The original Emerald Buddha was found after a lightning strike split a chedi at this temple during a thunderstorm in 1434.
The statue discovered in 1434 was originally covered in stucco, concealing the green jade beneath until the lightning strike revealed it.
The replica housed here was carved from a 20-ton block of Canadian jade.
This temple is officially recognized as a Royal Temple, marked by the presence of the 'Phra Phuttha Rattanakon' statue.
The museum on-site was built in 1995 to honor the Princess Mother and showcases the history of the Emerald Buddha.
The temple grounds contain a rare, ancient bronze statue of the Buddha in the Lanna style.
The temple serves as an educational center for Lanna arts and traditional crafts.
It is a site of pilgrimage for Buddhists seeking to pay respects at the exact location where the nation's most important relic was first found.
Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai is the historical site where the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred religious icon, was discovered in 1434. The temple complex gained national prominence after a lightning strike revealed the jade statue hidden inside the main chedi. The current site houses a modern, precise jade replica commissioned in 1991 to commemorate the 90th birthday of Princess Srinagarindra. The Hor Phra Kaew museum on the premises displays Lanna-style religious art and artifacts. The architectural design features intricate wood carvings and classic Northern Thai roof structures. It serves as a living place of worship for the local community rather than solely a historical monument. The grounds are meticulously landscaped with tropical flora typical of the region. It remains one of the oldest and most historically significant temples in Chiang Rai province.
The front facade of the main vihara with the lush garden in the foreground.
Visit the small museum behind the main temple to understand the full history of the Emerald Buddha's discovery.
Walk the perimeter of the gardens to view the various Lanna-style sculptures and traditional Thai structures.
Observe the local worshippers to better understand the temple's role as an active community religious center.
Do not point your feet toward Buddha statues or monks, and do not touch religious artifacts on display.
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; remove footwear before entering any temple buildings; maintain a quiet demeanor.
