Wat Phra Kaeo, Bangkok - all you need to know

Wat Phra Kaeo (also known as Wat Phra Kaew) is the holiest Buddhist temple in Thailand and the spiritual heart of the entire country. It is situated within the grounds of the Grand Palace, and without a visit to it, the Royal Palace would be nothing more than an architectural backdrop.

Most people come to see the Emerald Buddha. Yet very few realise just how special this place really is for Thailand.

👉 You can find practical information on admission, opening hours and transport in the main Grand Palace guide.

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The Emerald Buddha: a small statue, a huge symbol

The statue is just 79 cm tall and is not made of emerald, but of green jasper. Nevertheless, it is the most revered Buddhist artefact in the country.

According to legend, it was made in India more than two thousand years ago. The first documented references to it date back to the 15th century, when it was moved to Chiang Mai. It subsequently travelled to Laos and back to Siam before King Rama I placed it in the newly built city of Bangkok in 1784.

Three times a year, the statue’s robes are changed by the King of Thailand himself or his representative. This ceremony symbolically marks the change of season.

The Emerald Buddha is on display in the main temple building, which is open to the public.

Photograph of the Emerald Buddha from the outside

What not to miss on the temple grounds

Wat Phra Kaeo is not just the main temple building.

🟡 The Golden Pagoda (Phra Si Rattana Chedi)

One of the most striking structures on the site, covered in gold tiles. Buddhist relics are housed inside.

🎨 Ramakien murals

A vast collection of frescoes depicting the Thai version of the Ramayana epic. Detailed scenes run around the entire inner perimeter of the temple complex.

🏯 Model of Angkor Wat

A scale model of the famous Cambodian temple, Angkor Wat. If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia, what you’ll see here is just a taste of what lies ahead.

Wat Phra Kaeo

Model of Angkor Wat

The atmosphere and reality of a visit

Wat Phra Kaew is also:

a deeply spiritual place
a place that is extremely busy with tourists

During the peak season, thousands of visitors flock here every day. The tranquillity one might expect from a sacred temple is often hard to find here.

You must remove your shoes before entering, and appropriate clothing – i.e. long trousers and covered shoulders – is strictly enforced. Photography is not permitted inside the temple, but you can take a photo of the Emerald Buddha from outside using a powerful zoom lens.

Grand Palace, queue for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

A different way to approach your visit

If you don’t just want to ‘pop in and tick it off your list’, try:

arriving straight after opening time
stop and look at the murals, spending more than a few minutes on them
notice the contrast between the spiritual significance and the tourist reality

Combined with a visit to Wat Pho and a cruise on the Chao Phraya River, a visit to the historic centre makes much more sense than as a stand-alone item on the itinerary.

To plan a full day out, I recommend our ‘Bangkok in 3 Days’ itinerary.

Admission fees and opening hours

It is open daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (last admission at 3.30 pm).

Tickets cost 500 thb and can be paid for by card. The admission fee includes a visit to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Royal Palace grounds and Queen Sirikit’s Textile Museum.

Official website:royalgrandpalace.th/en

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Is it worth visiting Wat Phra Kaeo on its own?

To be honest: Wat Phra Kaeo isn’t a place you can visit on its own. It’s an integral part of the Grand Palace and the ticket is valid for both.

However, it is the part of the complex with the greatest symbolic significance. If you’re interested in Thai history, the monarchy and religious symbolism, this is the most important part of the whole complex.