Wat Phra Kaew
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 artefacts, 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.
Book tours & tickets in Chiang Rai
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Wat Phra Kaew — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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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.
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A colonial-style house on the Kok River where the garden, the food and the prices all run higher than average.
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: March – May (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 centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
19 หมู่ที่ 1 Trairat Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailandwww.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070919502094Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Where to stay near Wat Phra Kaew
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
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.
Nearby Places
Wat Mung Muang
A 14th-century Lanna-Burmese temple in central Chiang Rai, known for its ornate architecture and 600-year-old Buddha.
Wat Phra Singha
A 14th-century Lanna temple in the middle of town, and the Buddha image here is purple jade.
Ku Phra Chao Mengrai - kiv
A sacred Lanna-era shrine honouring Chiang Rai's legendary founder, King Mengrai, in the heart of the city.
Wat Doi Ngam Muang
A hilltop 14th-century temple in Chiang Rai holding the ashes of King Mangrai and Thailand's first Emerald Buddha.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Wat Phra Kaew
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)