What is Wat Pra Kaew?
When discussing the exquisite temples of Thailand, it is nearly impossible to overlook the remarkable Wat Phra Kaew. Wat Phra Kaew is one of Thailand’s most revered and renowned Buddhist temples.
It is the spiritual nucleus of Thai Buddhism and the monarchy, symbolically uniting them through the nation’s most sacred symbol, the Emerald Buddha. Adjacent to the temple complex is the Grand Palace, once the abode of the royal family and a meticulously structured domain of ceremonial customs and societal hierarchy.
Found in the heart of Bangkok, within the Grand Palace premises, this temple ranks among the most accessible in the entire country. The construction of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha dates back to 1782 when King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke, also known as King Rama I, relocated Thailand’s capital from Thonburi.
Diverging from the typical design of Thai temples, Wat Phra Kaew does not include residential quarters for monks. However, it houses a multitude of sacred edifices and revered artifacts. The temple complex showcases intricate paintings, carvings, and pagodas, immersing visitors in a captivating ambiance.
Where is Wat Pra Kaew?
Located in the historic Phra Nakhon District of Bangkok, along Th Na Phra Lan, lies the entrance to the revered Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace complex.
Accessible through the marked third gate from the Tha Chang River pier, this locale is of significant cultural importance. Wat Phra Kaew was the private chapel for Thai kings and court members back in the day.
Why should you visit Wat Pra Kaew?
Wat Pra Kaew was constructed to provide a home for the Emerald Buddha, which King Rama I brought back to Thailand after conquering Vientiane (now in Laos). The temple welcomed the Emerald Buddha in 1784.
Phra Ubosot, also known as the Chapel of the Emerald Buddha, was commissioned by King Rama I and showcases the distinctive Ayudhaya-period Thai architectural style. Noteworthy features include a beautifully adorned Lamyong roof structure with multiple tiers and double sacred boundary stones. Much like the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, the temple complex at Wat Phra Kaew is open to the public today.
Wat Phra Kaew is usually open to the public unless there is an important ceremony. It is also essential to dress appropriately when exploring Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, as they are sacred sites in Bangkok. Entry will be denied unless you are dressed modestly. Attire such as shorts, sleeveless shirts, spaghetti-strap tops, and cropped pants that expose more than your lower arms and head is strictly prohibited.
Visitors who do not adhere to the dress code will be directed to a dressing room, where they will be given a sarong to cover up before being granted admission. It may result in longer waiting times.
An entrance fee of 500 baht (~ 14 USD) is required to enter the Grand Palace. This fee grants access to attractions, including Wat Phra Kaew, The Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavilion, The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, and the Vimanmek Palace Museum. Here is why you must add Wat Pra Kaew to your Thailand itinerary.
• The Emerald Buddha
The main attraction of Wat Phra Kaew is the esteemed Emerald Buddha. Nestled within the temple’s principal hall, known as the Ubosot or ordination hall, this revered statue may not astonish you with its size, as it stands rather diminutively. The Emerald Buddha portrays the seated Buddha in a tranquil meditative pose, measuring a mere 66 cm in height.
Nevertheless, its significance as one of the most sacred relics in Thai culture remains unparalleled. Also known as Phra Kaew Morakot, it is worth noting that the statue is not crafted from emerald. Instead, it was meticulously carved from a single block of jadeite extracted from the mountains of Northern Thailand or the Shan State of Myanmar.
Adorned with garments adorned with precious jewels and fashioned from pure gold, this spiritual masterpiece is exclusive to the touch of the reigning King of Thailand. In a formal ritual, assisted by an attendant, the King ceremoniously changes the golden garment thrice a year. These garments represent the three distinct seasons of Thailand: hot, cool, and rainy.
• The Model of Angkor Wat
On your visit to Wat Phra Kaew, do not miss the awe-inspiring Model of Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat, an ancient temple complex in Cambodia, holds great significance. In honor of this architectural marvel, King Rama IV commissioned the creation of an intricate scale model.
Legend has it that King Rama IV wanted to relocate the Angkor Wat complex from Cambodia to Bangkok. But due to practical limitations, the ambitious plan was unachievable. Instead, the king resolved to construct a meticulously detailed replica of Angkor Wat. The model is a testament to his admiration and reverence for the original temple.
Adjacent to the model, you will find a small shrine serving as one of several memorials dedicated to the esteemed kings of the Chakri dynasty. These memorials pay homage to the various monarchs who ruled under the Chakri lineage. Also, surrounding the memorials, you’ll encounter bronze elephants that serve as symbolic shrines representing the revered white elephants, which were significant in the lives of Chakri kings.
• Ramakian Murals
Within the main courtyard is a stone statue of Kuan Im, the Chinese goddess of mercy. Also nearby, two cow figures symbolize the birth year of Rama I. Encircling the entire complex is a 2km-long cloister adorned with 178 murals, depicting the complete Ramakian story. The murals begin at the north gate and progress clockwise around the compound.
The tale commences with Rama and his bride, Sita, a beautiful topless maiden. Alongside Rama’s brother, they are exiled to the forest. Amidst this idyllic backdrop, the malevolent king Ravana, with his many arms and faces, disguises himself as a hermit to abduct Sita.
To rescue Sita, Rama allies himself with Hanuman, the monkey king depicted as a white monkey. Although Rama is the protagonist, Hanuman emerges as the unsung hero—loyal, fierce, and clever. Through great battles and cunning schemes, Ravana is eventually defeated. Following a loyalty test by fire, Sita and Rama are joyously reunited, leading to a fairy-tale ending. While the temple grounds may be bustling with tourists, the mural area is a peaceful and shaded haven.
