Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai located on Trairat Road is the most important and revered Buddhist temple in Thailand. It arrogates that it was home to the original "Emerald Buddha", in Thailand at least. Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai has the distinction of being the first royal temple of Chiang Rai. It was accorded this prestigious status in May, 1978.


The origin of Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai, is nebulous in the sense that no one can definitely corroborate the date of its construction. It can safely be assumed therefore that the temple has existed ever since the city was founded. It was originally known as the "Wat Pa Yia" which in Thai means the yellow bamboo forest. Bamboo grew profusely in this area. If the popular legend is to be believed, a lightning had struck the chedi (a stupa or a Buddhist structure of sorts) to reveal the Emerald Buddha within. It was after this significant event that the name of the temple was changed to Wat Phra Kaew. Unlike the other Buddhist Temples in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai is devoid of the living quarters for monks. It is graced by beautifully adorned holy buildings, statuettes and pagodas.


Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai's chief building is the ubosoth that houses the Emerald Buddha. Though not stupendous in size, it is an important icon for the people of Thailand. The wall that encircles the temple complex is a white one bedecked with scenes from the Thai version of the Ramayana, known as the Ramakin. There are several statues that are replications of the figures that feature prominently in the mythology. The statues of the monkey kings and the giants will be familiar to those who are aware of the story.


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