The Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew
cowardlion / Shutterstock.com
The most sacred Buddha statue in Thailand is the Emerald Buddha. The figurine can be admired in the central ubosoth of the Wat phra kaew in Bangkok on the grounds of the Grand Palace.
Both Thais and tourists from all over the world visit Wat Phra Kaew to see the statue of only 66 cm. The Buddha stands tall on a gold altar in a display case. Only the King or his heir to the throne may approach it closely. The small figurine is not made of emerald but of jade.
Wat phra kaew
Construction of Phra Kaew Temple began when King Rama I moved the capital of Siam from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other temples, no monks live here. The temple has only decorated buildings, statues and pagodas.
The Legend of the Emerald Buddha
According to legends, the statue is originally from India, but it was first sighted in 1434 in Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. In that year, the Chedi of Wat Phra Kaew was struck by lightning, revealing a plaster statue. The abbot of the temple discovered that a green statue was hidden under the plaster. When the king of Chiang Mai heard the story, he sent his elephant army to get the statue.
The statue was taken to the Wat Phra Kaew in Laos in 1552. After being housed in Laos for a long time, it was taken after a war by King Taksin and his general Chakri (later King Rama I), first to Thonburi. The statue has also been preserved at Wat Arun for another 15 years. It was moved to its current home on March 5, 1785.
The statue is attributed to the late Lanna school of the 15th century, the statuette is decorated with three different robes. In summer it wears a crown and jewellery. In winter a gold scarf and in the rainy season a gilded monk's habit and headdress. The changing of the robes is in sync with the seasons in Thailand. Changing the robes is an important ritual that can only be performed by the king or the crown prince. It should bring prosperity and happiness in every season.
Tips for your visit to Wat Phra Kaew
- Come early in the morning: Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace attract thousands of visitors a day, so if you want to avoid the crowds, arriving early is a must. It will also be cooler then, making your visit more pleasant.
- Please respect the dress code: For both men and women, appropriate clothing is required. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. If you do not have suitable clothing with you, you can rent clothes at the entrance for a small fee.
- Take your time for the details: From detailed architecture of Wat Phra Kaew is breathtaking. Every pagoda, statue and mural tells a story of Thai history and Buddhist mythology. Take your time to explore the Ramayana Wall Paintings can be admired along the outer wall.
- Book a guide: Although you can explore the temple complex on your own, a guide can provide you with a lot of additional information about the significance and history of the site. The personal audio guides are also a good option if you prefer to explore on your own.
- Don't forget the Museum of the Emerald Buddha to visit: Here you will find a collection of royal robes and ceremonial objects that provide an interesting insight into the significance of the Emerald Buddha.
Other highlights around Wat Phra Kaew
Once you have visited Wat Phra Kaew, you should definitely take a walk through the old city of Rattanakosin don't skip it. The Grand Palace is located on the same grounds and is a magnificent example of Thai royal architecture. Also take the time to look at the Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which is just a stone's throw away. It is one of the largest temples in Bangkok and offers a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere after the busy Wat Phra Kaew.
Having Rattanakosin Museum nearby also provides an overview of the history of the old city and the establishment of Bangkok as the capital. This museum is recommended for those who want to learn more about the cultural and political roots of Thailand.
Visitors who want to delve into Bangkok's rich culture and history will find the Wat phra kaew and the surrounding attractions are a source of inspiration and knowledge.
Visitor Information Wat Phra Kaew
Guides are present at the temple complex from 10:00 AM to 14:00 PM. A so-called personal audio guide (PAG) is available in English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. There is a strict dress code for Thailand's most sacred temple. No short skirts or shorts. Women should keep their shoulders covered. Optionally you can rent covering clothing.
Location: Na Phralan, Phra Nakorn (Grand Palace complex), Old City (Rattanakosin) Bangkok
Opening hours: 08:30 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 15:30.
About this blogger
-
Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
Read the latest articles here
Flight ticketsDecember 12 2024Air passengers will soon be allowed to take more liquids in their hand luggage
thai tipsDecember 10 2024Discover Thailand at its best during the cold season
News from ThailandDecember 10 2024Calls for reforms in Thai police after controversial incident
Food and drinkDecember 10 2024Thai stir-fried chicken with ginger “Gai Pad King” (video)
The Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew was, of course, simply stolen from Vientiane, Laos in 1778. You can also call it a spoils of war. Perhaps Thailand will return it or offer a sincere apology? At the same time, thousands of war slaves were also 'taken' to Bangkok.
It is not Thai but a Lanna statue. What is today Chiang-Rai was of course its own kingdom and the peoples spoke a Lao language (Thai is of course just a Lao dialect but then mixed with Khmer). Later it ended up in Luang Prabang (modern Laos) via a crown prince of Lan Xang. Then it moved to Vientiane. Centuries later, when Vientiane was sacked, the statue was taken by the Siamese and ended up in Thonburi (Bangkok).
It says you can rent suitable clothing. In 2018 that was no longer the case. My son and I had to come in. We were forced to buy trousers and a skirt. Better do that in advance in a shop across the street, it's much cheaper.