Wat Phra Kaew: Home to Thailand’s most sacred deity
The Emerald Buddha Temple or Wat Phra Kaew is one of Bangkok’s most venerated sites, housing many objects deemed sacred in Thailand.
The temple, also known as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, lies within the Grand Palace compound and is home to the Emerald Buddha, which is venerated as Thailand’s protector.
Construction of the temple began in 1783, under the auspices of the Chakri dynasty’s first king, King Rama I. Since then, each successive king has been personally involved in adding, restoring and embellishing the temple as a way of making merit and glorifying the dynasty.
Many key state and royal ceremonies presided over by the King are held within the temple each year.
The King also personally changes the deity’s costume thrice a year to mark summer, rainy season and winter.
Since the temple is considered the country’s most sacred venue, visitors are not allowed to wear sleeveless, strapped, short or see-through shirts, short, torn or tight trousers, biking shorts or mini-skirts.
Visitors wearing prints depicting death will not be allowed to enter, while those with tattoos related to Buddhism or Hinduism will be required to cover them.
Tourists unable to meet the dress code can rent respectable attire near the entrance.
All visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple and are recommended to tuck their feet while seated so they do not point at the deity or objects of worship. Drinking, eating, smoking or wearing accessories like sunglasses or earphones is not allowed in the temple’s sanctum.
The temple is open daily from 8.30am to 3.30pm and visitors can take photographs around the temple, but not inside the inner sanctum where the Emerald Buddha deity is enshrined.
The closest MRT station to the temple is Sanam Chai, though it can also be accessed by public bus and taxi.
Entrance is 500 baht for foreigners and tickets can be bought at the door upon arrival or online via www.royalgrandpalace.th/en/home at least 24 hours in advance.
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