Wat Phra Kaew

The temple where the Emerald Buddha was discovered.

Wat Phra Kaew was established in the late 14th century, formerly known as Wat Pa Yier, the bamboo forest temple. It is one of the oldest temples in the city and classified as a Royal temple.

The famous Emerald Buddha (although actually made from Jade in India) was found here in 1434, after a storm and lightning strike, as it was hidden by the King of Chiang Rai. After it’s discovery, the King of the Lanna Kingdom decided to move it to Chiang Mai. However the elephant transporting it would always head further south to Lampang. In the end it was decided to keep it there initially, before it eventually ended up in Bangkok in 1784 at the also named Wat Pra Kaew inside the Grand Palace, where it remains until this day.

Chiang Rai’s Wat Pra Kaew now has a copy of the original (Phra Kaew Morakot as it’s also known as). Carved in China from Canadian Jade and a little smaller than the original. This was installed for the Queen Mother, HRH Princess Srinagarindra, in honour of her 90th birthday in 1991.

The ordination hall where the Emerald Bhudda is housed, is ornate with murials, green glass and built in the Lanna style.

This is the main attraction for the temple. Many Bhuddhists come from near and far to give offerings and prayers. However there are further attractions within the temple grounds.

The museum within the grounds established in  2006 has a host of historical, religious and Lanna artefacts. Many encased in glass cabinets but many to see around the ground and first floors.

Photography is allowed in here, without using flash systems.

The grounds themselves are well kept, many orchids of various colours and shrubbery almost conceal other temples and buildings. Within the heart of the city, it’s easily accessible by foot from the Clock tower. It’s grounds are relaxing and tranquil. Seating is surprisingly abundant around the roadway. Rest and take in the perfume from the flowers.

The temple is open from 6am - 6pm daily, no entrance fee. Suitable and respectable clothing to be worn, as is rightfully so in all temples throughout the land.

 Find it here.