Wat Phra Kaew Buddhist Temple
Wat Phra Kaew Buddhist Temple is central to the Thai culture. Buddhism is not just a religion - it is a way of life for Thai people.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha - Wat Phra Kaew.
Wat Phra Kaew is an important visitor attraction in central Buddhist Temple in Thailand.
These picture are a small sample of the amazing artwork, building expertise, and everything that is good about the central belief of Thai people - the Buddhist way of life.
Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace are situated within the same compound, but we feel that both are worthy of separate pages. Mostly they are lumped together on the same web page.
The temple of the Emerald Buddha is undoubtedly one of the foremost tourist attractions within Bangkok and from first opening time to closing time it is teeming with tourists and Thais alike.
Great for trade, but not to good for those wanting that extra special snapshot to show friends.
Spectacular buildings and craftsmanship is the hallmark of this area of superb beauty. Wat Phra Kaew buildings tower above all in this area, and are an open invitation to visit. And, visit you must.
Everywhere within the temple compound, there are spectacular buildings and ornamentations gold and mosaics wherever you look , and of course the majestic Guardian Giant statues - replicated in their hundreds by the smaller 'spirits' which protect all within.
The Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand's most sacred temple - not least because it is home to the Emerald Buddha, over which, wars have been fought and much blood shed.
Emerald in name, but alas, probably jade in reality. No matter of what it is made.
It is the very heart of Thailand, and is a talisman for the wellbeing of Thailand and Thais.
The Emerald Buddha is placed on high in the Holy Temple - almost out of sight insofar as a good look is concerned.
You are not allowed to take photographs inside the main temple so the Emerald Buddha is quite elusive to all but a select few. The robe worn by the Emerald Buddha changes three times each year - and is changed by His Majesty The King in person.
A gold robe encrusted with diamonds for the hot season: a plain solid gold robe is worn in the cool season, and a monks robe - gilded - in the rainy season.
Shoes should (must) be removed before entering the temple and also at certain other areas within the grounds.
There are no 'resident' monks at Wat Phra Kaew, neither is it a place of learning. Nonetheless, wat Phra Kaew is the most important temple in Thailand.
Towering above all, is the large golden Chedi of Phra Si Rattana. It is this that is the main attraction and point of focus from both outside and within the compound of Wat Phra Kaew.