Stones are eternal, always different, dazzlingly beautiful, every single one miraculous creation of either Mother Nature, or an unknown deity restless in his passion for beauty. People are born, live for a few miserable decades and turn into decay, but they do not change for millennia - and it was they who were once chosen by humanity in order to leave a memory of themselves to distant descendants. But gems are not just luxury items that have seen famous rulers of the past sparkle in eastern harems and Russian chambers; it is also the most ideal tool for conveying sincere religious feelings, because faith has no time, and a sacred image or text carved in stone does not age, only absorbing new emanations of spiritual ecstasy. In any religion of the world, precious stones occupy an important place - from mythical artifacts like the agate cup of the Holy Grail and the carnelian ring of the prophet Mohammed to books, temple utensils, sacred images and sculptures, richly decorated with gems, or even carved from solid pieces of stone. But there is also a certain intermediate stage - religious objects are so unique and revered that they have already become a legend during their lifetime. One of the main and revered shrines of Buddhists, the famous Emerald Buddha of Thailand, belongs to them.

In fact, the Emerald Buddha is not made of emerald at all - the 66 cm high statue depicting the Buddha frozen in the traditional “lotus” position is entirely carved from a translucent soft green stone, which is sometimes called jade or green chalcedony, because its composition is up to the end is unclear. However, this mystery is just a drop in the ocean of unexplained mysteries surrounding the brilliant emerald-colored figure. Depending on the angle of view, a soft greenish-blue glow seems to flow from the depths of the statue, delighting believers. And the age of the Buddha has not yet been determined - Thai chronicles tell the story of the creation of the monument differently. One of the most mystical and popular is the story of the ancient monk Nagasena, who, 500 years after the passing of the real Buddha into nirvana, decided to make a statue of him, but not from the usual gold, but from a gem that would have magical powers. The monk was allegedly helped by the Hindu god Indra - first he tried to steal the sacred stone of the Emperor of the Universe, then, realizing that the great jewel could not change its owner, he offered Nagasena in exchange a mysterious mineral called the “Emerald Jewel”. For seven days and seven nights, the heavenly army carved the statue, and then Indra delivered the statue to Earth and erected a wonderful golden palace to store the relic... A more prosaic, but no less glorious legend is that Buddha was given to the Thais by King Ashoka, the first Hindu ruler who accepted Buddhism and commanded an unknown sculptor from Greece to carve a wonderful statue.

In fact, it is known for certain that the Emerald Buddha changed many countries and temples - first, until the 3rd century. AD he was in India, then he was taken to Sri Lanka, from there to Cambodia, and then to Siam. The statue has always been of great importance for Buddhists - in the Middle Ages, the courtiers of Siam and Laos swore an oath of allegiance to the monarch who owned the Buddha in front of its face. this moment. Long rulers eastern country fought among themselves for the right to own the Buddha - and finally the green figure, apparently unable to bear the strife and death through his own fault... disappeared from the face of the Earth and from the pages of historical manuscripts. It was found again completely by accident - probably only a miracle directed lightning into an inconspicuous stupa in northern Thailand in 1434 - it was a structure that really resembled an inverted mortar or bell in appearance. Before the thunderstorm, no one suspected that a simple temple hid such a great treasure - Buddha, according to legend, was for some reason completely covered with alabaster, which hid an emerald stone. And when the stupa turned into rubble, the monks raking the rubble found a cracked alabaster figurine, and green sparkled in the cracks... There is another version: they say that the Buddha was completely covered with gold, which fell off the stone only when the Buddha was transported from the destroyed stupa to the temple in Bangkok.

Be that as it may, the Emerald Buddha was again found, and for another 200 years he wandered between Thailand, Siam and Laos, until in 1782, Rama I, King of Thailand, built a temple dedicated to the “Sacred Emerald Jewel” on the territory of his palace. , as the Thais call Buddha. The temple itself, located in the heart of Bangkok, looks magnificent: stone walls, entwined with gold and blue flowers, painted with bright frescoes and decorated with bronze statues, hide a luxurious gilded hall, where behind the doors trimmed with mother-of-pearl, there is a high five-step majestic throne of the Buddha, which surrounded by many smaller gold figurines of a deity, designed to serve as a backdrop for the green treasure, as well as two bronze, gilded and inlaid with various gems, 3-meter statues of a crowned Buddha, symbolizing the Thai kings.

