Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
4.5
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 3:00 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
About
Located inside the grounds of the Grand Palace, Thailand’s most valued temple features the magnificent Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century.
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Address
Neighborhood: Riverside
See what travelers are saying
  • Kazi Md. Majharul Islam
    Dhaka City, Bangladesh643 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Solo Trip
    I find it difficult to come up with words to describe the experience of visiting this remarkable temple. Its opulence is extraordinary, and yet, upon entering I was filled with a sense of tranquility such as I haven’t felt in a while. Perhaps the sincerity of many of those who entered to worship had its effect on me. Regardless, this is a temple that must be experienced to be understood. No photos are allowed in the interior. I believe that’s the way it should be.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written March 17, 2024
  • Clevelang
    Cleveland, Australia65 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hot, crowded and definitely worth it.
    This is jaw dropping it is so beautiful. Such a special place for Thai people it is a privilege to get to see it even if you are shuffling through as part of the crowd. If you can get there early before the tour groups turn up you might be able to soak up the wonder and majesty of the building. Obviously no shoes and no bare feet inside so be prepared with your ware choice for the trip. Take some time outside the building to appreciate everything else beyond the emerald Buddha.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 21, 2024
  • Jared M
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jade Buddha
    Today, I had the opportunity to visit one of the most renowned places in Thailand. The architecture of this place is truly magnificent and meticulously maintained. Despite the somewhat high entrance fee, the experience is absolutely worth it. As someone who is not a practicing Buddhist, I was surprised to find a sense of peace and tranquility wash over me while exploring the temple grounds. However, I must admit that the visit would have been even more enjoyable had it not been during the sweltering heat of the day.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written April 3, 2024
  • GethminiG
    Colombo, Sri Lanka136 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A solo visit which was a great experience
    It was a great experience. I visited the place solo during the little time I got during a business trip. It was crowded however it doesn’t affect your experience of leisurely enjoying the view. Photography is not allowed in some places and videography is not allowed as well. Try to visit during the morning hours to avoid the heat.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written April 15, 2024
  • macedonboy
    Glasgow, United Kingdom186,190 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning Buddhist Temple
    Considered the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, the sanctum holds an image of the Buddha made of jade. That's the emerald Buddha. The temple and the temple complex is crazy busy from opening to closing time. Photos and videos inside are of course prohibited, but good luck trying to get a clear photo, anywhere near the immediate vicinity. Some of the outstanding features include the figures of Garudas along the exterior wall on all four sides, roof pediments with sculptures of the Hindu god Narayana mounted on the back of Garuda, the countless Nagas projecting from the roofs and of course the traditional gold leaf and coloured glass decorations on the walls.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written April 15, 2024
  • Candice M
    Swanley, United Kingdom841 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An absolute must see
    Awesome, beautiful, wonderful, amazing. Loved this little gem in the Grand Palace. Just loved this place. A definite must see when visiting Bangkok. Go early to avoid the crowds and the heat....be aware...lots of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and remember you need to take your shoes off when entering most areas. Dress respectfully.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 15, 2024
  • Shelley M
    Albany, New Zealand916 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    So beautiful
    Lots and lots of walking in the heat. Take plenty of water with you. The grounds are large and get crowded very quickly. The emerald buddha was much smaller than I though, but it is really beautiful and grounds have no litter and well landscaped. A very pleasant place, but so hard to take photos as it is such a large place. Stunning and well worth a visit.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 19, 2024
  • Thomas M
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands297 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must See
    The temple grounds are one of the most popular destinations in Bangkok for good reason. The temple sight is beautifully maintained and there's simply so much to see, I could've stayed there for days. However, it does get crowded and I would advise you to go early morning or at the start of the evening, especially when visiting in high season.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 22, 2024
  • Fri
    Mombasa, Kenya41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice Photos
    The heat! 🌞☀️🥵 Visit during morning hours and leave by noon before it gets too hot. It isn't too crowded in the morning as well, but the crowd gets bigger with time. You will need water, a portable fan, a handkerchief to wipe sweat off your face, and an umbrella as a shade if possible. You also need to be decent. I.e. No shorts, sleeveless, etc There are areas where you will take off your shoes. If you feel pressed from hydrating, the toilets are clean at the entry/exit gate. There are tour guides available for various languages. You can get really nice photos overall.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 2, 2024
  • Trivius
    Montesilvano, Italy739 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful experience
    One thing, important to remember, is that, in many cases, you cannot enter with a tank top and shorts. Furthermore, the Emerald Buddha is actually made of jade and cannot be photographed. The temple is crowded and small. The context in which it is placed is much more beautiful.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles16,155 reviews
Excellent
9,362
Very good
4,882
Average
1,521
Poor
250
Terrible
140

