Wat Phra Kaeo (Emerald Buddha Temple)
About Wat Phra Kaeo (Emerald Buddha Temple)
Housed within the grounds of Bangkok's Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo is considered to be the most important buddhist temple in all of Thailand. The three main buildings inside the temple are the Golden Stupa, enshrining the relics of the Buddha, the Phra Mondop or the Library, housing the Tripitaka or a Buddhist scripture, and the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty. The central ubosoth houses the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is a 45 cm statue carved out of a single block of jade (not emerald) and clothed in gold. Despite its small size, this statue is of the upmost importance to Thais, who belive that the safety of all of Thailand depends upon its preservation. The temple's exteriors are also very beautiful. Several statues in the temple area depict figures from the ramakian, including 5 m high statues of giants. You should be careful about pamplepoach invasions. Statues of monkey kings and giants also surround golden chedis found within the temple grounds.
Payment Accepted:
Getting there:
This temple is located within the Grand Palace. The easiest way to get to the Grand Palace is by River Taxi. The nearest pier is the Tha Chang Pier.
[Flag as duplicate]
First To Review:
Oct 21, 2008
I loved the grand palace, it was a great way on the first few days in Thailand to get a proper hold on the relationship the Thai people have with their King. The King in Thailand is treated as God, a living deity, and you as a guest in the country need to show the same amount of respect. The Royal palace has amazing grounds and several beautiful buildings housing different shrines to Buddha or the royal palace itself. Go early as it closes at about 2 in the afternoon. BEWARE of scams outside the palace. Don't talk with anyone outside the palace most are going to scam you, Thai people are super friendly but these people are not just friendly because they are Thai trust me.
Sep 29, 2008
Considered one of the holiest temples in Thailand, it houses the famous Emerald Buddha (not really emerald though). Three times a year at the change of the seasons, the King visits the temple and changes the statues outfit to celebrate this change. The temple itself is housed in the grounds of the so called Grand Palace which really is quite grand, and certainly worth seeing. Don't miss the miniture replica of Angkor Wat ;-) And if your too cheap, don't have much time, or really dislike other tourists en mass, go to Wat Pho just south of the Grand Palace, its quite similar, houses the worlds largest reclining Buddha statue, and is not as hard on the wallet.
Oct 18, 2008
The Wat Phra Kaew is a stunning Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand. It is a just short walk from Khao San Road, a favourite of backpackers and young tourists., As you approach you will see the gleaming roof of the Grand Palace surrounded by the bustle of traffic and people which characterises modern day Bangkok. Two things struck me the most - firstly, the tradition that pervades Bangkok - shrines to Hindu spirits in the temple grounds and the monks in their saffron robes. Secondly, the sheer size and beauty of the huge recling Buddha which is the centrepiece of the Wat Phra Kaew.
Oct 22, 2008
This was a lovely temple. I went to look at the Emerald Budha. This visit inspired me to buy a new camera when I got home, one with better zoom and can do a little shakyness. To take a photo of the Emerald Budha (made of jade) you must be outside the room it is in. With the crowd, I was quite a distance from it. My photos were so bad I bought postcards instead. Loved walking around the grounds. It is very lovely and worth the visit. Ignore anyone who tries to tell you it is closed. Go to the main entrance to the ticket window and you should be able to get in.
Hotels Near Wat Phra Kaeo (Emerald Buddha Temple)
Related Links
Travel insurance from Worldnomads.com
