Wat Phra Kaew: Bangkok's Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phra Kaew, or Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, is one of Thailand's most important temples, a spiritual centre for Thai people and a symbol of the nation. Almost everyone who visits Bangkok comes here, and no matter how many times you come, it still impresses.

Wat Phra Kaew is the royal temple of the Grand Palace of Rattanakosin, which is Bangkok. King Rama I ordered it to be built together with the Grand Palace. It sits in the outer court of the palace on the east side, so there are no resident monks. In importance, it is similar to Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya, which was also a palace temple. The ordination hall houses the Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakon, better known as the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most sacred Buddha image.

History of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace

After King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) came to the throne in 1782, he founded the Grand Palace. The City Pillar was raised on Sunday 21 April 1782 at 06:54, as recorded on the pillar itself. The palace stands on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite the former palace of Thonburi.

The Grand Palace covers 152 rai 2 ngan (about 24 hectares), and its four walls measure 1,910 metres in total, with fortresses and gates all around. Inside, it is divided into four parts: the outer court, the middle court, the inner court, and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram.

The legend of the Emerald Buddha

The Emerald Buddha has long been regarded as the sacred protector of the Thai nation. The Legend of the Emerald Buddha, composed by King Mongkut (Rama IV) to be read in the ordination hall during the oath-of-allegiance ceremony, and printed in a complete edition by Bannakhan Publishing in 1961, describes the founding ceremonies of the city under King Rama I. It explains that after three days of coronation and consecration rites, the new capital was given a name matching that of the Buddha image, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayutthaya, because it was where this precious image was kept as a source of glory for the two kings who built the city.

This makes it clear that the Emerald Buddha is the sacred palladium of Rattanakosin, the new centre of government of Siam after Thonburi.

What to wear when visiting Wat Phra Kaew

Dress modestly out of respect for the place. These are not allowed:

• Sleeveless, cropped or tight tops. If you are already wearing one, cover up with a long-sleeved top, or buy a shirt from the stalls in front of the Grand Palace, starting at 100 baht.
• Shorts. This means trousers that do not cover the knee, tight trousers, or ripped trousers. Around the temple you will find plenty of elephant-print and other long trousers for 100–120 baht. Many visitors do not check the rules beforehand, which is why you see so many foreigners in elephant trousers every day.
• Short skirts. Same rule as shorts; sarongs are sold nearby if you need one.
• Off-shoulder Thai costumes. If you wear traditional Thai dress, choose a modest style such as Thai Borommaphiman or Thai Chitralada.

Rules for visitors

• Do not enter areas without permission; restricted areas have warning signs. Flying drones over the Grand Palace is prohibited.
• Do not take photos in areas where photography is not allowed.
• Do not photograph the royal guards while they are marching.
• Do not drop litter; bins are provided around the Grand Palace.

Now that you know Wat Phra Kaew and its visiting rules, you can bring friends from abroad to admire Bangkok's beautiful architecture too. If you still want more, Wat Pho, Wat Arun (Wat Arun Ratchawararam) and Wat Rakhang are close by for more temple visits and blessings.

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Author Meeting Point Management Team, MBA มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ MBA University of Technology Sydney (UTS) DBA มหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์ Editorial Team

The Meeting Point management team loves eating, travelling, temple visits and lifestyle. We pick the restaurants, cafes, stays, attractions and temples we have visited ourselves and write about them honestly.