Home › Diving › Thailand Tour Guide › Central › Bangkok › Temples › Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew Buddhist Temple in Bangkok
Wat Phra Kaew Buddhist Temple is central to Thai culture and customs. Buddhism is not just a religion - it is a way of life for Thai people.
As a result, Wat Phra Kaew (Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram) has become an important visitor attraction in the Kingdom of Thailand.
"Emerald Buddha" Temple (Wat Phra Kaew)
The picture is a small sample of the amazing artwork, building expertise, and everything that is good about the central belief of Thai people - the Buddhist way of life.
Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace are situated within the same compound, but we feel that both are worthy of separate pages. Mostly they are lumped together on the same web page.
The temple of the Emerald Buddha is undoubtedly one of the foremost tourist attractions in Bangkok and from first opening time to closing time it is teeming with tourists and Thais alike.
Great for trade, but not too good for those wanting that extra special snapshot to show friends.
Spectacular buildings and craftsmanship is the hallmark of this area of superb beauty. Wat Phra Kaew buildings tower above all in this area, and are an open invitation to visit. And, visit you must.
Everywhere within the temple compound, there are spectacular buildings and ornamentation gold and mosaics wherever you look , and of course the majestic Guardian Giant statues - replicated in their hundreds by the smaller 'spirits' which protect all within.
The Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaew is one of Thailand's most sacred temples - not least because it is home to the Emerald Buddha, the instigator of wars and much blood shed.
Emerald in name, but alas, probably jade in reality. No matter what it is made, it is the very heart of Thailand, and a talisman for the wellbeing of Thailand and Thais.
The Emerald Buddha is placed on high in the Holy Temple - almost out of sight insofar as a good look is concerned.
You are not allowed to take photographs inside the main temple so the Emerald Buddha is quite elusive to all but a select few.
The robe worn by the Emerald Buddha changes three times each year - and is changed by His Majesty The King in person.
A gold robe encrusted with diamonds for the hot season: a plain solid gold robe is worn in the cool season, and a monks robe - gilded - in the rainy season.
Shoes should (must) be removed before entering the temple and also at certain other areas within the grounds.
There are no 'resident' monks at Wat Phra Kaew, neither is it a place of learning. Nonetheless, wat Phra Kaew is the most important temple in Thailand.
Towering above all, is the large golden Chedi of Phra Si Rattana. It is this that is the main attraction and point of focus from both outside and within the compound of Wat Phra Kaew.
Related Information and Help Guides
- Bangkok City Pillar Shrine: It is customary if you want to have a good life in the city, to worship at the City Pillar Shrine, and give offerings.
- Wat Arun Bangkok Yai: Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan is called the "Temple of Dawn", after the Indian God of the Dawn - Aruna.
- Wat Pho Temple Bangkok: As well as being a major Buddhist Temple, Wat Pho has a school dedicated to teaching the proper Thai Massage - a cultural heritage.
- Wat Suthat: Different in that there is a giant swing to be seen - with a nice story line.