The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) is Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temple, located within the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok and home to a revered jade Buddha image dating to the 15th century.
The temple’s ornate architecture, gilded chedis, mythical guardian statues, and intricately tiled roofs, surrounds the main hall where the Emerald Buddha sits on an elevated altar, dressed in one of three seasonal costumes changed by the Thai king. A single Grand Palace ticket covers admission to the temple; there is no separate entrance fee.
Wat Phra Kaew is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., though it periodically closes earlier for royal ceremonies. Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required, and photographing the Emerald Buddha itself is prohibited.
