Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok

Built in 1782, Wat Phra Kaew is located in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. It is a sacred Buddhist site in Thailand and is considered one of the country's three most important temples.

The Emerald Buddha housed in Wat Phra Kaew is carved from a single piece of jadeite, standing approximately 66 cm tall and 48 cm wide. It is protected by glass, adorned with multiple layers of royal umbrellas, and rests on a high pedestal. Each year, the Thai royal family changes the Buddha’s garments three times to reflect the changing seasons, as a sign of reverence. Surrounding the Emerald Buddha are four additional golden Buddha statues. The inner walls of the main temple feature murals depicting the life of Siddhartha Gautama, from birth to nirvana. The main hall that enshrines the Emerald Buddha has 40 square pillars and is decorated with 112 golden bird-human statues under the eaves. All buildings within Wat Phra Kaew sit atop raised white marble bases and are adorned with vibrant mosaic decorations. To the north of the main hall stand three chedi (stupas): a traditional Thai scripture hall, a Sri Lankan-style golden stupa housing relics of the Buddha, and a Khmer-style royal memorial shrine. The outer wall of the temple is plain and white, while the inner walls are painted with scenes from the Thai version of the Ramayana epic and the Ramakien mythology.

Visitors can start their tour at the northern gate of Wat Phra Kaew and view the 178 murals in a clockwise direction. Most of the murals are accompanied by Thai-language descriptions, and there are also several large statues of key deities from the mythology within the temple.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Must-visit reason: The most sacred Buddhist site in Thailand

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia [Asia]

Country/region where the attraction is located: Thailand [Thailand]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Bangkok Metropolis [Bangkok Metropolis]

City where the attraction is located: Bangkok [Bangkok]