Temple of the Emerald Buddha

During our trip to Bangkok, we had the opportunity to visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, commonly known as Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Located within the precincts of the Grand Palace in the historical center of Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.

As we entered the temple grounds, we were struck by the beauty and grandeur of the architecture. The temple complex was constructed on the orders of King Rama I in 1783 and has been improved upon over the centuries by successive Thai kings.

The highlight of our visit was seeing the famous Emerald Buddha. The statue is only 26 inches (66 centimeters) tall but is considered the most sacred object in Thai culture. Only the King of Thailand may touch the sacred object and does so three times a year to change its golden garment during a formal ritual.

In addition to housing this magnificent statue, Wat Phra Kaew is also an important center for religious ceremonies attended by government officials and members of the royal family.

The architecture, craftsmanship, history, and beauty of Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram made our visit a memorable experience.Read more