• Phra Mondop
Constructed under the patronage of Rama I, the magnificent edifice known as the Phra Mondop was specifically designed to house revered Buddhist manuscripts. With its seven-tiered roof, floor delicately woven from strands of silver, and ornate door panels adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl motifs, this library is among the most opulent on the planet. Modeled after the mondop that covers the Buddha’s Footprint in Saraburi province, it bears a remarkable resemblance to its sacred counterpart.
The walls of the Phra Mondop are adorned with green mirrored tiles, skillfully embedded with gold medallions depicting the serene countenance of Buddha. Its lower sections are embellished with two rows of guardian angels, each with unique features.
At the four corners of the Phra Mondop, one can find stone Buddhas intricately carved in the ninth-century Javanese style. Supporting the elaborate multi-tiered roof are sixteen columns, each featuring twelve corners and displaying remarkable craftsmanship. However, the interior of the Phra Mondop is not accessible to anyone.
Within the temple complex, the Phra Mondop towers alongside other remarkable structures, such as the Khmer-style peak of the Prasat Phra Thep Bidon and the resplendent Phra Si Ratana chedi (stupa). Together, these three towers are the tallest structures within the compound, commanding awe and reverence from all who behold them.
When is the best time to visit Wat Pra Kaew?
Throughout the year, Bangkok buzzes with activity, requiring careful planning and navigating crowds regardless of the season you visit the temple complex. The complex opens at 8:30 AM and closes at 3:30 PM, and if you want to avoid crowds, you must arrive early before tour groups and the afternoon heat. The best time is around 8:30 AM.
However, the period from late November to early December is widely regarded as the ideal time to explore Bangkok due to its pleasant weather. During this time, the city transitions from the monsoon season, resulting in a drier climate and a slight chill in the air.
With the major holidays a couple of weeks away, the influx of tourists has yet to peak. Consequently, you can anticipate fewer crowds at the temples and other historical sites.
How to get to Wat Pra Kaew?
Getting to the Grand Palace in Bangkok is a breeze since it sits right in the city’s heart. You have multiple convenient options to reach the Grand Palace effortlessly. The most straightforward routes include using the BTS (Skytrain), the Chao Phraya Express Boat, or a taxi.
- By BTS Skytrain and Chao Phraya Express Boat
To reach the Grand Palace at an affordable price, follow these steps using the BTS Skytrain and Chao Phraya Express Boat:
- Begin by taking the Silom Line of the BTS Skytrain and disembark at Saphan Taksin Station. Upon arrival at Saphan Taksin BTS Station, make your way to Exit 2.
- Descend the stairs at Exit 2, leading you to street level
- Walk straight for less than a minute until you reach Sathorn Pier on your left side.
- As you continue walking, you will spot a ticketing booth where you can purchase the Chao Phraya Express Boat ticket. Look for the booth labeled “Chao Phraya Express Boat (Orange Flag).” The one-way fare for the Orange Flag Boat is 15 baht (about 0.50 USD) per person, and the price remains the same regardless of the pier you disembark at.
- After obtaining your ticket, join the queue designated for the Chao Phraya Express Boat (Orange Flag).
- The boat will transport you from Sathorn Pier to Tha Chang Pier, with an approximate travel time of 18 minutes. There will be signboards at each pier to indicate the name, ensuring you arrive at the correct stop.
- Once you disembark at Tha Chang Pier, exit the pier area, and proceed straight ahead.
- On the left side, you will find a pedestrian walkway. Follow this path. Continue walking in the left lane for approximately 3 minutes until you reach the entrance of the Grand Palace, situated on the right side. To cross the road from the left lane to the right, make use of the pedestrian crossing provided.
- The boat departs every 10 to 20 minutes.
- Operating hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
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- By MRT (The Metropolitan Rapid Transit)
An alternative method to access the Grand Palace involves using the Bangkok MRT.
Sanam Chai Station is the closest MRT Station to the palace, specifically Exit 1. Walking from this station to the palace typically takes around 15 minutes via Thanon Sanam Chai (Sanam Chai Road) (0.7 miles). You can take a 3-minute taxi via Sanam Chai Road.
- By Taxi
Suvarnabhumi Airport is the closest transportation hub to Wat Phra Kaew. By taking a taxi, you can reach the temple in approximately 25 minutes. This option ensures a speedy arrival and is the most economical, with a fare of about 300 baht-360 baht (~ 8 USD – 10 USD).
4 Responses
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This comprehensive guide not only elucidates the historical and architectural marvels of the temple but also provides practical insights for visitors, including tips on attire and transportation. The article’s meticulous detailing of Wat Phra Kaew’s attractions, such as the revered Emerald Buddha and the awe-inspiring Phra Mondop, invites readers to embark on a virtual journey through Thailand’s vibrant past and present. Moreover, by offering recommendations on the best time to visit and transportation options, the post serves as a valuable resource for travelers seeking to explore this cultural gem while navigating the bustling streets of Bangkok with ease. Overall, it effectively captures the allure of Wat Phra Kaew and inspires a sense of curiosity and reverence for this treasured landmark.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and feedback! I’m happy to hear that you found the guide comprehensive and informative, and provided valuable insights for your exploration of Wat Phra Kaew! Also, that it’s bringing the rich history and architectural wonders of Wat Phra Kaew to life.
Thank you again. I hope you have a chance to visit Wat Pra Kaew someday!