Wat Phra Kaew (วัดพระแก้ว), the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace together form perhaps the greatest spectacle for the visitor to Bangkok. Despite the fact that the whole compound is so full of tourists you spend half the time trying to avoid getting in people's photos, it's still a pretty amazing place to visit.
It consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics, and dates back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. When you enter the compound, you first of all see Wat Phra Kaew and the nearby attractions, and then move on to the Grand Palace afterwards.
Wat Phra Kaew itself, generally known to the Thais as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, is perhaps the main attraction. This is Thailand's most important and sacred temple, so you're expected to act with due respect inside it. It houses the tiny (between 60 and 75 cm) Emerald Buddha, which is located high above the heads of the worshippers and tourists. Not much is known for certain about the statue, except that it isn't actually made of emerald but rather of green jade or jasper. Getting a good look at it is difficult as photography is forbidden inside the temple, and it's perched so high up inside it's glass box that it's difficult to really see.
Tag : Thai Temples , Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew, Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Thai Temples
There are over 31,200 Buddhist temples spread around Thailand. In Thai we call them wat. They are grouped into two main groups: temples which are permitted to carry out religious functions, and those which are used only for living quarters for monks.
Temples are classified into two main categories: Royal Temples and Common Temples. The Royal Temples were either built by royalty or came under their sponsorship. In Thailand, there are about 200 Royal Temples though there are only six of the highest grade. These are:
Wat Phra Chetuphon, Bangkok
Wat Mahathat, Bangkok
Wat Suthat, Bangkok
Wat Arun, Bangkok
Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom Province
Wat Phra Buddhabat, Saraburi Province
We have visited many beautiful temples during our travels around Thailand. Below are some of the highlights:
Wat Khun Inthra Pramun, Ang Thong, Ang Thong Province
Wat Sothorn Wararam Worawihan, Chachoengsao, Chachoengsao Province
Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom
Wat Bang Phli Yai Klang, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan Province
Wat Phra Phuttabat, Saraburi