Back in the 16th century. The monks changed the golden robes “worn” on the statue twice a year - there was a “monastic robe” for the rainy season and a “full royal outfit” for cool weather. After the construction of the temple, a third “new thing” was added to them - a light “royal robe” for the hot season. Now the Buddha's dressing ceremony, which takes place three times a year, is a solemn ritual performed personally by the reigning king, after which he sprinkles holy water on the princes and courtiers watching him from the hall. In recent years, commoners have been rejoicing, because now they too are receiving a blessing from the royal hand, but outside the Initiation Hall.

However, on ordinary days anyone can visit the temple - there are always enough believers, curious people and tourists who either pray or bring gifts and offerings to Buddha, which they then put at the foot of the throne; and some simply admire the iridescent green statue, as if floating in the twilight of the temple in the thick aromas of incense and reflections of gold. Thais believe that the image of Buddha has magical powers and can heal the soul and body, fulfill cherished wish or create a real miracle.

Can an ordinary piece of green mineral of unknown origin really work miracles, or is all this just an ancient superstition?.. It seems that the answer to this question, which would put an end to the eternal disputes between atheists and mystics, simply does not exist - after all, to To feel the impact of magic, you must first believe in it. And one of the most simple ways to believe in a miracle - just enter the ancient temple and look into the ancient eyes of an elegant figure made of shining emerald green mineral - dispassionate and wise, hiding the incomprehensible secrets of existence behind the veil of centuries.

There are three entrances to it, but the central gate, carved from teak wood, is open only to the royal family. For many generations, the main religious rituals and ceremonies of the royal family have been held in the temple, although she has not lived in her Grand Palace for a long time. Believers, pilgrims and just tourists go on excursions through the other two entrances; see the map of the complex so as not to get confused.

It is important to know

• The Emerald Buddha temple is open from 08.30 to 15.30 every day, except on days when royal ceremonies take place in the palace (which is only 3 times a year). Don’t listen to people around you telling you that today is a special day and the temple is closed to visitors. These are scammers who will offer to show you another temple, no worse, and will take you to the neighboring temple complex of the Reclining Buddha, charging decent money for such a disservice. Or, even worse, they will take you to Wat Phra Kaew, but from the service entrance, again, for a huge sum! We ask for tickets and all information only on the territory of the shrine.

• A visit to the country's main religious symbol costs about 12 euros and includes a tour of the entire Wat Phra Kaew, the Royal Palace and adjacent museums.
• You can enter Wat Phra Kaew only in clothes that cover your shoulders to the elbow, skirts no shorter than the knee for women and trousers for men. Shoes must have closed heels. If necessary, you can rent everything you need here; I rented a shirt very cheaply, only 100 baht, but left the same amount as a deposit.

• You must enter any building exclusively barefoot. In museums there are special shelves for this at the entrance, and near some temples you can take a separate bag for shoes and carry it with you.
• Take cool water with you, at least a liter per person. Since a trip to the main shrine of Thailand will take you the whole day, you can immediately see the golden statue of the Reclining Buddha nearby. And there will be very few shops. In my opinion, as many as 2!
• A hat should be as mandatory as underwear. I was there at the end of March and I personally saw how forgetful characters doused their heads with water and sat in all the shadows just so as not to lose consciousness. If you don’t want to spoil your hair, buy a white umbrella for 200 baht in any store! 100% protection.

• Comfortable shoes! The complex is simply gorgeous, you will have to walk a lot, in 40-degree heat, and it can become a big problem! Shoes should not rub, press, and most importantly, be easy to take off! You need to put on/take off your shoes at the threshold of each temple. Remember this!

• Over the centuries, Wat Phra Kaew has been repeatedly damaged and attacked. Once it was even burned to the ground, but like a Phoenix it was reborn from the ashes in 1820, thanks to King Anwong, who ordered it to be rebuilt. Territory temple complex, with adjacent lands, is about 95 hectares. Everything looks very rich and well-groomed. Every 50 years the temple undergoes major renovations.

