Legend has it that in 1354, during the reign of King Sam Fang Kaen, the ruler of Chiang Mai, lightning struck an abandoned pagoda, revealing a lacquered Buddha image. Later, the glazed coat cracked and this discovery was identified as the Emerald Buddha. After the Emerald Buddha was relocated to Bangkok, the people of Chiang Rai commissioned a new Emerald Buddha statue, known as “Phra Yok Chiang Rai” (Phra Phuttha Rattana Konnawutiwat Anuson Mongkhon) or the Emerald Buddha of Chiang Rai. This significant event commemorated HRH the Princess Mother’s 90th birthday on 21 October 1990. It was enshrined in “Ho Phra Yok Hall”. Key features within the temple include: Phra Yok Hall A traditional 1-storey Lanna-style wooden structure that houses the revered ” Phra Phuttha Rattana Konnawutiwat Anuson Mongkhon ” or “Phra Yok Chiang Rai” Buddha image. The mural wall paintings depict the legend of the Emerald Buddha’s discovery and the ceremonial procession to enshrine the statue in the temple on October 19 1991. Phra Ubosot: This ordination hall features Chiang Saen architecture with a low-sloping roof. Constructed in 1890, it houses the exquisite Phrachao Lan Thong, a seated Bronze Buddha image in the attitude of Subduing Mara. The Buddha’s head is crowned with a lotus bud flame-like halo, hair curl, with short monastic robes, showcasing Thai Buddhist craftsmanship at its finest. Phra Chedi: Situated behind Phra Ubosot, the octagonal-base pagoda is embellished with gold plating sheets arranged in nine overlapping tiers. The apex of the pagoda is capped with precious metals with gilded black lacquer technique. Hom Luang Sangkaeo: A two-story museum seamlessly blending traditional Lanna architecture with reinforced concrete and teak wood. It serves as a showcase for significant Buddha images of the temple, including Phra Chao Tan Chai, Phra Phrod Lok, and Phra Phuttha Si Chiang Rai. Additionally, it exhibits cultural and religious artifacts related to Budd
