Wat Phra Kaew

Overview

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple, located within the Grand Palace complex. It enshrines the Emerald Buddha, a 66-centimetre jade figure considered the palladium of the Thai kingdom.

Highlights

• Emerald Buddha: Carved from a single block of jade, its garments are changed three times a year by the king to mark the Thai seasons.
• Ramakien Murals: 178 mural panels lining the cloisters depict the Thai version of the Ramayana epic.
• Model of Angkor Wat: A detailed scale model of the Cambodian temple, commissioned by King Mongkut.

History

The temple was consecrated in 1784 as the chapel of the new royal palace. The Emerald Buddha itself has a storied history — discovered in Chiang Rai in 1434, it passed through Lampang, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane before arriving in Bangkok.

Visitor Tips

• Entry included: Admission is included with the Grand Palace ticket.
• Shoes off: Remove footwear before entering the main chapel.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.