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WAT PHRA KAEO or the temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of Bangkok’s major tourist attractions, no trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting to this magnificent and beautiful temple.

Wat Phra Kaeo was built in the area of the Grand Palace in the reign of King Rama I.
When you enter to the temple, the first thing that you will see is a figure of a seated hermit, a patron of Thai medicine. Behind him is the Ubosoth or the ordination hall which was built for enshrining the Emerald Buddha. The exterior walls are decorated with gilt stucco and colored glass mosaics. In the gallery surrounding the Ubhosoth, there are mural paintings depicting the story of the Rammakian, the Thai version the India Rammayana.

Walking around the temple, you will find the six pairs of Demon-Guardian statues standing at the gates. They stand facing the Ubosoth to guarding the Emerald Buddha from all evil spirits. Moreover you can see other attractive buildings inside the temple such as the Golden Stupa, which has circular base and bell shape. Relics of the Buddha are enshrined in it.

Phra Mondop is a spired hall on a square plan, used by Kings to enshrine objects of veneration. At four doors of Phra Mondop, there are statues of demons and human-face naga(the King of snakes) being guards.
Phra Viharn Yod is a spired hall. Its super structure is in the form of a Thai crown ornamented with multicoloured pieces of glazed terracotta.
Phra Monthian Tham, the Supplementary Library is the house of Buddhist Texts.
A model of Angkor Wat, an impressive example of Khmer architecture of the 12th century.

The Emerald Buddha is carved from large green jade. The image itself measures 66 centimeters high and 48.3 centimeters wide. The image is in a seated position, right leg folded over the left, and both hands placed on the lap, like the attitude of meditation. The image has three costumes, depending to seasons; summer, rainy, and winter, all made of gold and jewelry.

Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Admission Fee: Baht 200 for foreigners, and free for Thais. The admission fee also includes admission to the Grand Palace.
Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Visitors need to wear a long sleeved t-shirt and long skirt or trouser. Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can not be worn.