The bright colors, glitter of gold and mysterious atmosphere will make you dizzy! Or is it because of the heat?

The Story of the Emerald Buddha

The Emerald Buddha is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha made of jadeite (jade) and decorated with gold, which is considered the mascot of Thailand. It was discovered in Chien Rai (a province in northern Thailand) in 1436, among the rubble of a pagoda destroyed by lightning. Then began long centuries of wanderings, of which there are many versions.

Over the years, the statue of the Emerald Buddha wandered from hand to hand, moving between different territories and rulers who tried to get it in order to attract happiness and strengthen their power.

But it is reliably known that the last point of arrival was Laos. From there, after an attack on Vientiane (the capital of Laos), King Rama I took the Buddha with him and brought him to Bangkok. Here he was “dressed in gold” and the entire Wat Phra Kaew complex was built especially in his honor, with long and high walls, so beautifully decorated with paintings and drawings since 1784.

The drawings are really very beautiful and meaningful, you can look at them for hours, because there are more than one meter of such painting.

But the Emerald Buddha is so revered not only because of its rich history and precious material. Its origin dates back to 43 BC. This is a very ancient relic! After all, almost all Thais are Buddhists; the vast majority of them “profess” the Theravada traditions and treat this very carefully.

Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Thaew

Now the relic sits on a rich golden throne, framed with precious stones, in a special golden altar about three meters high, which looks like an aerial multi-tiered chariot of the Indian Gods.

Just look how rich and majestic Buddha looks on his throne!

The rear view is no worse.

The temple itself is decorated with a carved dome with inlays of gold, bronze and Chinese glaze. The base of the building is framed by gilded figures of mystical half-birds, half-humans (garuds), the windows and doors are decorated with patterns. The walls, white on the outside, are painted on the inside with frescoes with scenes taken from the life of Buddha Shakyamuni and the Indian Ramayana. Near the temple itself there are statues illustrating the ancient Indian “Journey of Rama”: giant figures of yakshas 5 meters high, monkey kings and giants.

Depending on the time of year, the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok dresses in different outfits; more precisely, he is personally dressed by the monarch. Buddha himself has three rich decorations in his “wardrobe”, also made of gold and diamonds, because there are also three seasons here. I have prepared a photo in all the golden decorations at once, so that you can appreciate all the respect and worship the Thais have for this statue.

No one has the right to touch him except the king or the crown prince, who personally changes his attire three times a year. The king himself wipes the dust off the crown, since, according to tradition, the prosperity of the state and the success of the ruling person is directly proportional to the care of the Buddha statue. This is a whole ritual, a ceremony. This tradition was started by the same king Rama I.

At the entrance to the temple, a row of bronze lions sits majestically, which Rama I brought from Cambodia back in the 18th century. These lions convey their mythical past very well. Judge them for yourself in the next photo.

10 huge bronze lions closely guard the emerald deity.

Due to the fact that the temple was originally built exclusively for royalty, on its territory there are all the necessary buildings: stupas, pagodas, statues and libraries except monastic cells. Monks never settled here. This is another feature of this place. But even without this, you will be provided with enough impressive objects!

Personally, I, like all my friends, visited Wat Phra Kaew with great pleasure, even without being a Buddhist. This is a very iconic, important place with a special atmosphere. Having been here, especially if you are not too lazy to go to all the museums on the territory, you begin to understand the culture and traditions of this exotic country much better! Reviews from other tourists say the same thing.

Located on the territory Royal Palace. The temple amazes with its splendor. The Jade Buddha is located very high and it is not possible to see far. Taking photos is prohibited; this is strictly monitored. And it’s very difficult to make a good one outside beautiful photo, because there are crowds of people everywhere. So don't worry, just admire)

Like many Buddha temples in the world, this one is not inferior in its power and scope. Everything is in style, everything is in accordance with expectations.

These gigantic statues are called Yakshi - spirits that protect.

On the way you will meet many mythical creatures that will amaze you with their detail and splendor of design.

