Practical information
- Location
- Bangkok (Rattanakosin), Bangkok · 13.75139, 100.49278
- Opening hours
- Daily 08:30-16:30; tickets are sold 08:30-15:30 (Grand Palace incl. Wat Phra Kaew) (source: royalgrandpalace.th)
- Entrance fee
- 500 baht (ticket for the Grand Palace, including Wat Phra Kaew) (source: royalgrandpalace.th)
- Dress code
- Strict Grand Palace dress code: no sleeveless shirts, vests, short or see-through tops, shorts, torn, tight or bike pants, mini skirts or sleepwear. (source: royalgrandpalace.th)
- Period
- Begun in 1783 under King Rama I
Times and prices can change; check them shortly before your visit.
About Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand's most sacred temple and sits inside the walls of the Grand Palace in old Bangkok. It shelters the small but deeply revered Emerald Buddha, carved from green stone and dressed in seasonal robes by the king. Around it you walk past gilded chedis, mirrored pavilions, mythical guardian giants and long cloister murals telling the Ramakien epic. Construction started in 1783 under Rama I, and later kings kept adding to it. Expect crowds, strict dress checks and dazzling colour everywhere.
Highlights
- Emerald Buddha The national palladium, seen from the ordination hall doorway.
- Ramakien murals Nearly the whole cloister is painted with scenes from the Thai Ramayana.
- Yaksha guardians Giant demon statues guard the gates of the temple.
Tips for Wat Phra Kaew
- Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.
- Combine your visit with Wat Pho, about 1 km away as the crow flies.
More photos of Wat Phra Kaew
Row of colourful porcelain prangs under a deep blue sky, Wat Phra Kaew Photo: Nawit science · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Golden spires rising behind the palace lawn, Wat Phra Kaew Photo: Joachim Lutz · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Wat Phra Kaew on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Frequently asked questions about Wat Phra Kaew
Where is Wat Phra Kaew?
Wat Phra Kaew is in Bangkok (Rattanakosin), Bangkok province, in central Thailand.
What is Wat Phra Kaew known for?
Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand's most sacred temple and sits inside the walls of the Grand Palace in old Bangkok. Highlights include Emerald Buddha, Ramakien murals and Yaksha guardians.
What are the opening hours of Wat Phra Kaew?
Daily 08:30-16:30; tickets are sold 08:30-15:30 (Grand Palace incl. Wat Phra Kaew) (source: royalgrandpalace.th). Check before your visit, as times can change.