Wat Phra Keo

Wat Phra Keo, situated just behind Wat Phra Singh on Trairat Road, is undoubtedly the provincial capital's most revered wat complex. It is believed to have been the original home of the much revered Phra Keo Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), which is now enshrined in a temple of the same name in Bangkok.

According to the popular legend, the wat's octagonal chedi was struck by lightning in 1434 and fell apart revealing the Emerald Buddha, which is actually made of jade.

In 1990 a Chinese artist was commissioned to sculpt a new Buddha image made from Canadian jade. Similar, but not an exact copy of the original Emerald Buddha, the image was temporarily installed in the wat's wihan in June 1991. It was then moved into the Jewel Buddha Hall where the image was honored with a royal title by the Princess Mother.

The wihan building is of medium size with unique carved doors. The chedi is in typical Lanna style and dates from the late 14th century. But the finest building is the bot, identifiable by the 'bai sema' (boundary stones), which was built in Chiang Saen style and features accomplished wood carvings, as well as nagas flanking the entrance way.

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