Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

No trip to Thailand is complete without visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (or Wat Phra Kaeo, which ever spelling your prefer). I think I've visited this one 4-5 times already. And every time I go there, a different area is undergoing restoration, which is a good thing.

Located within the grounds of the Grand Palace and surrounded by a mile-long wall, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the world's most spectacular holy places. Within it's walls are the finest examples of Buddhist architecture, paintings and sculpture in Thailand.

The highlight of the site is the Emerald Buddha itself, housed inside a magnificent bot whose walls are decorated with late Ayuthaya-style murals depicting the life of the Buddha and Buddhist cosmology. Despite being just over 2 feet tall, the Emerald Buddha is one of Thailand's most sacred. It is covered in a costume that is changed three times a year depending on the season. The changing of the costume is an important ritual performed by the King. The two sets of costumes not used are kept on display at the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Thai Coins just near the entrance to the Temple.

The surrounding areas are equally magnificent. The inside walls of the compound are decorated with murals that depict the entire Ramakien. The 178 scenes begins at the north gate and continuing clockwise.

There are also several monuments on the temple grounds. The most interesting of which are the three pagodas to the immediate north of the ubosoth, the Phra Si Ratana Chedi, and the Phra Mondop, a library built in Thai style by Rama I.

Other points of interest within the compound are The Royal Pantheon, open only to the public for one day in October to commemorate the founding of the Chakri dynasty; a miniature Angkor Wat constructed by King Mongkut; the black stone statue of a hermit, considered a patron of medicine; and a number of elephant statues that web rubbed on the head is believed to good luck - notice how smooth they are from being touched.

Thailand’s majestic Grand Palace sits high above the city Bangkok. Constructed in the 18th century during the reign of King Rama I, the palace is an outstanding example of the blending of classic Thai architecture with more modern Western styles. Although the Grand Palace has not been used as a royal residence for many years, it still serves as a site for important events, including royal coronations. Visitors who venture inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or who tour the model Angkor Wat are guaranteed a spiritual experience.

Wat Phra Kaeo (Chapel of Emerald Buddha) is a treasure house of Thai arts, and houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Three main buildings inside the temple which form up a glittering scene are the

Golden Stupa, enshrining the relics of the Buddha, the Phra Mondop or the Library, housing the Tripitaka or a Buddhist scripture, the Royal Pantheon which is a pavilion used for keeping statues of deceased kings of Chakri dynasty. Besides, the 178 section mural paintings which depict the story of the Ramayana are the superb masterpiece of Rattanakosin

Wat Phra Kaew or the Emerald Buddha Temple which generally known to the Thais as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. Wat Phra Kaew temple is the most important and sacred temple so you're expected to act with due respect inside it.Therefore, visitors who would like to visit The Grand Palace should wear polite dresses

- wear long pants or a long skirt. Nothing that shows the knee. Capri-length trousers are probably ok.

- wear a shirt that covers your shoulders and arms at least to the elbow. No tanks, or short sleeves.

- Sandles (without ankle or heel straps) can not be worn.

Wat Phra Kaew 's open everyday from 8.30 a.m. to 16.30 p.m.
Admission fee is 250 Baht each (tickets sold until 15.30 p.m.), and includes admission to Vimanmek Mansion Museum ( The world's largest golden teakwood mansion )on the same ticket.

DO NOT be deterred from coming here by touts or tuk-tuk drivers telling you on the street that the Palace is closed!!!