Thailand

Dominating Bangkok's historic center, Wat Phra Kaeo, better known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is an architectural gem of the Land of Smiles.

Teeming with temples and statues much like a beehive with its cells, Bangkok lives up to its nickname, "City of Angels." Wat Phra Kaeo is an unmissable temple in the capital. Its establishment in 1783 marked a significant political change when the Chakri Dynasty ascended to the Siamese throne. Who wouldn't appreciate the masterpieces of Rattanakosin art? Who wouldn't want to join in the royal festivities at the temple? The King's birthday, Thai New Year, and the renewal of the Buddha's golden robe are celebrated here with great pomp. But Wat Phra Kaeo's reputation primarily rests on the Emerald Buddha, crafted from green semiprecious stones, enthroned within its Ubosot. This vast religious complex is located within the Grand Palace, along the Chao Phraya River.

Historical notes

Its official name is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. The Buddhist community calls it Wat Phra Kaeo. Tourists, on the other hand, refer to it by the grand statue it houses: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

When King Rama I proclaimed himself king in 1782, replacing Taksin and founding the Chakri Dynasty, he set about relocating his capital. Bangkok usurped Thonburi's title. The new capital required a suitable palace and temple. Rama I could have settled for Thonburi's old palace, which was charming but too small for his ambitions; expansion was inconceivable.

Wat Phra Kaeo was an adjunct to the palace, itself within a fortified citadel now known as Rattanakosin Island. Construction began the year following the king's investiture, with the ordination hall being the first structure completed. While the temple's masonry was complete, the royal residence remained wooden. Such was Rama I's religious devotion. He completed it in two years. The royal family prayed and worshipped in the sanctuary, excluding all others. As Wat Phra Kaeo was part of the king's private domain, it lacked monastic quarters; no monks were permitted to reside there. However, Buddhist monks from across the country were summoned to perform ritual duties in the temple.

After his death, subsequent monarchs expanded and embellished the sanctuary, each adding to its grandeur. If Rama I aimed to legitimize the nascent dynasty's power through its construction, he succeeded. More than a mere symbol of monarchy, Wat Phra Kaeo is recognized as one of Thailand's finest architectural achievements.

The honor of housing the Emerald Buddha was not always Wat Phra Kaeo's. Previously, it resided in the great stupa temple of Chiang Mai (Wat Chedi Luang). After an earthquake in 1545 damaged the stupa, the Emerald Buddha moved to a Buddhist temple in Laos in 1551. Subsequently, it was housed at Wat Arun, the royal temple of Thonburi. March 22, 1784, is etched in golden letters in the temple's history: Bangkok celebrated when the Emerald Buddha was transferred to Wat Phra Kaeo.

Description of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The exceptional beauty of the site surpasses words. One of Bangkok's most visited sacred places. A temple complex.

Wat Phra Keo is a vast religious complex. Notable buildings include the ordination hall, housing the Emerald Buddha, the centerpiece of the complex; viharns, a dozen pavilions with slender columns; galleries of Buddha statues; a library of sacred texts; monumental gates; and chedis resembling steeples.

The Emerald Buddha

During your visit, you will surely notice the bustling crowd west of the ordination hall. They gather to admire the Emerald Buddha statue, or Phra Kaeo Morakot. Draped in a golden robe, the Buddha sits in a lotus position, legs crossed, in the meditative posture of a monk.

The statue's name misleads many: its brilliant green is actually jade, not emerald. The Emerald Buddha is revered as Thailand's most sacred image. Travelers from around the world flock to the temple gates solely to marvel at this 66-cm-high jade statue.

The statue rests on a raised pedestal reached by a flight of steps. Many kings have gifted the temple with Buddha images and exceptional artwork placed around the Emerald Buddha's pedestal:

• Admire two marble vases and the preaching chair, donated to the temple in 1908 by a European king;
• To the right of the Emerald Buddha stands Phra Phuttha Yotfa Chulalok, a standing Buddha statue with palms extended to calm the waters, richly adorned with a diadem, necklace, rings, bracelets, and other regalia;
• To the left of the Emerald Buddha is a replica statue, Phra Phuttha Loetla Naphalai. The donation of both statues was publicly announced by King Rama III;
  Also observe ten other Buddhas arranged in the center of the pedestal. These images depict Buddha pacifying the ocean waves and influential members of the Chakri dynasty.

Galleries of Buddha Statues

After admiring Phra Kaeo Morakot, stroll through the galleries east of the Ubosot. Forty-two small copper Buddhas are displayed on the walls, commissioned by King Rama III and later gilded by King Rama IV. Inside the galleries is a small golden stupa containing a precious relic of Buddha.

Model of the Khmer Temple of Angkor

Besides the Emerald Buddha, another curiosity captivates visitors: a model of the Angkor archaeological site. It is displayed north of the library. The creation of this model was initiated by King Rama IV, who desired to transport Angkor's Khmer monuments to Bangkok. Realizing this was impossible, he settled for a scaled-down replica of Angkor. The imitation is a stunning success, judging by visitors' enthusiasm.

Practical information

Opening dates and hours

The temple is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., except on holidays.

Entrance fee

The entrance fee for foreigners is 500 baht, or approximately 14 euros. This fee grants access to both the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Getting there

The temple is located within the Grand Palace, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. It can be reached by bus or boat, with the latter being the cheaper and more enjoyable option. Disembark at Tha Chang Pier, step off the boat, and immerse yourself in Thailand's most sacred Buddha statue.