Happy travels, dear reader! And don't forget your Panama hat!

A whole complex of temple buildings under the single name Wat Phra Kaew is spread over an area of ​​10,640 square meters on Trairat Street in the center of Chiang Rai. Wat Phra Kaew is the center of the Buddhist community (sangha) northern Thailand, here are located educational monastic institutions, as well as the leadership department.

Wat Phra Kaew is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Chiang Rai. The temple has great historical significance for all of Thailand. The exact date of its construction is not known.

The temple originally had a different name: Wat Pa Yah. Everything changed in 1434, when the octagonal chedi (stupa) on its territory was split by a lightning strike, revealing the amazingly beautiful statue of the Emerald Buddha to the world. The temple was named after the statue “Phra Kaew”.

Buddhists believe that the Emerald Buddha statue is of divine origin and treat it with great reverence. It was transported to a new location more than once; many tried to take possession of the statue using force and authority. The Phra Kaew statue's final destination in 1778 was the current capital of Thailand, Bangkok, when King Rama I took it out of Laos. The Emerald Buddha statue was installed at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok on March 22, 1784. Thais sincerely believe that their state exists as long as they have the Emerald Buddha.

Today, the Phra Kaew Temple in Chiang Rai houses an elaborate replica of the original Emerald Buddha statue, specially commissioned in 1990. In 1991, the replica statue underwent a special dedication ceremony at Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

The Sengkae Museum, built in 1995, is located on the temple grounds. traditional style northern Thailand. It houses a rich collection of northern Thai art. Detailed comments on each exhibit in Thai and English language provide complete information about each item.

The Grand Palace or Royal Palace in Bangkok is not only the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo), with which this place is most often associated. In addition to the temple itself, government agencies are located on the territory, some of which are still in operation. Now it is mostly one large museum, but part of the territory is not accessible to the public.

• Working hours: 08:30-15:30
• Official site: www.royalgrandpalace.th
• Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
• Telephone: +66 2623 5500
• Excursion from Pattaya:

Royal Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha on the map in Bangkok

The creation of the complex began on May 6, 1782, by order of the ruler Rama I, who ascended the throne. The area of ​​the complex is 218,400 square meters, surrounded by a high perimeter wall, its length is 1,900 meters.

Located on Rattanakosin Island, the right bank of the Chao Phraya, in historical center Bangkok.

Royal Palace Map

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Temple of the Emerald Buddha – main temple Thailand, the main attraction of Bangkok, the personal temple of the king. This is one of the largest Buddhist shrines in Thailand, widely known throughout the world. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the crown jewel of the Grand Royal Palace.

The main purpose of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the religious needs of members of royal dynasties. The central doors of the temple, carved from teak wood, are open only to the king and members of his family, and only they have the right to enter through the main, main entrance. The monarch himself visits the temple at least three times a year, as well as on especially important occasions when a decision is made on state level. Visitors can enter through the side doors (there are two of them): believers, pilgrims and tourists.

By the way, the overwhelming majority of the population of Thailand are Buddhists, which is not a teaching in the sense in which it is commonly believed. Here it is religion, and religion occupies a special significance in the life of Thais.

The temple itself is not a shrine. This is just a luxurious shell for the Emerald Buddha statue. Although sacred ceremonies certainly take place here, and there are even special rules for visiting the temple: men must wear long trousers, women must wear long skirts, shoes must be removed before entering.

The figure of the Emerald Buddha, located in the ubosot (sacred room, perhaps like our altar) of Wat Phra Kaew, is the main shrine around which the temple complex was eventually created. In fact, the Buddha figure is not made of emerald at all, but from a single piece of rich green jadente, very similar in color to emerald. The Buddha is depicted sitting cross-legged - in a pose of meditation - on a rich multi-tiered golden altar about three meters high, which looks like an aerial chariot of the Indian Gods.

At the foot there are incense, numerous vases, bowls with offerings, both from high-ranking officials of the state and from ordinary residents. On each side of the Emerald Buddha statue there is a glass sphere, one of which symbolizes the Sun, and the other the Moon. The figure of Buddha is quite small: the height of the statue is about 70 cm, and the width is about 46 cm.

