Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai ‘Feast your eyes with its emeral Lord Buddha statue!’
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Temples are something that you should never miss if you visit northern Thailand. As it is a historic area, therefore temples can contain many stories of people in the past, which here means Lanna people. Everybody knows that northern Thailand was once Lanna Kingdom. The kingdom had a lot of interesting art and culture, all of which are worthy of learning and preserving. And, Chiang Rai is a province of northern Thailand. It reflects quite many stories of Lanna too. Its beauty is not less than anywhere else. There are many historic tourist attractions, including temples.
If you’re looking forward to holidays in Chiang Rai, or planning merit making for a birthday celebration trip, here is the place that you must go for the first thing after your arrival.
Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai was once named as Wat Pha Eia, or Pha Phai. But the origin of the name ’Wat Phra Kaew’ started long time ago.
Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai is a historically significant temple that stands as a testament to the region’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions and architectural grandeur. Nestled in the heart of Chiang Rai Province, this temple is renowned for being the original home of the revered Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha, which is considered one of the most important religious icons in Thailand, was unexpectedly discovered at Wat Phra Kaew in 1434, hidden within a chedi after it was struck by lightning. This discovery transformed the temple into a spiritual landmark and elevated its status as a must-visit site for those exploring tourist attractions in Chiang Rai.
Over the centuries, the temple has undergone several renovations, each adding to its charm and architectural beauty. Today, Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai is not just a historical site but also an active place of worship where locals and visitors alike come to pay their respects and find peace. With its serene atmosphere and beautifully preserved Lanna-style architecture, the temple serves as a perfect example of Northern Thailand’s cultural and artistic heritage.
One of the most striking features of Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai is its main ordination hall (ubosot), which houses a jade replica of the original Emerald Buddha. The hall’s interior is adorned with intricate carvings and murals that depict scenes from the life of Buddha and various historical events. The detailed woodwork and gilded embellishments reflect the skill and craftsmanship of the Lanna artisans who built and restored the temple over the centuries. It was built in Lanna style. That make it looks so fabulous and valuable. You should see old artworks, for examples, murals, carvings, and architectures all over the place.
Another prominent structure is the bell tower, which offers a panoramic view of the temple grounds. The bell tower, along with the elegant chedi that marks the spot where the Emerald Buddha was found, is a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts. The entire complex is surrounded by lush gardens, providing a peaceful ambiance that invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the spiritual energy of the place.
Now that the architectures is being talked about, surely you don’t want to miss a chance of seeing the most beautiful and important parts of the temple.
- The Ubosot : The ubosot is baked with Chiangsaen style of art. It is belief that the thing was built in the year 1890. You should go inside and pay respect to the priciple Lord Buddha statue named Phra Chao Lan Thong, for your own good fortune. This statue is covered in golden color, making it so shiny.
- Phra Yok Tower : Also known as How Phra Yok, this tower is a building decorated with Lanna style of art. It is used as the storage of Phra Yok Chiang Rai.
- Hong Luang Saeng Kaew : This is a museum of Lord Buddha statues. There are total two floors. The building was built in Lanna contemporary style of art in the year 1995. You should visit it before you leave. Beside of rare and valuable Lord Buddha statues, you will also find some ancient items like weapons, costumes, utensils etc.
- The Chedi : This is not an all-gold-colored chedi, but a white and yellow chedi. However, it still looks good. This is the part of the temple that had been stricken by the thunder, before emerald Lord Buddha statue was found inside.
If you want further information, you may visit the website www.watphrakaew-Chiang Rai.com .
Cultural and Spiritual Activities at Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai
Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai is not only a historical landmark but also a hub of cultural and spiritual activities. Throughout the year, the temple hosts various festivals and ceremonies that draw both locals and tourists. Notable events include the Songkran Festival, where locals gather to bathe Buddha images and participate in merit-making rituals, and the Loy Krathong Festival, which features candle-lit lanterns floating on the temple’s small ponds.
Participating in these events or witnessing the daily chanting rituals can be a deeply enriching experience, providing insight into the local religious practices and community life. For travelers seeking a more immersive experience, joining a meditation session at the temple is a wonderful way to connect with the spiritual essence of the place.
Visiting Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai: Practical Tips and Nearby Attractions
Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai is conveniently located in the city center, making it easily accessible by foot, bicycle, or tuk-tuk. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the temple grounds are quieter, and the soft sunlight enhances the beauty of the architecture. Nearby, visitors can explore other prominent places to visit in Chiang Rai, such as Wat Phra Singh Chiang Rai and the White Temple, each offering a distinct experience of Northern Thailand’s cultural heritage.
When visiting Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai, it’s recommended to dress modestly as a sign of respect for the sacred space. Comfortable footwear is also advised, as you’ll be walking through the temple grounds and gardens. Taking the time to visit the museum and the smaller shrines within the complex will enhance your understanding of the temple’s historical and spiritual importance.
Nearby Places
By visiting only Wat Phra Kaew, your holidays can be possibly incomplete. Therefore, let’s find some other nearby tourist attractions too.
Wat Phra Singh Chiang Rai is an important religious place of the province, as it was the storage of Phra Buddha Sihingh, a respectable Lord Buddha statue of Thailand.
The King Mangrai monument is totally gorgeous and valuable. King Mengrai stands with his full body. Chiang Rai is baked with a series of histories, including the history of King Mengrai, the 25th king of Ngoenyang, who has been being respected by villagers for so long.
Chiang Rai Khon Muan Street is one of the most popular shopping in Chiang Rai. They are not very large, but surely most tourists love them, as there are many types of foods, drinks, and souvenirs to buy.
This temple is a landmark of Chiang Rai. It was designed and built by the famous Thai artist named Chalermchai Kositpipat. The whole area of the temple looks so stunning with sparkling white color. Therefore the temple is also known as ‘The White Temple’ It is only 15 kilometres away from Wat Phra Kaew. Just drive for about 20 minutes and you will arrive at it.
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