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Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
Religious Site

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

Bangkok
4.7
(25,000 reviews)
253
Tours Available
500 THB
Adult Entry
2-3 hours
Recommended Duration
November to February
Best Time

Overview

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It houses the highly revered Emerald Buddha statue and is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace.

This temple is considered the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand and is a significant symbol of Thai Buddhism.

Buddhist Temple Historical Site

Location

Address

Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok

Neighborhood: Old City (Rattanakosin)

Coordinates

13.754400, 100.492300

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
tuesday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
wednesday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
thursday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
friday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
saturday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
sunday 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Admission

Adults
500 THB
Children
200 THB (ages 4-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November to February

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
1 hour
Recommended
2-3 hours
Full Experience
half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

hot and humid

  • • Songkran Festival in April

summer

very hot and humid with frequent rain

  • • fewer tourists

autumn

cooler and less humid

  • • cooling weather

winter

cool and dry

  • • festive decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Dress modestly
  • Remove shoes before entering
  • Respect the rules and customs

What to Bring

essential

ID comfortable shoes appropriate clothing

recommended

camera water sunscreen

seasonal

umbrella light jacket

not allowed

large backpacks weapons inappropriate clothing

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low

  • • hot and humid weather

Medical facilities: available nearby

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

Thai Baht

Typical Costs

entry 500 THB
guided tour 1000 THB
souvenirs 50-500 THB

Dress Code

modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), comfortable walking shoes, shoes that are easy to remove, shorts, tank tops, revealing clothing

Booking Tips

  • • not required, but recommended for guided tours
  • • official tourism websites or local tour operators
  • • varies by tour operator
  • • available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Bangkok Temple Tours

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Audio guide, Tickets

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Not available

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Distance: 30 km

Travel Time: 45 minutes

taxi
400-500 THB 30-45 min
public_transport
50-100 THB 60-75 min

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

BTS Skytrain
40-50 THB 20-30 min
bus
20-50 THB 20-30 min
taxi
100-150 THB 10-15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: It is the most sacred temple in Thailand and a symbol of national identity

Historical Significance: The temple was built to house the Emerald Buddha, which is considered the palladium of Thailand

Insider Tips

  • Visit during weekdays for a less crowded experience
  • The best time to see the temple is in the morning when the light is soft

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local street food outside the temple
  • • Ask for a local guide who speaks English

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Sawatdee ka/krap
thank_you Khop khun ka/krap
where_is Thi nai rue yang
how_much Tao rai
beautiful Suay
ticket Bai taw

Guide Languages: Thai, English, Chinese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Emerald Buddha Hall

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Respectful framing

Result: Iconic shot of the Emerald Buddha

#EmeraldBuddha #WatPhraKaew #BangkokTemples

Photography Rules

allowed areas outdoor areas and some indoor areas
prohibited areas certain sacred areas
flash photography not allowed in certain areas
commercial photography permit needed
drone policy prohibited
tripod policy restricted
selfie sticks allowed but with respect

Nearby Attractions

Grand Palace

Distance: 0m

Walking: 0 min

Type: Historical Site

Wat Pho

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Buddhist Temple

National Museum Bangkok

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Museum

Khao San Road

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Shopping and Nightlife

Reviews

4.7

Based on 25,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Dress modestly"
  • "Arrive early to avoid crowds"
  • "Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

253

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

25,000

Adult Entry

500 THB

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