Thailand's Prized Jewel: The Timeless Temple of the Emerald Buddha

People in Thailand consider Wat Phra Kaew the holiest Buddhist temple in the country. Deep within the magnificent Grand Palace, in the very heart of Bangkok, lies an amazing complex of buildings—the treasure houses of Thai heritage. At its center is the revered Emerald Buddha statue, deeply loved as a strong symbol of the nation's prosperity and good fortunes.

For over two centuries now, the temple has been a labor of love for Thailand's monarchs since the time of Rama I in 1783. Each successive king did his marking: adding, restoring, and decorating the temple to gain spiritual merit and leave an enduring imprint of his dynasty. Today, the temple is the center of all spiritual and ceremonial activities that take place in Thailand, with grand state and royal events presided over by the monarch himself. This is an enclosure treasury of the land's holy artifacts, testifying to the great history of the country where each building structure uniquely fuses Thai architectural styles while keeping true to timeless traditions. Therefore, this temple complex has become an unpronounceable symbol of national identity and faith.

This temple represents a major religious family for Thai people and royal families. Long ago, Thai monarchs regarded this temple as the primary temple of Buddhism in the country.

It is different from other temples. It does not have quarters for monks. It has only decorated statues, buildings, and pagodas. The main building is central ubosot, which places the Emerald Buddha.

The Temple of Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace are situated in the same compound. These are the top visit destinations in Thailand. This temple is famous for Emerald Buddha and Green Palace is famous for its buildings.