Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai

Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai is a historic Buddhist temple in Wiang Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai city, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Originally called Wat Pa Yia, it is renowned as the discovery site of the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot) in 1434 after lightning struck its ancient chedi. The temple features Lanna-style architecture, a replica Emerald Buddha, the revered Phra Chao Lan Thong bronze Buddha image, and a small museum.

Visitors can expect a compact, active temple compound in central Chiang Rai with Lanna-style halls, an ancient chedi, and landscaped grounds. The main viharn houses a jade replica of the Emerald Buddha and the Phra Chao Lan Thong bronze Buddha image. A small two-storey museum displays artifacts and history of the Emerald Buddha. The atmosphere is calm and suitable for sightseeing, photography, and observing local worship.

Originally named Wat Pa Yia, the temple dates to the 14th century. In 1434, lightning struck its chedi, revealing the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot) hidden inside. The image was later moved to Lampang, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane and finally Bangkok, where it is now enshrined at Wat Phra Kaew. The Chiang Rai temple was restored and renamed Wat Phra Kaew to commemorate this history.

Wat Phra Kaew is one of Chiang Rai's most revered Buddhist temples and an important pilgrimage site as the original home of Thailand's most sacred Buddha image, the Emerald Buddha. It remains an active place of worship, houses the highly venerated Phra Chao Lan Thong image, and showcases Lanna religious art and architecture.