Wat Phra Kaew is the original site where the Emerald Buddha (in Bangkok) was enshrined. It was known by the name of Wat Pa Ya (Bamboo Forest Temple), until one stormy night in 1434, a bolt of lightning struck the principal golden stupa, cracking it and revealing the Emerald Buddha inside. The Buddha was then relocated to Lampang, Chiang Mai, Luang Phra Bang, Vientiane and eventually Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok. Today, a replica of the Emerald Buddha – carved by a Chinese sculptor from a block of Canadian jade – dressed in full regal attire is housed inside the crimson, Lanna-style pavilion behind the chedi.
Guarded by a pair of serpent deities, the main chapel (ubosot) houses the principal Buddha image, Phra Jao Lan Thong, cast from brass and copper in the beautiful Chiang Saen style. Believed to be at least 700 years old, Phra Jao Lan Thong was relocated from the temple of the same name in the old town of Chiang Saen. To the left of the main chapel is an exquisite two-storey pavilion constructed in the ancient Lanna style with gilded roof finials. Inside is a museum with permanent exhibitions on Lanna culture and ancient Buddhist relics.
- Location: Corner of Trairat and Saeng Kaew Roads, four blocks northwest of the Clock Tower
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