The Grand Palace is located on the banks of Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok. It is the first place to visit when you come to Thailand. It was a former residence the King in Rattanakosin Kingdom of Thailand. Nowadays there is no royal residence, however, it is still the symbol of Thailand and it is a place to hold ceremonial occasions, ceremonies of the monarchy, a museum as well as tourist attractions.

Wat Phra Kaew is located inside the Grand Palace. Wat Phra Kaew, The temple of The Emerald Buddha, officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, is the most famous landmark of Thailand, the most beautiful temple in the world and is regarded as the most important temple of Thailand. The temple enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot or the Emerald Buddha, the Buddha statue was carved from a single piece of the green jade. According to the legend, the Emerald Buddha would bring “prosperity and pre-eminence to each country in which it resides” The emerald Buddha is in meditating attitude in Lanna style. It holds significant importance for Thailand and Thai people. The Buddha has 3 costume robes which will be changed 3 times for each season by the King himself- a diamond encrusted gold robe for summer, a solid gold robe for winter and a giled monk’s robe for the rainy season. The changing of the robe is an important ritual performed by the King to bring good fortune to the country during each season.

Wat Phra Kaew is located inside the Grand Palace. Wat Phra Kaew, The temple of The Emerald Buddha, officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, is the most famous landmark of Thailand, the most beautiful temple in the world and is regarded as the most important temple of Thailand. The temple enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot or the Emerald Buddha, the Buddha statue was carved from a single piece of green jade. According to the legend, the Emerald Buddha would bring “prosperity and pre-eminence to each country in which it resides” The emerald Buddha is in meditating attitude in Lanna style. It holds significant importance for Thailand and Thai people. The Buddha has 3 costume robes which will be changed 3 times for each season by the King himself- a diamond encrusted gold robe for summer, a solid gold robe for winter and a giled monk’s robe for the rainy season. The changing of the robe is an important ritual performed by the King to bring good fortune to the country during each season.

The temple was built in Rattanakosin style (old Bangkok style) with the roof of polished orange and green tiles, mosaics inlaid pillars and marble pediments. There are a pair of giant statues guarded at the entrance. The walls are decorated with murals painting to illustrate the complete epic story in 178 scenes of Ramayana, started from the north gate of the temple in the counterclockwise direction covering the whole compound wall. Although the temple is regarded as most sacred temple in Thailand, it is the only temple in Thailand that doesn’t have the resident monks.

The temple compound contains various monuments – a model of Angkor Wat, which is a famous temple complex of Cambodia, The Phara Mondop library to keep the Buddhism Holy Manuscripts, Golden Phra Si Ratana Chedi built in Sri Lanka style enshrining ashes of the Buddha, Royal Pantheon which contain 8 statues of previous kings in the Chakri Dynasty.

Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is a significant temple located within the Grand Palace complex. It houses the famous Emerald Buddha, a small but highly venerated Buddha image carved from a single block of jade. The complex opens at 8:30 AM. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat. Dress appropriately, with shoulders and knees covered. Allow 2 to 3 hours to tour the complex. Follow the norms of decorum, which include keeping noise levels low and not touching artifacts. Do not take photos inside the ordination hall and do not touch any painting. Hiring a guide is advised for more in-depth knowledge. Wat Pho and Chinatown are nearby sights worth seeing. Before your visit, always check for the latest information. Take your time exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew’s rich legacy.