Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaeo

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the most venerated temple in Bangkok. Its official name is Wat Phra Sri Ratanasasadaram, which translates as the Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha, but it is more commonly called Wat Phra Kaew. The placing of a chapel within the compound of the royal palace is in according to tradition, with Wat Mahathat built within the grounds of the royal palace of Sukhothai, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet built in the grounds of the royal palace of Ayutthaya.

Wat Phra Kaew is located on the north east corner of the Grand Palace compound. It was constructed in 1783 at the same time as the Royal Palace, and completed in 1785. In observance of ancient rites, King Rama I then held another coronation within the temple compound. The temple is not a monastery, meaning no monks reside in it. The temple is enclosed by a high wall. The temple side of this wall is painted with murals depicting the whole story of the Ramakien, what Thais call the Hindu Ramayana.

The following are some of the sights within the Temple of the Emerald Buddha:

Phra Mondop

Phra Si Ratana Chedi

Wall Murals

Getting in

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is entered via the Grand Palace.

Dress Code

If you want to problem in getting in, dress like you are going to the palace. The royal palaces of Bangkok are the most fastidious when it comes to what your attire. No vests, no sleeveless, no shorts, no see-through clothes, no mini-skirts, no slippers / flip-flops. But help in around the corner if your dress doesn't match. The office just inside the main entrance has appropriate clothes to lend you, shoes too. Socks are sold for 15 baht per pair, while other items are lent for a deposit of 100 baht per piece, plus your passport or driver's license or credit card as surety.

Photography

Photography is strictly forbidden inside the ubosot, or ordination hall, where the Emerald Buddha is located. In fact, taking pictures of other Buddha images are also prohibited, but the rule is less strictly enforced; not so the Emerald Buddha. Tripod is also not allowed anywhere in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, so you may have to deposit it at the ticket office and collect it afterwards.

Older Page

Here's my older page on Wat Phra Kaeo

Phra Si Ratana Chedi, Phra Mondop, The Royal Pantheon
author: santi bcn in

Location Map of Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok

Garudas, Temple of the Emerald Buddha
author: Sonia Villegas in

Bronze statue of the Hermit Cheewaka Komarapach
author: shigesato in

Temple of the Emerald Buddha as seen from Sanam Chai
author: bijan soleimani in

A glimpse of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
by DrRusty in

Prangs of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
author: bijan soleimani in

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