Wat Phra Kaeo, which is located on Trairat Road on the northwest side of town, is the best known of the northern temples. Formerly called Wat Pa Yia (bamboo forest), this is where the Emerald Buddha was found. Thus the name of the temple was derived.
On 21 October 1990 , Buddhist clerics and laity agreed to build the Jade Buddha (commonly called Phra Yok Chiang Rai) to celebrate the 90 th anniversary of the Princess Mother\’s birthday. The Buddha image was officially named Phra Phuttha Rattanakonnawuttiwatsanuson Mongkhon, which means the Buddha who is the source of gems.
In the main prayer hall stands a huge bronze Buddha image in the posture of \”sub-duing mara, or demon.\” This is commonly known as Phra Chao Lan Thong in Chiang Rai. It was transferred from Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong to this temple in 1961. The main hall itself was built in 1960 in the neo-Lanna style with double-tiered roofs decorated with colored glass along the eaves and the beams. The front portal posts and gable are decorated with intricate golden patterns. The doors are showpieces of northern woodcarving techniques.