The founding of the what now known as Wat Phra Kaew [on Trairat Road ] in Chiang Rai is uncertain. It can safely be assumed therefore that the temple has existed ever since the city was founded. The temple was known as Wat Pa Yeah (วัดป่าเยี้ยะ or วัดป่าญะ), the Temple in the Golden Bamboo Forest, because it was in fact surrounded by this beautiful, useful bamboo, until 1434 (B.E. 1977) when its chedi was struck by lightning damaging the chedi and revealing the Phra Kaew Marakot image within. At that point its name changed to Wat Phra Kaew.

Phra Jao Lan Thong image

One of the largest and most arguably the beautiful Buddha images in Thailand is presently housed in the ubosoth at Wat Phra Kaew, Phra Jao Lan Thong. The image is made of brass and copper and is believed to be over 700 years old. The image was originally housed at Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong in Chiang Rai, then moved to Wat Ngam Muang, and then to Wat Phra Kaew in 1961 AD (B.E 2504). Thus it is now called Phra Jao Lan Thong.

A new Phra Kaew Marakot image was carved in China of Canadian jade in honor of Her Royal Highness Somdej Phrasrinkharintra, the Princess Mother's ninetieth birthday. A official dedication ceremony was held in Bangkok on 20 September 1991 (B.E. 2534) and the image was installed by grand procession at Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai on 19 October 1991 (B.E. 2534).

Unlike the other Buddhist Temples in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai is devoid of the living quarters for monks. It is graced by beautifully adorned holy buildings, statuettes and pagodas.