Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Temple of the Emerald Buddha which includes religious aspects, a temple or place of worship and a statue or sculpture
The holiest Buddhist site in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew is home to the revered Emerald Buddha which is protected by mythical Guardian warriors at every entrance.

Within the grounds of the Grand Palace sits a brightly coloured temple compound which plays host to the most sacred item in Thailand. A figure of veneration and mystery, the origins of the Emerald Buddha before it arrived in Bangkok are little known but much discussed. Locally regarded as the oldest statue of Buddha in existence, ownership of this small talisman is believed to bring legitimacy, prosperity and protection to the nation.

Fastidiously carved from a single block of jade, this small emerald-green statue of Buddha sits meditatively on a golden throne atop a 9-metre pedestal within the temple complex. It is thought to date back at least to the fifteenth century, where it was discovered hidden inside a plaster Buddha in Chieng Rai province.

The Emerald Buddha’s current home was built in 1785 by King Rama I, when he moved the statue across the river from its previous dwelling at Wat Arun. Ornate and colourful, the temple dwarfs the statue in grandeur. Looking at the crowds of pilgrims who travel across the country to see the Buddha, however, it is clear that this seemingly modest object still inspires great reverence.

The statue is so sacred that only the King is allowed to touch it. Three times a year, he is charged with the ceremonial changing of the Buddha’s clothing to coincide with the changing seasons.

It is worth setting aside some time to look round the Temple as it houses more than just the Buddha statue. On the balcony, overseen by the colourful guardians on the entrance, you will find a series of murals depicting the Ramayana legend as told by the poet Valmika. Elsewhere, a model of the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia marks the Buddha statue’s sojourn there during the reign of the Siamese.

The Grand Palace and the Temple are open every day and can easily be reached by ferry or taxi. Aim to arrive early as they don’t stay open beyond the middle of the afternoon and be sure to dress appropriately, covering your legs, arms and feet.

Reviews of Temple of the Emerald Buddha

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
95
" "5 - Excellent 52.48618784530387%
4 - Good
65
" "4 - Good 35.91160220994475%
3 - Okay
15
" "3 - Okay 8.287292817679559%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 3.314917127071823%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
24 Dec 2019

Even on a Sunday at closing it was absolutely ram packed, couldnt even get in the queue, stressful.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
21 Aug 2019

Very busy so choose a quiet time

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
14 Apr 2019

check times. I arrived too late

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2019

You can hire there for 200BHT the audio guide just for 1,5 hour. But the time is to short for this palace. Not worth to take it also because of the nformations.

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The Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand offers a range of exciting areas and neighborhoods for tourists to explore.

  • Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang: Located just 0.05 km away from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, this area is known for its stunning Thai-style architecture and temples. Visitors can also enjoy shopping, explore monuments, and experience the vibrant urban atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Thailand through its museums and Chinatown.
  • Tha Tien: Situated 0.6 km away from the temple, Tha Tien is another area that offers a variety of attractions. Apart from temples, shopping, and monuments, visitors can explore the bustling Chinatown, take a boat tour along the river, and indulge in the local culture and cuisine.
  • San Chao Pho Suea: Just 0.62 km away from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, this area is known for its temples, shopping opportunities, and cultural experiences. Take a stroll through the vibrant streets, visit the museums, and explore the enchanting river that runs through the area.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a beautiful temple in Bangkok, Thailand, featuring stunning temples, shopping opportunities, historical monuments, an urban castle, rich cultural experiences, museums, Chinatown, river tours, and more.

  • Grand Palace: Immerse yourself in history at this historic palace, located just 0.18 km away from Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Explore the intricate temples, shop for unique souvenirs, and marvel at the grandeur of this urban castle.
  • Bangkok City Pillar Shrine: Discover a sacred shrine just 0.22 km away from Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Admire the beautiful architecture, soak in the spiritual atmosphere, and gain insight into Thai culture and traditions.
  • Lak Meuang: Visit this historic column, only 0.19 km away from Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Learn about its significance as the city pillar and enjoy the serene surroundings of this important landmark.

Bangkok City Centre boasts a year-around average temperature of 27.9°C, peaking at 29.9°C in April, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 25.8°C in December, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 116.0mm annually, with September seeing the heaviest showers and December being the driest month.

Monthcalendar iconTemperature (Celcius)temperature iconRainfall (mm)rain icon
January26.27.9
February27.320.1
March29.236.1
April29.957.9
May29.6198.1
June28.7160.0
July28.1160.0
August28.1175.0
September28.0305.1
October27.5206.0
November26.666.0
December25.80.0

✅ Top reasons to visit Temple of the Emerald Buddha

  • Mesmerizing Blend: The Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand offers a mesmerizing blend of ancient temples, bustling shopping streets, and iconic landmarks.
  • Cultural Gem: This urban castle is a true cultural gem, housing museums that showcase the rich history and heritage of the city.
  • Vibrant Chinatown: A visit to the nearby Chinatown is a must, where vibrant markets and authentic street food await.
  • Breathtaking Riverside Views: The breathtaking riverside views provide a stunning backdrop for boat tours, allowing you to explore the area and experience the best of Bangkok.
  • Enchanting Sights and Sounds: Don't miss out on the enchanting sights and sounds that this temple and its surrounding area have to offer.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha info point: What you need to know

Category
Details
NameTemple of the Emerald Buddha
LocationBangkok, Bangkok Province, Thailand
Opening Hours8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Entry Fee500 Thai Baht
Dress CodeModest attire, cover shoulders and knees
DescriptionThe Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, is a sacred Buddhist temple located within the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. It houses the highly revered Emerald Buddha statue, which is considered the palladium of the Kingdom of Thailand. The temple complex is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful decorations.
HighlightsEmerald Buddha statue, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew Museum, Phra Mondop, Phra Sri Rattana Chedi, Phra Ubosot
Important NotePhotography is not allowed inside the temple. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple buildings.

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