Wat Chet Yot sits northwest of Chiang Mai's old city, away from the densest temple circuit, and that distance is part of its appeal. Its main sanctuary was inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya, giving it a squat, seven-spired profile that looks quite different from the city's more familiar Lanna wihans and chedis.
The temple was founded under King Tilokarat in the 15th century and later hosted an important Buddhist council. Go when you want a temple visit with more architectural curiosity and less tour-bus rhythm; the grounds are calm, and the weathered stucco figures reward a slow look.