Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Temple of the Emerald Buddha which includes a temple or place of worship as well as a large group of people
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Temple of the Emerald Buddha showing religious aspects and a temple or place of worship
Temple of the Emerald Buddha featuring religious aspects, a temple or place of worship and interior views
Temple of the Emerald Buddha which includes religious aspects and a temple or place of worship


A small but extremely important Thai religious icon sits on a golden pedestal within the ornate Wat Phra Kaew structure on the grounds of the Grand Palace.

“Temple of the Emerald Buddha” is the English nickname for the striking place where you can admire the most sacred object in the Kingdom of Thailand: a small stone Buddha that sits in a meditative pose on an oversized golden throne. Thai people believe it is the oldest sculpture of Buddha, which makes it a much-worshipped object.

Wat Phra Kaew, as Thai people call the temple, is part of the Grand Palace complex. Its official name is Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, which means “the residence of the Holy Jewel Buddha.” The ornate temple was built in 1782 under King Rama I, who moved the Emerald Buddha from Wat Arun across the river.

Admire the temple’s mosaics and gilded features before you step inside. The Buddha statue doesn’t contain emeralds, and gets its name because it was carved from a single block of green jade stone. The statue was found hidden in stucco in a temple in Chieng Rai in the early 1400s.

In neighboring regions, you’ll find various conflicting chronicles about the creation and mystical travels of the ancient Emerald Buddha before it was rediscovered. Despite its unconfirmed age and origins, Thai culture still holds the statue in reverence. It is believed to bring legitimacy and prosperity to all who possess it.

Join the line of pilgrims who eagerly make the journey from all over the country to pay homage. At every change of season, the Thai king presides over the ceremonial changing of the Buddha’s outfit. As you make your way around the rest of the temple, don’t miss the model of Angkor Wat, the Cambodian temple complex where the statue was housed when it was under Siamese control. Step through the giant gatekeeping statues onto the temple balcony to see murals depicting the Ramayana legend.

The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are open daily but close by mid-afternoon, so get there early. As you enter the site, you are asked to dress respectfully, which includes covering arms, legs and feet. Ferry or taxi is the most convenient way to get there.

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Things to do near Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Visit the iconic Temple of the Emerald Buddha for a captivating glimpse into Thailand's rich culture and history. Explore nearby attractions, indulge in shopping, and enjoy guided tours. Don't miss the chance to experience a memorable cultural evening or a scenic boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, ensuring a delightful stay in Bangkok.

Shopping

Only 4.8km from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Siam Paragon Mall offers a vibrant shopping experience filled with entertainment and family-friendly options. Additionally, CentralWorld Shopping Complex, also 4.8km away, provides a bustling atmosphere for shopping and leisure. For a night market experience, visit Patpong Night Bazaar, just 4.8km away.

Recreation

At Health Land Spa & Massage Asoke, indulge in rejuvenating body treatments within a serene atmosphere, just 8.0km from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Alternatively, Narisara Thai Massage & Spa offers a tranquil escape with traditional therapies located 9.7km away, while the 42 Tee-Off Driving Range provides outdoor sports enjoyment 11.3km from the temple.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Muay Thai at PK. Saenchai Muay Thai Gym, located 6.4km from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. For family fun, head to Fantasia Lagoon Water Park, situated 12.9km away, offering entertainment and adventure vibes. For water sports enthusiasts, Thai Wake Park, 37.0km away, provides an outdoor adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Enjoy a romantic evening at the National Theatre or Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, both showcasing captivating performances. For something unique, visit Patravadi Theatre, where culture meets entertainment in an enchanting atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok offers a rich cultural experience with its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. Visitors can explore nearby urban parks and vibrant streets, immersing themselves in the city's lively atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to admire the revered Emerald Buddha, a key attraction in Bangkok, alongside various other nearby points of interest that highlight the city's heritage and outdoor charm.

  • Khaosan Road: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Khaosan Road, a bustling street renowned for its lively nightlife, street food, and eclectic shops. It's the perfect spot to mingle with fellow travellers and soak in the local culture.
  • Wat Arun: Known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun impresses with its stunning architecture and intricate porcelain details. The temple offers a serene ambiance, making it an ideal place for reflection and appreciation of Thai artistry.
  • Grand Palace: A masterpiece of architecture, the Grand Palace boasts dazzling structures and rich history. As the former royal residence, its opulent grounds and the Emerald Buddha Temple provide a glimpse into Thailand's regal past.

Best time to go to Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The best time to visit Temple of the Emerald Buddha can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Temple of the Emerald Buddha falls in April, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Temple of the Emerald Buddha falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January81.1°F (27.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February83.3°F (28.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
March85.6°F (29.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
April87.4°F (30.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May87.3°F (30.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June85.5°F (29.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
October82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Temple of the Emerald Buddha

To save money on your visit to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, plan your trip during the cheaper months of May and September to October. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, preferably on a Tuesday for the best rates, and utilise Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels. Consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for additional savings. Lastly, keep an eye out for last-minute deals and discounts to secure the most affordable options for your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Temple of the Emerald Buddha are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Temple of the Emerald Buddha about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.