Wat Phra Kaew (Chiang Rai)

About Wat Phra Kaew

Sharing its name with the country’s most famous temple in Bangkok, Chiang Rai’s Wat Phra Kaew is where the revered Emerald Buddha is said to have been discovered. Legend has it that in 1434 a bolt of lightning split the temple’s stupa in two to reveal the small jade image hidden inside.

The Emerald Buddha was later carried off to Vientiane for a long spell before finally being installed in Bangkok, where it remains Thailand’s most sacred Buddha image and national talisman. A jade replica now sits here in Chiang Rai - you’ll find it behind the main viharn in a building called the Hor Phra Yok. The temple has been extensively restored over recent decades and is an easy, atmospheric stop in the old town.

Visiting Wat Phra Kaew

The temple sits just northwest of the city centre on Trairat Road, an easy walk from the middle of town or a short tuk-tuk ride.

What is it? Chiang Rai’s most important temple, tied to the story of the Emerald Buddha.
Opening hours: 06:00 - 18:00 daily.
Entrance fee: Free.

Things to Do

Nearby Attractions to Wat Phra Kaew (Chiang Rai)

Wat Jed Yod (Chiang Rai)

Seven-spired Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai

Temple 357 m

Wat Phra Singh (Chiang Rai)

Chiang Rai Buddhist temple noted for Lanna architecture

Temple 357 m

Darunaman Mosque

Local mosque serving Muslim community in Chiang Rai

Mosque 484 m

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong

Hilltop Buddhist temple featuring a revered stupa

Temple 632 m

Chiang Rai Clock Tower

Ornate golden clock tower and nighttime light show

Monument 645 m

Hilltribe Museum & Education Centre

Museum documenting northern Thai hill tribe cultures and artifacts

Museum 941 m

Oub Kham Museum

Private museum exhibiting regional artifacts and heirlooms

Museum 1.6 km

Wat Rong Suea Ten

Contemporary blue Buddhist temple with ornate murals

Area 2.0 km

When to Go

Weather & Climate near Wat Phra Kaew (Chiang Rai)

Climate

Wat Phra Kaew (Chiang Rai)'s climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1402 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 98 Moderate

Best Time to Visit

FebruaryJanuaryDecember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

42°

Warmest Month

3°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

Month	Comfort	Temp	Feels	Rain	Sky	Humidity	Wind	UV	Daylight
January	Ideal	13° - 29°	21°	8 mm	mostly sunny	70%	0.6 m/s	1.5 high	11.0h
February	Ideal	14° - 32°	23°	12 mm	mostly sunny	60%	0.8 m/s	1.8 very high	11.4h
March	Excellent	17° - 35°	26°	26 mm	mostly sunny	55%	1.2 m/s	1.9 very high	11.9h
April	Very Good	21° - 36°	30°	85 mm	some cloud	59%	1.4 m/s	2.2 extreme	12.5h
May	Acceptable	23° - 34°	32°	182 mm	overcast	72%	1.2 m/s	2.2 extreme	12.9h
June	Acceptable	24° - 32°	32°	161 mm	overcast	79%	1.1 m/s	2.1 extreme	13.2h
July	Acceptable	24° - 31°	31°	237 mm	overcast	83%	1.0 m/s	2.0 extreme	13.1h
August	Acceptable	23° - 31°	31°	297 mm	overcast	85%	0.9 m/s	2.0 very high	12.7h
September	Acceptable	23° - 31°	27°	221 mm	overcast	83%	0.8 m/s	2.0 very high	12.1h
October	Very Good	21° - 31°	26°	110 mm	partly cloudy	81%	0.7 m/s	1.7 very high	11.6h
November	Excellent	18° - 29°	23°	47 mm	some cloud	78%	0.7 m/s	1.6 very high	11.1h
December	Excellent	14° - 28°	21°	16 mm	some cloud	75%	0.7 m/s	1.4 high	10.9h

Wat Phra Kaew (Chiang Rai)