Wat Phra Kaew (Chiang Rai)

History & Significance

Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most historically significant temples in Chiang Rai. According to historical records, in 1354 (2497 BE) during the reign of King Sam Fang Kaen of Chiang Mai, lightning struck an abandoned chedi on the temple grounds. The strike revealed a gold-leaf-covered Buddha image hidden inside. Over time, the lacquer coating peeled away, revealing that the statue was actually the legendary Emerald Buddha (Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakon), which is now enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. To honor this legacy, Chiang Rai locals commissioned a new jade replica known as "Phra Yok Chiang Rai" (Phra Phuttha Rattanakon Nawutiwassanusorn Mongkhon) in 1990 to celebrate the 90th birthday of Princess Mother Srinagarindra.

Highlights & What to See

The temple complex features several remarkable structures and sacred objects:

• Ho Phra Yok: A traditional single-story Lanna-style wooden pavilion that houses the "Phra Yok Chiang Rai". The interior walls are adorned with beautiful murals depicting the legend of the Emerald Buddha and the grand ceremony of enshrining the jade replica on October 19, 1991.
• Phra Ubosot: Built in 1890, this Chiang Saen-style ordination hall features a low base and a sloping roof. Inside, it enshrines "Phra Chao Lan Thong", a magnificent bronze Buddha image in the Mara Vichaya posture. Exhibiting exquisite Pala-style artistic features, it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Buddha images in Thailand.
• Phra Chedi: Located directly behind the ordination hall, this octagonal-based chedi is wrapped in copper sheets and topped with a gilded multi-tiered umbrella.
• Hong Luang Saeng Kaeo: A beautiful two-story Lanna-applied concrete and teakwood building that serves as a museum. It displays important Buddha images such as Phra Chao Than Jai, Phra Prot Lok, and Phra Phuttha Sri Chiang Rai, alongside various Buddhist art and cultural exhibitions.

Visitor Information

Wat Phra Kaew is open daily from 07:00 to 18:00. Admission is free for all visitors. As this is a highly sacred Buddhist site, visitors are requested to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, and to remove their shoes before entering the indoor shrines.

How to Get There

The temple is located at 19 Moo 1, Trairat Road, Wiang Subdistrict, in the heart of Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province. It is easily accessible by local transport, tuk-tuks, or private vehicles, with parking facilities available on-site.