Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai

Wat Phra Kaew: ‘See an emerald Lord Buddha statue.’

Chiang Rai is another popular tourism town in northern Thailand. There are many types of places there for you to go, including temples.

As Chiang Rai is also a historic town, it is no wonder if there are many beautiful temples. And Wat Phra Kaew is one of those. It is a suggested tourist attraction for you, in case you’re in Chiang Rai for the first time and you don’t where to go.

Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai is located just in Chiang Rai downtown. Long time ago, its name was Wat Pha Eia, or Pha Phai. In the year 1434, a thunder had stricken the chedi of the temple, then a beautiful, glorious emerald Lord Buddha statue was found. Therefore, Chiang Rai villagers has called the temple ‘Wat Phra Kaew’ instead.

You may have seen Wat Phra Kaew before in Bangkok, which is valuable and gorgeous. That’s right. This one in Chiang Rai has the very same name and looks sparkling too.

Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok is located in the middle of traffic roads and buildings. But, Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai is locat Save ed in the middle of nature. As soon as you enter it, you will find that you’re standing in the middle of trees and clear sky.

Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai appears in Lanna style, as the province is a part of Lanna Kingdom. The temple is full of valuable ancient arts, all of which you should never miss. You should tour the whole temple and see those marvellous architectures.

Speaking of the architectures in the temple, there are so many. Just get your camera ready.

The Ubosot : It was built in Chiangsan shape. It is a short-based ubosot and the roof is layed low too. It was built in the year 1890. There is a principle Lord Buddha statue named Phra Chao Lan Thong inside. The statue looks so beautiful with golden color. You can find your time to go in and pay respect to the statue, for your own good fortune.
Phra Yok Tower : Phra Yok Tower, or Hor Phra Yok, is an ancient Lanna building. It is the location of Phra Yok Chiang Rai.
Hong Luang Saeng Kaew : This contemporary Lanna building was built in the year 1995. In fact, it is a museum that displays many important and valuable Lord Buddha statues, including some modern artworks that tell the stories of Buddhism. Not only that, there are also some ancient items like bowls, weapons, costumes etc. You should see all these for once in lifetime. You should take your children with you too, if it is possible. This is a wonderful opportunity of learning Buddhism. There are two floors at the museum. Just go upstair and see everything you should see.
The Chedi : The chedi appears in pale yellow and white color, but it is beautiful anyway. This is the chedi where the emerald Lord Buddha statue, or Phra Kaew Morakot, was found because of the thunder.

To get more details, you may call 053-711385 or visit the website www.watphrakaew-chiangrai.com

How to get there

Wat Phra Kaew is located at 19, Area1, Trairat Road, Wiang District, Muang County, Chiang Rai Province.

You should keep traveling until you reach King Mengrai the Great Monument. From that point, you should turn left and continue straight. At the end of the road, you turn another left and keep going for about 100 metres. Finally, you will see the temple on your right side.Finally, you will see the temple on your right side. We are travel agency in Chiang Mai, we can provide the Private Tour Chiang Rai : Explore Chiang Rai City.

Opening hours and Entrance fee : Opens daily from 8 am until 5 pm. Admission is free.

Note : Wheelchair user is accessible for the ground temple

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