the fee is nominal and will not deter international tourists from visiting Chedi Luang. They say it is the equivalent of slightly more than US$1, or 80 pence in UK sterling, and people in those countries pay 10 or 20 times as much to enter similar establishments.
Chedi Luang is best known for its huge 15th century pagoda which at one time used to be home to the nation’s iconic Emerald Buddha statue. The temple’s grounds are packed with ornate chapels, small pagodas and Buddha statues.
Chiang Mai is renowned for its collection of old temples. These plus a diverse range of activities like jungle-trekking and zip-lining through the treetops ensure the city’s popularity is unlikely to wane any time soon. 12GO ASIA is a practical option for travel tickets to Chiang Mai.
Foreigners to pay entry fees at top Chiang Mai Buddhist temple
News in Asia
The administrative body in charge of Chiang Mai’s most famous Buddhist temple is to start charge charging foreign tourists entry fees. Effective 1 July 2016, visitors from overseas will have to pay THB40 to enter Wat Chedi Luang.