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Temple of the Emerald Buddha
“Temple of the Emerald Buddha” is the English nickname for the striking place where you can admire the most sacred object in the Kingdom of Thailand: a small stone Buddha that sits in a meditative pose on an oversized golden throne. Thai people believe it is the oldest sculpture of Buddha, which makes it a much-worshipped object.
Wat Phra Kaew, as Thai people call the temple, is part of the Grand Palace complex. Its official name is Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, which means “the residence of the Holy Jewel Buddha.” The ornate temple was built in 1782 under King Rama I, who moved the Emerald Buddha from Wat Arun across the river.
Admire the temple’s mosaics and gilded features before you step inside. The Buddha statue doesn’t contain emeralds, and gets its name because it was carved from a single block of green jade stone. The statue was found hidden in stucco in a temple in Chieng Rai in the early 1400s.
In neighboring regions, you’ll find various conflicting chronicles about the creation and mystical travels of the ancient Emerald Buddha before it was rediscovered. Despite its unconfirmed age and origins, Thai culture still holds the statue in reverence. It is believed to bring legitimacy and prosperity to all who possess it.
Join the line of pilgrims who eagerly make the journey from all over the country to pay homage. At every change of season, the Thai king presides over the ceremonial changing of the Buddha’s outfit. As you make your way around the rest of the temple, don’t miss the model of Angkor Wat, the Cambodian temple complex where the statue was housed when it was under Siamese control. Step through the giant gatekeeping statues onto the temple balcony to see murals depicting the Ramayana legend.
The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are open daily but close by mid-afternoon, so get there early. As you enter the site, you are asked to dress respectfully, which includes covering arms, legs and feet. Ferry or taxi is the most convenient way to get there.
Popular Activities at Temple of the Emerald Buddha
We know you really want to get the most out of your time at Temple of the Emerald Buddha. So, we've compiled a list of some fun things you can do on your visit:
- Thonburi Klongs & Grand Palace Morning Excursion
- Private Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha & Reclining Buddha Morning Tour
- Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha & Reclining Buddha Morning Visit
- Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Half-Day Temple Tour
- Private Grand Palace Complex Tour with Personal Guide
- Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Half-Day Tour
Have a look at our Bangkok things to do page to discover more activities while you're in the area.
Guide to Exploring Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Top Temple of the Emerald Buddha Hotel Deals
Per night/room
1 Sep-2 Sep
Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point
662 Rama IV Road, Bangkok, BangkokLocated in Bangkok City Centre, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Lumphini Park and MBK Center. Siam Center and Pratunam Market are also within 3 mi (5 km). Sam Yan Station is only a 3-minute walk and Silom Station is 14 minutes.
Per night/room
8 Sep-9 Sep
Shangri-la Bangkok
89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak, Bangkok, BangkokThis family-friendly Bangkok hotel is located on the riverfront, within 2 mi (3 km) of Bangkok Riverside, King Power MahaNakhon and Iconsiam. Patpong Night Market and Asiatique The Riverfront are also within 2 mi (3 km). Saphan Taksin BTS Station is 6 minutes by foot and Surasak BTS Station is 12 minutes.
Per night/room
8 Sep-9 Sep
D&D Inn Khaosan
68-70 Khaosan Road, Pranakorn, BangkokLocated in Bangkok City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Khaosan Road and Bangkok Riverside. Bangkok National Museum and Thammasat University are also within 10 minutes.
Per night/room
3 Sep-4 Sep
Riva Surya Bangkok
23 Phra Arthit Road Pranakorn, Bangkok, BangkokLocated in Phra Nakhon, this boutique hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Bangkok Riverside, Khaosan Road, and Bangkok National Museum. Thammasat University and Sanamluang are also within 15 minutes. Bangkok Thonburi Station is 25 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
1 Sep-2 Sep
lebua at State Tower (The World's First Vertical Destination)
State Tower 1055/111 Silom Road, Bangrak, BangkokThis family-friendly Bangkok hotel is located on the riverfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Sri Mariamman Temple and Iconsiam. Asiatique The Riverfront and Siam Paragon Mall are also within 3 mi (5 km). Surasak BTS Station is 10 minutes by foot and Saphan Taksin BTS Station is 12 minutes.
Per night/room
15 Sep-16 Sep
ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai
42 Rambuttri Rd., Banglampu Pranakorn, Bangkok, BangkokLocated in Bangkok City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Khaosan Road and Bangkok Riverside. Bangkok National Museum and Thammasat University are also within 15 minutes.
Per night/room
29 Aug-30 Aug
Prince Palace Hotel
488/800 Bo Bae Tower, Damrongrak Road, Klong Mahanak, Bangkok, BangkokLocated in Bangkok City Centre, this luxury hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of Bangkok City Hall, Wat Saket and Wat Suthat. Khaosan Road and Democracy Monument are also within 1 mile (2 km). Yommarat is 12 minutes by foot and Rachathewi BTS Station is 24 minutes.
Riva Arun Bangkok
392/25-26 Maharaj Road, Phraborom Maharajawang, Pranakorn, BangkokLocated in Bangkok City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Museum of Siam and Wat Pho. Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace are also within 1 mi (2 km).
