Wat Phra Kaew and his Emerald Buddha

Visit of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaeo (or Wat Phra Kaew), also known as Temple of the Emerald Buddha , is undoubtedly one of the most sacred places of Bangkok . A visit to the Thai capital is incomplete without a visit to the Wat Phra Kaeo. This temple houses a statue of Buddha (in dark green jadeite) that measures about 60 centimetres. According to the legend, the Emerald Buddha was once kept in a monument in Chiang Rai, which was discovered following an opening that lightning on the roof of the building in 1434. Since then, many kings have tried to transport the statue to their own countries. After traveling to several countries, this statue finally rests at Wat Phra Kaeo.

Wikimedia – JPSwimmer

King Rama I built Wat Phra Kaeo to consecrate the Emerald Buddha. Corresponding to different seasons, the Emerald Buddha is dressed in seasonal costumes, which are changed three times a year. In the summer, the statue is decorated with a crown and jewels, in winter it is wrapped in a golden shawl and during the rainy season, you will see the Emerald Buddha wearing a golden dress and a hair.

Flickr – Justin Gaurav Murgai

To get inside the Wat Phra Kaew, you have to remove your shoes. The Buddha is located on a pedestal 11 meters high. He's protected by a glass cage. It is absolutely forbidden to take a picture of the Buddha despite being magnificent.

Flickr – matze_ott

Remember that you must be dressed in decent clothes. I advise you to read my article on Royal Palace of Bangkok (whose Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located inside) and which gives many information to visit all the monuments and temples of the Royal Palace.

The temple itself is truly magnificent, perhaps the most beautiful of the Royal Palace complex. We find beautiful statues and beautiful frescoes outside the temple. These are the photos below.

To facilitate your visit, don’t hesitate to book in advance your entry with a guide, which will pick you up at your hotel. Click on the button to learn more :

Fotopedia – Scrunchleface

Flickr – Poliquin stone

Flickr – Jonathan Burr

Flickr – Michael McDonough

Flickr – MVX

Flickr – spo0nman

Flickr – NidarosFoto