Temple of The Emerald Buddha, the most important temple in Bangkok and in Thailand.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha known as Wat Phra Kaew, is the amazing attraction. Travelling to Bangkok, tourists must not miss this hi-light because here is the place collecting history, fantastic Thai architecture and decorative arts. Wat Phra Kaew is the royal temple in the palace compound and the only temple in Thailand that there is no monk residing. The concept of temple is influenced by the Ayuddhaya, the old capital where the royal temple and the king residence quarter are in the same compound. However, this is the sacred place that tourist need to visit with the respect. Wearing suitable clothes, shorts and mini-skirts are prohibited and you need to take your shoes off when getting into the restricted area.
In many special occasions such as New Year or any Buddhist celebration days, Thai people always come to perform the veneration to the Emerald Buddha.
Although, monks are not residing at Temple of the Emerald Buddha, there is a chapel for the king and his royal family to perform the religious ceremony.
In the chapel, this is the place for enshrining The Emerald Buddha which King Rama I brought from Vientiane after battling. However, the history of this Buddha statue began almost 800 years ago.The buddha’s body made of the finest sculpture jade. The statue’s attire was changed in the beginning of every season by the king. Rainy, winter or summer, visitors will see the difference style of seasonal wearing.
More important, Emerald Buddha has been respected by Thai people since the historical time until the present. Thai people believe in sacred which can protect the country from many crises.
Walking around the temple area, on the large elevated platform, you will see the golden distinctive circular shape style stupa named Phra Sri Ratana Jedi and also the fantastic images which are the characters in Thai poems such as Kin Nari, half bird and lady mythical creature.Moreover, in the same area, next to the stupa, it is scripture hall called Phra Mondop, built for keeping the Buddhist texts and there is a cross shape building called Prasart Phra Thep Bidorn, the amazing construction that you need to snap a shot of picture. Inside building, there are statues of the former kings in Chakri dynasty, the ancestor of the present king.
Walking along the temple cloister, you will be amused with the mural panting. This is recognized as the longest painting in the world.The picture displays the story of Ramakian, influenced by Indian poem Ramayana.
At the temple gate, you will see demon statues which are the characters from Ramakian. No wonder, these demons are the security guards who have protected the emerald Buddha for almost two hundred years.
Walking out from the temple area, you will reach the area of the magnificent Grand Palace.
Opening: 8.30- 15.30 Everyday
Ticket 350 Baht including The Grand Palace entrance