Depending on the season, the Buddha statue looks different. Three luxurious, rich gold outfits were made especially for the Emerald Buddha. No one has the right to touch him except the king or the crown prince, who personally changes the Buddha’s robe three times a year depending on the time of year. The king himself wipes the dust off the crown, since, according to tradition, the prosperity of the state and the success of the ruling person is directly proportional to the care of the Buddha statue. This is a whole ritual, a ceremony. This tradition was started by King Rama I.

There is a mysterious story associated with the Buddha statue, which is told in several versions. The first mention of the statue dates back to 1434-1436. A Buddhist stupa was struck by lightning, causing it to split and a small statue made of a green mineral was found inside. Somewhat later, when the plaster hiding the statue broke off, it became clear that the statue was an image of Buddha. Recognized as a shrine, the statue traveled throughout Asian countries for many years, returning to Thailand only in 1778. The Wat Phra Kaew temple was built for her, which opened in 1784. There the Buddha statue took a place of honor, where it remains today.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha complex

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a complex consisting of many buildings made in the traditions of Buddhist and Thai architecture.

It includes all the buildings characteristic of a monastery: a library with a collection of rare ancient books; the golden pagoda (stupa) where the Buddha's bone is kept; a mausoleum containing the cremated remains of members of the royal family; statues of various creatures.

At the entrance to Wat Phra Kaew there are two huge statues - these are the protectors of the temple from evil spirits, the Yakshi demons.

In addition to them, the temple building is surrounded by other statues of mythical creatures: Garuda and Kinnari - half people and half birds; Chinese-looking stone guards; dogs; king of the monkeys Inlaid with gold, bronze, and glaze, the carved dome of the temple has a multi-stage structure.

The ends of the roofs are decorated with images of snake heads. White on the outside, the inside of the temple walls are a gallery of paintings describing the life of Buddha: birth, childhood, youth, numerous journeys in search of truth, temptations, enlightenment. The ceiling of the main hall of the temple is also decorated with paintings with scenes from the life of Buddha. On the door leaves decorated with mother-of-pearl, as well as in the paintings of other rooms of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, you can see episodes of the “Ramakiyan” - the Thai version of the “Ramayana” (an ancient Indian epic).

The territory of the temple complex, with adjacent lands, is about 95 hectares. Everything looks very rich and well-groomed. Over the centuries, Wat Phra Kaew has been restored several times; almost every 50 years, the temple undergoes major renovations.

The thick smell and smoke of incense, the flickering of numerous candles in the twilight, the hum of human voices - all this creates a unique mysterious and solemn atmosphere in the temple.

Major works of art

What is the first thing you should pay attention to when visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha? Below is a list of the main works of art of particular value located in it.

Wooden, gold-plated throne of the Emerald Buddha. The creation of the throne dates back to the era of the first reign; subsequently the throne was increased in height by King Rama III.

Two large bronze statues of a crowned Buddha (about three meters high). The statues were created under Rama III and dedicated to kings Rama I and Rama II. They are images of Buddha standing and in a state of complete calm.

Twelve bronze lions guarding the doors (six pairs). The pair of lions guarding the royal entrance was brought by King Rama I from Kampuchea (Cambodia).

Mother-of-pearl door panels created during the first reign.

Crowned bronze statues of Buddha. There are ten of them in total. Mounted in pairs on the foundation of the throne, the gold-plated figurines depict the Buddha in a state of peace and tranquility. They are dedicated to the main members of the royal family of the first, second and third reigns.

12 small open pavilions around the ubosot (main hall with shrine).

How to get to the Royal Palace

In Bangkok

You can get to the Royal Palace by:

• to berths No. 9 The Chang (closest) or No. 8 Ta Thien (located next to,
• №: 1, 3, 9, 15, 25, 30, 32, 33, 43, 44, 47, 53, 59, 64, 80, 82, 91, 203, 503, 508, 512.

2. With a tour.

The Royal Palace is included in many sightseeing tours in Bangkok from Pattaya. Estimated cost - 2500 baht. We recommend looking at the websites and. Please keep in mind that your time on the tour will be very limited.

