Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is located in the grounds of the Grand Palace and is the most significant temple in Thailand. It is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a 14th-century statue carved from a single piece of jade, but more about that later.

The grounds of the Grand Palace are surrounded by walls built in 1783 and has a total area of 218,000 square metres.

This famous Thailand Buddhist temple is on the itinerary of every tourist to Bangkok and you can visit from 8:30 am to 3:15 pm each day. The entrance fee is around 500 Baht for foreigners and free if you are a Thai resident.

There are guided tours at 10:00 am, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm.

Ensure you follow the dress standards referred to below, or you will be refused entry and will need to hire some suitable clothes from the nearby stall.

The entry price used to include an admission ticket to Vimanmek mansion that is to be used within seven days.

Vimanmek is the largest teak palace in the world and is currently being rebuilt with new foundations. It seems that once reconstructed it will not be reopened to the public.

First you will visit the many buildings in the grounds of the Temple, including the compound housing the mural of the Ramakien.

If you are at all interested in photography, then this Thailand Buddhist temple is a photographer's dream

The golden spires the glass mosaics applied to the buildings and the range of building styles will all give ample opportunity to catch the perfect photograph.

Wat Phra Kaew is also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha because of the jade buddha image located there. 

The Emerald Buddha is adorned with three different sets of gold clothing, which are changed seasonally by the King of Thailand, so you will need to visit many time to see the different seasonal clothes.

You are not allowed to take photographs of the Emerald Buddha inside this part of the temple but you can buy postcard size pictures at the small shop later on.

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The Grand Palace

Head to the Grand Palace after you have toured the grounds and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, it is just a short walk away.

It always seems hot when visiting the Grand Palace. I think it is because of all the reflective surfaces and all the concrete structures so take it easy and don't over exert yourself.

You will need to drink plenty of water as you go around, or risk getting dehydrated, particularly if you just flew in the day before.

Royal Temple Dress Standards

When visiting royal temples in Bangkok, such as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, or Wat Pho, you should dress modestly and respectfully. Here are the royal temple dress standards in Bangkok:

For Both Men and Women:

• Cover your shoulders: Wear shirts or tops that cover your shoulders. No tank tops, sleeveless shirts, or spaghetti straps.
• Cover your knees: Wear trousers or skirts that cover your knees. No shorts, mini-skirts, or dresses that are too short.
• No revealing clothing: Avoid low-cut tops, tight-fitting clothes, or anything that's too revealing.
• No beachwear: Leave your swimwear, flip-flops, and beach hats outside the temple grounds.

Additional Guidelines for Women:

• Dress conservatively: Avoid tight-fitting clothes, and opt for loose, flowing clothing instead.
• No see-through clothing: Make sure your clothing is opaque and not see-through.

Additional Guidelines for Men:

• No sleeveless shirts: Wear shirts with sleeves to cover your arms.
• No hats or sunglasses: Remove your hats and sunglasses when entering the temple grounds.

Footwear:

• Remove your shoes: Take off your shoes before entering temple buildings or certain areas within the temple grounds.

There are local stalls that can provide replacement clothing, should you be pulled over by security staff.

Organised Tours to Wat Phra Kaew

If it all sounds to much to do on your own, there are a range of organised private and group tours provided by GetYourGuide. 

Learn more about the Grand Palace organised tours.

8 Attractions Near Wat Phra Kaew

1. The Grand Palace: A majestic palace that was the official residence of the king and queen of Thailand.
2. Wat Pho: A large temple complex famous for its giant reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage school.
3. Wat Arun: A stunning temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, known for its 79-meter-tall spire covered in colorful ceramic tiles. The closeness of Wat Arun and Wat Pho mean that they can both be visited in a one day excursion.
4. Tha Tien Market: A bustling market selling everything from souvenirs to traditional Thai clothing.
5. Sanam Luang Park: A large public park in front of the Grand Palace, perfect for a stroll or picnic.
6. Museum of Siam: A museum showcasing the history and culture of Thailand through interactive exhibits.
7. Wat Mahathat: A historic temple complex that houses a museum and offers stunning views of the Chao Phraya River.
8. Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market: A vibrant market selling fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

These attractions offer a glimpse into Bangkok's rich history, culture, and daily life. Enjoy exploring!

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