Wat Phra Kaew
The temple where the Emerald Buddha was found in 1434, and still quiet enough to actually think in.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 07:00–18:00
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Details
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Phra Kaew
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Phra Kaew.
Why go, and how to do it well
Come here for the history, not the spectacle. In 1434 lightning cracked open the chedi on these grounds and revealed the Emerald Buddha, the jade image that went on to become the most sacred object in Thai Buddhism. It left for Laos in 1552, was seized by the Siamese in 1779, and has sat in Bangkok's Grand Palace since 1784. What you'll see now is a highly regarded replica, housed in one of the buildings, where a 20 baht donation gets you candles, incense and flowers to make merit.
If you've done the White Temple and the Blue Temple, the shift in tone is the point. The architecture is plainer and the crowds are thinner, and reviewers keep using the same word, peaceful. There's a museum on two levels with old artifacts, done out in an unusual brown and green scheme, and a traditional bell you're welcome to ring. It's an hour, maybe ninety minutes if the museum holds you.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of Wat Phra Kaew
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Best rated within a 13-minute walk
Tours that include Wat Phra Kaew
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Phra Kaew.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Wat Phra Kaew, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 3 minWat Mung MuangTemples & Culture · 260 m · 4.5★
- 3 minWat Phra SinghaTemples & Culture · 260 m · 4.6★
- 3 minThe Hungry WolfRestaurants & Food · 260 m · 4.7★
- 4 minKu Phra Chao Mengrai - kivTemples & Culture · 280 m · 4.5★
- 4 minKad Luang Chiang Rai MarketMarkets & Shopping · 290 m · 4.4★
- 4 minWat Doi Ngam MuangTemples & Culture · 290 m · 4.6★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Phra Kaew, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
In 1434 lightning struck the stupa at Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai and the Emerald Buddha unveiled. In 1552 the Buddha was moved to Laos as the Kingdoms Lan Na and Lan Sang merged. In 1779 the Siamese invaded Laos and seized the Emerald Buddha. It was taken to Wat Arun where it stayed 5 years. In 1784 it was moved to its current home at the Grand Palace. You should definitely visit Wat Phra Kaew if in Chiang Rai simply because of its history. Please remember to dress accordingly if entering the temple.
A beautiful, serene temple in a very quiet location. It offers several attractions, including a museum with a unique brown and green color scheme—a refreshing change from the usual styles. You can even ring a traditional bell and admire the stunning Green Emerald Buddha. Highly recommended if you are looking for a peaceful atmosphere!
🛕 Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai — The Temple of the Emerald Buddha A deeply important historical and spiritual landmark in Northern Thailand, and the original home of the Emerald Buddha. Wat Phra Kaew (วัดพระแก้ว) is one of Chiang Rai’s oldest and most revered temples. It gained national significance when the Emerald Buddha—Thailand’s most sacred Buddha image—was discovered here in 1434 after lightning struck the temple’s ancient chedi. The temple was originally known as Wat Pa Yea (“Temple in the Golden Bamboo Forest”) because it was surrounded by bamboo groves.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 4,598 reviews on Google.
19 หมู่ที่ 1 Trairat Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 4-minute walk of Wat Phra Kaew.
Wat Mung Muang
Wat Phra Singha
Ku Phra Chao Mengrai - kiv
Wat Doi Ngam Muang
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Wat Phra Kaew: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Phra Kaew worth visiting?
Wat Phra Kaew holds a 4.7★ rating from 4,598 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of Wat Phra Kaew?
Wat Phra Kaew is typically open 07:00–18:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Wat Phra Kaew?
The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).
Where is Wat Phra Kaew located?
Wat Phra Kaew is at 19 หมู่ที่ 1 Trairat Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city center); Songthaews.
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