Wat Phra Kaew or the the Temple of the Emerald Buddha was the first stop in our one day temple tour in Bangkok. This is considered as the most spiritual of all Buddhist temples in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha, is in itself, regarded as a powerful political and religious symbol in the entire nation.
Since the area is wide, grab pamphlet guides or refer to maps like this one from Wikipedia to choose specific spots to see and know you're way around. No one can get lost here though by just following where the crowd goes.
Source: Map of Wat Phra Kaew Wikipedia
These are some of the structures to expect (or at least those I have photos of).
Temple of Emerald Buddha and Golden Stupa
First snap, right from one of the entrance gates.
You get invited right away by an awesome view of the Temple of Emerald Buddha and the Golden Stupa as soon as you go through the main entrance door.
Photos taken from various angles throughout the entire temple tour.
Phra Sri Rattana Chedi or the Golden Stupa
The Golden Stupa in Sri Lankan style.
This golden hue looks closer to how it actually is.
From the side...
Phra Mondop (Library)
Here's the Phra Mondop or the library.
A closer inspection of the Phra Mondop.
The Phra Mondop with the Golden Chedi (right, and then left) beside it.
Golden Chedi
The Golden Chedi at a closer view.
Prangs
There are several prangs throughout the compound as well. These are carved towers with architectural origin dating back to the Hindi-Buddhist Khmer empire.
A prang is towering on the left side of the library here.
It looks pasted right in the middle on this photo.
A row of prangs is more visible from this angle.
The same three prangs from this shot too.
Up close with one of eight prangs (all located on the eastern side of the complex)
Phra Viharn Yod or the Porcelain Viham
This temple is very noticeable as it's possibly the only one with less colorful walls compared with the intricate pattern from the rest of the other temples.
It's located behind the Golden Stupa.
Statues and Monuments
There are numerous statues inspired by creatures of myths and legends. Here are some of them.
Thotsakhirithon, a giant demon or Yaksha guarding one of the exits to the Grand Palace.
Gilt chimeras, part-human and part animal creatures.
These are lion-man combinations which are located on the upper terrace area.
Nok Tantima, (nok meaning bird), guards the Phra Viharn Yod
Lion statues guarding doors.
Two statues (non-mythological)
Other notable monuments include the Yaksa Tavarnbal or the 5-meter tall giants, kinnari (half-woman, half-bird) or kinnorn (its male counterpart), the hermit statue (believed to possess healing powers), the golden garuda and naga (carrying the Golden Chedi), and numerous elephant statues.
Wat Phra Kaew Compound
Back to back from opposite sides, the Wat Phra Kaew's inner compound.
Notable Structures
There are numerous other structures worth the time to visit within the compound; provided it's allowed for public viewing as some areas are off limits or can possibly be closed for routine repair.
There's a model of the Angkot Wat (of Cambodia). Right at the balcony (by the corridor, close to the entrance), the Ramayana epic mural is also a must-see.
There's a model of the Angkot Wat (of Cambodia). Right at the balcony (by the corridor, close to the entrance), the Ramayana epic mural is also a must-see.
Inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Picture-taking is not allowed inside the main temple which houses the Emerald Buddha; nor are footwear. So all shoes are left just outside the entrance.
Clothing Requirements
Sandals and flip flops are not even allowed; along with sleeveless or hanging tops and shorts or mini-skirts. So it's best to wear proper attire, even if it's incidentally a humid day. While there are shops just outside the main entrance, selling temple appropriate clothing, they're expensive.
Side Trip: Grand Palace
Tickets sold cover both the Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall. Vimanmek is known as the world's largest home made of golden teak.
You'll easily spot these on the way out.
These brick roads pave the way towards the exit.
The complex looks even more stunning from afar.
The grass are off limits by the way.
Grand Palace Tour Rules
Be sure to visit during a non-official holiday as the Grand Palace tour is closed for the public.
More of Thailand through this post:
More Information
Wat Phra Kaew is located in 2 Na Phra Lan Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon.
It's open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Entrance fee is 500 baht ($15 USD) per person and covers the Wat Phra Kaew complex and some limited areas of the Grand Palace.
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