WAT PHRA KAEW

Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai is one of the city’s most historically important temples.

This temple should not be confused with Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok (often also spelled Wat Phra Kaew) and known as the "Temple of the Emerald Buddha". Wat Phra Kaeo is located next to The Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai is a quieter and more traditional temple with shaded temple grounds, Lanna-style buildings, golden details, Buddha images, beautiful museum, and calm atmosphere that feels very different from the busier tourist attractions.

This temple was originally known as Wat Pa Yia, which means Bamboo Forest Temple. It became famous in 1434 when lightning struck an old chedi within the the grounds which caused it to be damaged. Monks later discovered a stucco-covered Buddha image within the chedi, and when part of the outer layer cracked away, a green surface was revealed underneath. This statue was later called the Emerald Buddha.

The temple then became known as Wat Phra Kaew, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This original Emerald Buddha eventually travelled through different kingdoms and cities before being enshrined in Bangkok, where it remains today inside the Grand Palace complex.

In 1990 a similar replica Emerald Buddha was made for Wat Phra Kaew and called the Chiang Rai Jade Buddha.

The ordination hall is one of the main highlights. active Buddhist temple.It features traditional northern Thai Lanna styling, with carved wooden details and a graceful roofline.This is an active Buddhist temple, and you will often see monks and novices.

The other attraction you will want to see is the Jade Buddha Hall, also known as Haw Phra Yok. This building houses Phra Yok Chiang Rai, a jade Buddha image created in 1990 and called the Chiang Rai Jade Buddha.

The Ho Luang Saeng Kaew Museum is also located within the temple grounds. This museum displays Buddhist and cultural artifacts connected with Chiang Rai, Lanna history and religious life. Below are some images of these beautiful artifacts on display within the museum.

Wander around the grounds of this complex and you will discover some magnificent colorful shrines, temple bells and shady mature gardens.

Best time to visit and enjoy the peacefulness is during a week day when it is not so busy.

Wat Phra Kaew is an active temple. Please dress respectfully keeping shoulders and knees covered, and remove your shoes before entering temple buildings. Do not sit on any temple doorways or religious artifacts. It is also polite to speak quietly, avoid pointing your feet toward Buddha images and be mindful of worshippers who are there for prayer. Do not stand in front of some-one kneeling.

Photography is generally permitted except if signs prohibit. Turn the camera shutter noise off in the settings and I suggest you do not use direct flash as this can be annoying to others and it can wash out the photo and make it look flat.

See below for map and directions on how to get to Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai.

The temple is close to the city centre on Trairat Road in Wiang Subdistrict.

It is located directly off the main road which is serviced by a constant flow of songthaews full of locals going to work.

You can also easily reach it by tuk-tuk or bicycle.

See the interactive map below for exact location.