Wat Phra Kaew (Thai: วัดพระแก้ว, RTGS: Wat Phra Kaeo, pronounced [wát.pʰráʔ.kɛ̂ːw] (listen)), commonly known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and officially as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The complex consists of a number of buildings within the precincts of the Grand Palace in the historical centre of Bangkok. It houses the statue of the Emerald Buddha, which is venerated as the country's palladium.
Construction of the temple began in 1783 under the orders of Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty. Since then, each successive king has been personally involved in adding, restoring and embellishing the temple during their reigns as a way of making religious merit and glorifying the dynasty. Many important state and royal ceremonies are held within the temple each year, presided by the king in person and attended by government officials. This makes the temple the nation's preeminent place of worship and a national shrine for the monarchy and the state. Throughout the years, each king has donated sacred and valuable objects to the temple, making it a treasury as well.
Monday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Tuesday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Thursday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Friday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Saturday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Sunday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Aaron Bogott | Jan 27, 2018
An amazing site with incredible buildings and monuments. Well worth the visit. The colors and intricate architecture leave one marveling. The Thai people are a very warm people and very good with little children. My family and I would love to return. Beware of pick pockets though in the down town area.
Piotr Wyrzykowski | Jan 23, 2018
I have never seen such a wonderful place. all buildings beautifying by hand. splendor and wealth drips from the roof. the amount of greatness is huge. from the amount of beauty you need to freeze your eyes. This place must be seen.
Narn Rojvachiranonda | Feb 18, 2018
One of the most beautiful sights in Thailand, and one of the most beaytifuk temples in the world. Be warned: it is very hot and very crowded. I recommend you come before 9:00AM or in the evening.
Matheus Arnellas | Nov 20, 2017
Great place to visit for photographs and history. Be aware that it's usually crowded, so probably not the best option for those looking for a quiet temple visit. TIP: Dress code prohibits uncovered shoulders and knees. Best to come wearing T-Shirt and pants.
David Shane | Oct 31, 2017
Very beautiful and there is a free English your guided by an employee of the palace if you go at the right time. 10am or 10:30 are the best times. The Emerald Budda is very small and sits high up on a platform. It is difficult to see, but it's pretty. Oh, and be sure to wear long pants and skirts. No shorts!
Ken Ken | Mar 16, 2018
this place is really good the buildings are gorgeous. i am satisfied with them. pay attention to the entrance time and clothing. even 1 minute passes, we are unable to enter the gate. we need to wear proper clothing. men should wear long pants. women also should wear long pants or skirts. people are prohibited from wearing shoes like sandals and slippers. if we don't have long pants or skirts, we can buy long pants at the store in front of the entrance.
Jay Osborne | Mar 30, 2018
Not worth it. There are plenty of better places around the city. This tourist trap costs 500 baht (US$15), whereas most other places cost 100 baht. Go to Wat Arun or Wat Pho. They are more beautiful and more peaceful— and you can actually go inside the buildings without fear of getting crushed to death by the people. This place is just for crowds of Chinese tourists taking selfies.
Erin Y | Apr 9, 2018
More pricey than the other surrounding attractions (500 baht versus 100), but the price of admission also gets you into the Grand Palace area which is nice. A Bangkok must-see, I personally enjoyed this part much more than the Grand Palace. The architecture is intricate and beautiful and it's a much bigger area than it looks from the outside. Note pants are required for entry - on a super hot day I recommend wearing shorts for the trek and slipping over elephant pants before you enter. You can buy them anywhere around Bangkok for 100 baht.
Kumalasari Margono | Apr 28, 2018
It was a beautiful and enchanting place to visit. Packed with tourists, very crowded!! Better to avoid going on weekend or public holiday. Bring plenty of water and wear hat because weather very very hot!! Must wear proper attire like sleeve shirts and long pants or long skirts below knees, if not the security will not allow you to entry
Narn Rojvachiranonda | Apr 18, 2018
One of the most beautiful sights in Thailand, and one of the most beautiful temples in the world. Be warned: it is very hot and very crowded. I recommend you come before 9:00AM or in the evening.
Kiwon Kim | Jun 4, 2018
Three Bows to Buddha! The temple is located inside the Grand Palace, the fastest time to get in is 8:30 a.m. The temple is built in Sri Lanka style and has the Jade Buddha(the first national treasure of Thailand) in the main temple. Even if you are not a Buddhist, it is a good idea to visit the main temple and offer three bows to Buddha. If you want to offer something(such as water, flowers, and incense) to Buddha, you must purchase the offering in advance before entering. It is also a good idea to visit in the morning because there are many group tourists. Sometimes it is not possible to visit this temple if a national event is held, so be sure to check the information before you visit it.
Bianca Nix | May 8, 2018
You will find this beautiful emerald Buddha within a temple located in the grounds of the grand palace. Admission to see the Emerald Buddha is included in the ticket price that you pay to get into the grand palace. You need to cover your shoulders and wear long trousers or a skirt (ankle length) otherwise you can hire appropriate clothing at the entrance.
Jennifer Jarvis | May 14, 2018
500baht if you’re a tourist. Free if you’re Thai. Beautiful grounds and interesting history. A very large sight to cover but many places to sit if you tire easily. Very photogenic. I think it’s a must see if you’re a tourist for the first time. I maybe wouldn’t go again just because of the crowds.
Natasha M | Jun 21, 2018
A bit of a tourist trap. 500 baht entry for both grand palace and temple. Dress code is very strict - no sarongs for men and women cannot wear wraps over there shoulders (must be another shirt or cardigan). Guards weren't too friendly and very hot in the grounds. Spent 1 hour looking at both the temple, palace and museum dedicated to his majesty. A guide or signs with information would have been valuable, otherwise not much you can learn on your own. We got there at 8.45 and it was already getting busy - recommend getting in as early as possible. Gates open at 8.30.
Les Le | Jul 4, 2018
Peaceful time and Wisdom ... thanks for all the time I have been in Thailand. Learn lots from the monks. To the ones I hurt, pardon me. For I didn’t know that I had Once, I did not live to truth Oh! What I knew little about life Had all ambitions, but none in peace A sinful lifestyle in the deep abyss Pardon me for I was a liar A cheater, unfaithful, coward, and injustice And all sorts of deceiver in life Be famous and well known by man To sell myself to the darkness pride Of one I despised and became one You suffered for my own pleasure joy. Till I see True Path of Light Pardon me my Father, mother, and siblings Pardon me, my poor friends of life, I used you to become well known Unfaithful the love you trust in me A coward and injustice to your works A cheater to the passion we had And all deceived, pardon me my friends Now, I know the truth of life The secret one is who TO SERVE First, live and be true to yourself Then observe with optimistic on the outcome Serve the one in needs with equality Then repent the temptations of the world To validate ourselves in hope for others With peace in an eternally with all Pardon me to the ones I hurt Now, continue with journey of Glorious Hope ... - Dedicated to my monk's friend in life -
Sara Thaimassage | Aug 9, 2018
We had a great stay here. You need to dress properly to enter. Long pants and not too much skin. You can buy pants and cloth to drape yourself for around 200 bath. For Thai people the entry is free, everyone else need to pay 500 bath. Enjoy your stay!
Julia Nikolaychuk | Aug 8, 2018
Till now under huge impression of the temple and every single detail. Many tourists and hot weather were not an obstacle. Best is that all temples are very close and you can easily spend a day here#guideagent
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