Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Bangkok
Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the nearby Grand Palace are highlights of any visit to Bangkok. The compound, which is seldom free of tourists, has over 100 buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics.
Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand's most important and sacred temple. The main building houses a 70 centimetre Emerald Buddha, positioned at the back of the hall, above the heads of worshippers. The figure holds tremendous significance for Thailand. The golden robe draped around the Buddha image is changed three times each year by King Bhumibol.
The temple dates back to the founding of Bangkok in 1782, and was built early in the reign of King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty. The temple was completed in 1784. Wat Phra Kaew serves as a centre for all religious rites pertaining to the State and monarchy. King Rama I brought the image of the Emerald Buddha from the palace at the former capital of Thon Buri to the main hall of the newly-built royal chapel and it has remained there ever since.
Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with tickets available until 3:30 p.m. The main entrance is on Na Phralan Road. Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat from Thaksin Bridge and get off at Tha Chang Pier and then it is only a short walk. Ignore any tuk-tuk drivers who tell you The Grand Palace is closed and want to take you somewhere else. You are about to be conned....