Information for self-guided visits

1. Rules of conduct.

Every visitor to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (this rule applies to all Thai temples) must be dressed appropriately. In particular, it is prohibited to visit the temple in clothes that reveal legs above the knees, arms above the elbows, or shoulders.

At the entrance to the temple complex there is a rental point where anyone can borrow clothes for visiting the temple. There is no rental fee; visitors, having taken the clothes, only leave a cash deposit for the duration of the rental. During rush hour, clothes may not be available. In this case, you need to go to the shopping arcades (if you look at the map of the complex, then in the lower left corner) and the merchants will offer you suitable clothes to rent or even buy.

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. But don’t worry about this: on the vast territory of the temple complex, any tourist will find many interesting objects to photograph. In addition, the statue of the Emerald Buddha can be removed from afar, through the open gates of the temple.

2. When is the best time to come?

It is best to arrive at the temple early in the morning. Already by 9:00-9:30 there is a large queue at the box office of those wishing to purchase tickets (by the way, you can buy them in advance on the official website). In addition, you will be able to walk around the territory in relative solitude and take good photographs.

If you are traveling to Bangkok on your own, then from personal experience We recommend doing this. First come to the Royal Palace, visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, then walk to and from there cross to the opposite side by ferry for 3 baht. Everything is within walking distance. Our mistake was that we decided to first visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of Dawn on the opposite side; we did not have time to get to the Royal Palace, since it closes for entry the earliest - at 15:30.

Working hours

The Royal Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are open daily from 8:30 to 16:30 (tickets sold until 15:30). The exception is days when royal ceremonies take place in the palace and temple.

Be aware that tuk-tuk drivers and other unexpected “helpers” may stop you on your way and tell you that “the palace/temple is not open today.” Don't be fooled, they are most likely lying. Thus, they try to take you to some other temple, and more often, arrange a shopping excursion. This can happen to all popular ones.

Ticket prices

The cost of visiting the Royal Palace is 500 baht. Children under 120 cm tall are free. The entrance ticket entitles you to visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha complex and the territory of the Royal Palace.

In addition, the price includes a visit to the Hall of Regalia with coins and precious items (entrance to the right of the entrance to the Royal Palace complex).

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) in Bangkok is the crown jewel of the Royal Palace, the personal temple of the king and members of the royal family. All religious requirements are carried out here, and only the royal nobility have the right to enter the temple through the front doors.

History and general information

Thais believe in the power and strength of the Emerald Deity. It is near this statue that the rulers of Thailand, starting from Rama I, to this day swear allegiance to the people and country. Only the king has the right to touch the statue. Even the dust from the deity and the crown can only be wiped off by the ruler or the crown prince.

According to ancient tradition, three times a year the king dresses the Buddha in different golden robes depending on the season. The ritual is intended to promote the prosperity of the state and the power of the king.

The stone statue of a deity sitting in a lotus position is 66 cm high and 48.3 cm wide. Regarding the material from which it is made, there are different versions: emerald, jade or jadeite. There is no consensus on questions of authorship, time and place of manufacture of the statue.

There are three legends about the origin of the statue:

• The first talks about the origin of the statue, made of solid stone, by the personal master of the Indian ruler Ashok.

• The second is about production by an ancient Greek master.

• And the third legend says that the statue was made in heaven, seven nights and days, which was lowered to Earth by the king of angels.

The Emerald Buddha was discovered by monks in Chiang Mai back in 1436. Lightning destroyed a Buddhist pagoda (stupa), and a sacred relic was found among its rubble. For three centuries the statue traveled with by different rulers by cities and countries of Asia: India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia. It was only King Rama I who moved the statue to Bangkok in 1779, and the Emerald Buddha became the country's mascot.

▣ Thailand's most precious treasure.

To house the sacred statue, a temple was built - Wat Phra Kaew, which opened in 1784.

Temple Attractions

Today, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a whole complex, made in traditional Thai style, surrounded by a wall. It covers an area of ​​95 hectares.