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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张伟
Hong Kong, China
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
We visited early in the morning and were advised to dress appropriately (shoulders and knees needed to be covered). The Jade Buddha Temple is splendourously golden and displays the majesty of Thai royalty everywhere. Jade Buddha is small but solemn, and the details of the entire complex are breathtaking. The temple is full of tourists, so it is recommended to ask a guide to get a better understanding of its history and culture. Remember to bring a bottle of water, it's really hot in Bangkok.
Automatically translated
Written November 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fiore959
Province of Rome, Italy
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Couples
With the adjacent Royal Palace, it is perhaps the most famous stop in Bangkok and the one I found most crowded of all, with large guided groups roaming the courtyards. The high frequency is evidenced by the number of ticket machines and vending machines, which I have not found in other monuments. I was lucky and I didn't queue, but I think that at peak times or on busy days, maybe it's better to get organized by buying your ticket online. There are several entrances, one reserved for the exit, one for groups and one for "simple" tourists. Despite the crowds, I did not queue at the checkouts and therefore access was easy. Inside the temple with the emerald Buddha it is not possible to take photographs and so take a good look at the statue (which is obviously not emerald and perhaps is a little disappointing for the size and because seen from a distance), because then you will not be able to see it on your shots. The tour then continues by visiting the "Chapel" and then you leave the temple enclosure and enter the Royal Palace
Automatically translated
Written January 19, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cityguide Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Friends
Here is one of the most stunning spots in Bangkok. Located inside the Grand Palace, it is famous for its intricate architecture, colorful murals, and the Emerald Buddha statue. It is a place that blends beauty, culture, and sacred vibes.

Tips:
1. Dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees. If needed, you can rent clothes at the entrance.
2. Arrive early, ideally at 8:30 AM, to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
3. Bring water and maybe a hat or umbrella, as Bangkok’s heat can be intense.
4. Your ticket includes the Grand Palace, so make sure to plan time to explore both.
5. Photography is allowed outside but not inside the main hall with the Buddha.
Written December 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Minh Quach
United States
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, is a city of contrasts, where ancient temples sit alongside modern skyscrapers. It offers a vibrant mix of culture, food, and entertainment. You can explore beautiful landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, while also enjoying the city’s lively street markets and delicious street food. Bangkok’s nightlife is diverse, ranging from trendy rooftop bars to lively nightclubs. While the traffic can be chaotic, the energy and charm of the city make it a fascinating destination for travelers.
Written November 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Luisa
Acitrezza, Italy
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2024 • Couples
Unfortunately the Emerald Buddha is too high to be able to see it well but you can see the green of the jade well. The temple is located inside the royal palace complex. You cannot take pictures inside
Automatically translated
Written December 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maratom64
Germany
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Wat Phra Kaeo with the Emerald Buddha is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace. Please note the dress code before your visit. There are strict controls. If you are wearing shorts and have your shoulders bare you will be refused entry to the complex! Taking photos inside the building is not permitted, but it is possible to take photos from outside.
Google
Written January 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CharlotteVD
Elst, The Netherlands
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • Family
Yes, the place is beautiful and it’s nice to see the emerald buddha (of which you’re not allowed to make pics by the way) but the overall experience wasn’t great. It’s actually ruined by the large amount of tourist groups, especially asian groups. They don’t take into account other visitors and the guides are yelling so loud. They are everywhere and that’s really too much.

The staff is rude and unfriendly. Maybe they have to be because of the large amounts of tourists, but they’re acting like policemen.

It’s a bit pricey. 500 baht pp. We didnt spend more than an hour there, and that included the museum (which was a lot more peaceful than anywhere else on the site).

I do have to say that the theatre show, also included in the ticket, was nice. It’s in a theatre close by. We walked there, but from what i saw you can take a shuttle bus. I’d recommend going there.
Written January 11, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mariska Blok
Velserbroek, The Netherlands
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
What beautiful buildings these are too. I was here before around 1992 and we walked there almost alone. That was different in 2023. It was full and that was partly because it was open for free due to the birthday of the Thai king. The crowd was huge and it was warm. Very warm. Take plenty of water with you and make sure your shoulders and knees (men and women) are protected, because you won't get in :-).
Why the warning?
Even though I had read that there are scams and I was prepared, I almost fell for it. What happened?
We were dropped off by our taxi and walked towards the location. We were immediately stopped by a man in a uniform who ordered us to leave; restricted area! It's the king's birthday. This area is closed. And then there were men ready to take you to other temples. They offered that too, with the same story. Because there were few people walking towards the temple and I knew it was the king's birthday, and a man in uniform said this, I started to have doubts. Until I saw a guide walking through with a group of tourists. We then followed them, and they shouted after us, but we walked on stoically. What turned out?
It wasn't closed at all! And admission was even free that day (July 28). I actually don't understand why the Thai authorities are not taking stricter action against this because I saw other tourists fall for it. Despite the many warnings, this was yet another new variant. I was in doubt because the man who said it... communicated, seemed to wear some kind of uniform and therefore tried to radiate authority.
Google
Written August 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

NORMA G
Castelar, Argentina
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
You enter the main chapel without shoes and you cannot take photos inside. The building from the outside is beautiful. The Buddha is small in relation to others, but its importance is that it is made of a single block of jade. The temple is beautiful.
Google
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BTS1972
Munich, Germany
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
This temple is ornamented in a way that leaves every Spanish or Mexican cathedral look like a naked garage. Every inch is decorated with details, which must have cost a fortune. The small smaragd statue (about 15 inches high) is the center of devotion inside. Actually, the temple is the major attraction of the palast complex. While THB 500 is quite an entrance fee for Thai proportions, it is definitely worth it.
Written March 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA (WAT PHRA KAEW) (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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