Wat Phra Kaew

 

This is one of the most spectacular temples I have ever seen. The official name of Wat Phra Kaew is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. The temple was built in 1792 by King Rama I to house the Emerald Buddha. The Emerald Buddha is not really emerald but it only refers to the color. The Buddha is carved out of a single piece of Jade. The Buddha was originally found in Chiang Rai in 1434. It has quite a history of how it made its way to Bangkok.

The structures are very ornate and beautiful. This is one of the main tourist attractions in Thailand and I can see why. When you first walk through the main wall, the entrance is guarded by two Yakshis, which are mythical giants. Immediately in front of the Yakshis is a large gold chedi, Phra Si Rattana. Directly behind that is the library, Phra Mondop. And in line with the first two is Thep Bidon. This was to be the original location for the Emerald Buddha but King Rama V, thought it to be too small for ceremonies.  The temple housing the Emerald Buddha is parallel to these three structures through another gate. No photos are permitted to be taken in the temple where the Buddha is. It is very impressive.

The entrance fee is now 500 baht and this included Wat Phra Kaew, The Grand Palace and Queen Sirikit’s Museum of Textiles.  One interesting thing here, there is no gift shop selling any images of the Buddha. This is unlike all the other temples I visited in Bangkok.

This attraction should be a high priority if visiting Bangkok for the first time.

Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

 

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