Scheme map of the temple complex

Small lakes covered with lotus flowers attract the eye. On the territory of the complex there is a library, a mausoleum of members of the royal family, a golden stupa where the bone of Buddha is preserved. There are many statues of various creatures on the territory: Yaksha demons, temple defenders, the king of monkeys, Garuda and Kinnari - bird people. Here you can also see a small copy of Angkor Wat from Cambodia.

▣ Wat Phra Kaeo is the main temple complex of Thailand.

Your attention will be drawn to the temple's multi-stage carved domes of Phra Kaew, inlaid with gold and bronze. The roofs are decorated with images of snake heads. Symbols of Buddhism made of glass, wood and smalt are everywhere.

It is also worth paying attention to:

• Twelve bronze lions guarding the entrance doors of the temple.

• Door panels made under Rama I depicting episodes from the ancient Thai epic "Ramakiyana", created on the basis of the Indian "Ramayana".

• The interior walls of the temple and the ceiling are painted with famous scenes from the life of Buddha. You can trace his path from birth to the moment of enlightenment.

• The figure of Buddha in the sacred room - Ubosoth, where he sits on a high wooden throne covered with gold.

• Also attracting attention are two three-meter bronze statues of a crowned Buddha, inlaid with precious stones. The deity is depicted standing in a state of complete peaceful calm.

• Ten small bronze crowned Buddha figurines are placed at the base of the throne. They symbolize the main members of the royal families of the first three reigns.

Each ruler of Thailand contributed to the construction of the temple complex. Through their efforts, approximately once every 50 years, the temple is overhauled and reconstructed.

How to get there

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located on the Rattanakosin Peninsula, at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River. It's located nearby.

Wat Phra Kaew temple on the map of Bangkok

The simplest and quick way get there by taxi or tuk-tuk. The taxi driver will just need to show the card. The estimated cost of the trip is no more than 200 baht.

By city bus: No. 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 25, 43, 44, 47, 53, 60, 82, 91, 123, 501, 508.

On water transport. You need to get to the Chao Phraya River Pier by BTS. Get off at Saphan Taksin metro station and walk a little towards the river, to the pier. Transfer to an Express boat and sail to pier No. 9 for 15 baht. The entrance to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is 100 meters from the pier.

If you are in the area or Chinatown, you can walk to the palace.

Time and cost of visit

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is open to the public daily from 8.30 to 16.30. Tickets are no longer sold after 15:30. Exceptions may be days when the temple hosts closed ceremonial events with the participation of the royal family.

For tourists and Thais, entry is provided through two side doors.

There are always queues near the ticket office, since this excursion is one of the “obligatory” excursions. Therefore, it is better to arrive in the morning, at 9:00 – 9:30.

The entrance ticket price is 500 baht, if you need an audio guide it is another 200 baht. The ticket entitles you to visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Royal Palace and the Hall of Regalia (a collection of coins and jewelry, both local and brought by kings from all over the world).

▣ Entrance for tourists to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

With a purchased ticket you can visit within seven days. It is located in the Dusit area, on Rachavithi Road, in Suan Phuttan Garden. It will be convenient to get from the Royal Palace by taxi or take regular bus No. 80.

• Please note that you will not be allowed into the temple with backpacks or large bags. There are no storage rooms here either.

• There is a dress code on the territory of the temple complex: covered shoulders and arms to the elbows, covered knees and closed-toe shoes. The restrictions apply to both women and men.

• If necessary, appropriate clothing can be rented at the entrance to the temple complex, leaving a cash deposit of 250 baht. Please note that during rush hour there may no longer be items available at the rental office. In this case, you should go to the left corner of the complex (as seen from the entrance), there are shopping arcades there. Here you will be offered everything you need to either buy or rent.

• You will need to remove your shoes when entering the temple. Note! You must step over the threshold, you cannot stand on it!

• As in other temples, women here are prohibited from communicating with the monks.

• Photography is prohibited in the temple itself. But it's worth taking a camera with you. Firstly, you can photograph the Buddha from afar, through open doors. Secondly, on the territory of the temple complex there is enough interesting places that are worth capturing as a memory.