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Editor Pick

Temples of Chiang Rai

  • January 13, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by SeenThat from Tel Aviv, Israel
Temples of Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is home to some of the most important Buddhist temples in the country, including the one where the Emerald Buddha was discovered. No visit is complete without dedicating at least a day to the main ones. Placed nearby downtown, they can be easily visited by foot.

Wat Phra Kaeo

Located on Trairat Road on the northwest side of town, within walking distance from downtown and two blocks south of the river, is one of the best known temples in the country. It once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered statue; the statue was moved to Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally reaching Bangkok's Grand Palace; nowadays in Chiang Rai there is a green jade replica of the image. In 1390, King Mahabhrom of Chiang Rai took The Emerald Buddha from Kampangpetch in Cambodia and hide it within a stupa; in 1434 the stupa was split open by a lightning and the image revealed. Mueng Komp, governor of Chiang Rai in those days, reported to King Fang Sam Nae of Chiang Mai who sent an elephant procession to bring it to Lampang two years after the discovery. While in Chiang Rai, the image was kept at Wat Payier (Bamboo Forest Temple) which after the discovery changed its name to Wat Phra Keo (Temple of the Holy Glass Buddha). Despite the many years of absence, the Buddha halo still surrounds the temple that enjoys much prestige among the Thais and was awarded a royal third class Wat degree in 1978. Since 1991 there is a good replica donated by a Chinese believer. The temple itself shows a good degree of artisanship and is worth a visit on itself.

Wat Phra Sing

This temple is 2 blocks east of Wat Phra Kaeo, on Singha Klai Road. It is thought to date from the 15th century and within it there is a replica of the Phra Singh Buddha; the original is in Chiang Mai's Wat Phra Singh. The buildings, with low sweeping roofs, are fine examples of classic Lanna architecture.

Wat Doi Thong (Phra That Chomthong)

This temple is on the northwest side of town, up a steep staircase off Kaisornrasit Road. Tradition says that here King Mengrai chose the site for his new capital and that the temple’s chedi contains and old Buddha relic. The place offers a good view of the town and the Mae Kok Valley. At the top of the hill is a ring of columns that surrounds the new lak muang (city pillar), built recently in commemoration of the city’s 725th anniversary and King Bhumibhol's 60th birthday.

Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong

Located within the city walls, the temple was built in 1489 by Prince Thong Ngua, son of King Tilokkarat, the 12th Lanna ruler. The temple’s name refers to a 1,200-kilogram Buddha statue with a lap width of 2 meters and height of over three meters. Sharing the temple is a Sukhothai style, brass Buddha statue called Phra Chao Thong Thip.

From journal Chiang Rai: Thailand’s Edge

Editor Pick

Chiang Rai Attractions

  • January 13, 2007
  • Rated 5 of 5 by SeenThat from Tel Aviv, Israel
Chiang Rai Attractions

Chiang Rai is rich in memorials of King Mengrai and its far past as a capital of the Lanna Kingdom; most of them are near downtown and are easily accessible. King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (now commonly known as Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city-states in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.

King Mengrai Stupa

This stupa is in front of Wat Ngam Muang atop Doi Ngam Muang and was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).

King Mengrai Great Memorial

The King Mengrai Great Memorial is located in Muang District at the intersection leading to Mae Chan. It is a popular place for locals, which put flowers and other offerings at the base of the huge statue.

Ku Phra Chao Mengrai

This stupa is situated in Wat Ngam Muang on Doi Ngam Muang in the Chiang Rai township area. It is the place where the ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed.

Ho Watthanatham Nithat

This museum exhibits ancient artifacts and written records on history, literature and indigenous knowledge as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. Located at the former town hall, it is open to the public from Wednesdays to Sundays from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Oub Kham Museum

The museum is near the Den Ha market, one kilometer from the town center. Its collection includes objects from the areas once belonging to or affiliated with the Lanna Kingdom; in modern terms they include northern Thailand, northeast Myanmar, southwest China and parts of Vietnam. Apart from objects used in rituals, the collection includes objects used at the royal courts like lacquer ware, silver jewelry, a golden bowl and clothing. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM; admission fee is B100.

Rai Mae Fah Luang

A cultural centre of Lanna Studies, this place is dedicated to the conservation and promotion of the local heritage. It includes five exhibitions: the Botanical Gardens and Nature Park, the Sala Kaew-A ceremonial space for rituals, the Haw Kaew-Gallery of Lanna Cultural Arts, the Haw Khumm (Golden Pavilion) and the Haw Khum Noi (Small Golden Pavilion). It opens daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM except for Mondays; entrance fee B200.

Kok River

The Kok River runs from Thathon in northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai City and then flows on to meet the Mekong River at Chiang Khong. Long-tailed boats can be hired, and Akha or Iko, Lisu, Lahu and Karen hill tribe villages can be visited. Other nearby attractions include the Buddha Cave, an elephant camp and a hot spring. Trips departing from the pier beyond the bridge across the Dusit Island Resort cost from B300 to B700, depending on the number of stops made.

From journal Chiang Rai: Thailand’s Edge

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