Wat Phra Kaew, The Grand palace

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade.

The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn) is a Buddha image in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna school of the north, dating from the 15th century AD.

Its been interesting to follow the journey of the Emerald Buddha all the way from Chiang Rai to its present safe haven of Bangkok. Even if you arrive early at the palace, its absolutely teaming full of visitors. However, get past that and head to some of the quite areas you can admire the genius of some of the murals, sculptures and architecture. And after many hours there you can come out of the Grand palace and enter Wat Pho to see the grandeur of the reclining Buddha, quite magnificent, Have a look at the Buddhas feet encrusted in mother of Pearl.