Prominent Features:

1. Grand Palace Complex - Wat Phra Kaew (also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is the most important Buddhist temple in the country and a national icon of Thailand. The complex houses the iconic Emerald Buddha, which is recognized as the most sacred Buddhist object in Thailand. It also includes several buildings with traditional Thai architecture and decorations, housing various paintings and sculptures. 2. Emerald Buddha - Wat Phra Kaew is best known for the iconic Emerald Buddha, which is carved from a block of jade and is believed to date back to the 15th century. It towers nearly three meters tall and sits atop a gilded altar in the Dusit Maha Prasat throne hall at Wat Phra Kaew. 3. Statues & decorative details - Wat Phra Kaew has a variety of ornamental statues and decorative details that make it stand out from other temples around the world. It is decorated with mosaic mirrors, colored tiles, and intricate stone carvings. The temple’s roof is decorated with colorful mythical creatures and its walls are adorned with murals and paintings that depict various stories from Thai mythology. 4. Sacred Coins & Bells - Wat Phra Kaew is also home to many sacred coins and bells. The coins are believed to bring good luck and fortune to the people who touch them, while bells are believed to call down blessings from the gods. 5. Royal Family & Monks - As a part of the royal family’s compound, Wat Phra Kaew is a haven for both royalty and Buddhist monks. Monks can often be seen walking the grounds or visiting the temple in order to pay their respects. This national monument of Thailand portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located in Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the most important and significant Buddhist temples in the country. Wat Phra Kaew is part of the Grand Palace complex and it is located on the grounds that were originally the royal residence of the Kings of the Chakri Dynasty. Wat Phra Kaew was constructed in 1782, and the Emerald Buddha was relocated there from the city of Chiang Rai. The Emerald Buddha is regarded as the palladium of the Kingdom of Thailand. The sculpture was sculpted and carved in India in the 15th century and brought to Thailand by King Rama I, the first king of the Chakri Dynasty. The temple houses several buildings, courtyards and galleries that showcase various objects of art such as wall paintings, murals, and statues. Some of the most notable structures of Wat Phra Kaew include the Phra Ubosot, the Phra Mondop, and the Phra Si Rattana Chedi. The Phra Ubosot is the main chapel where the Emerald Buddha resides. It is decorated with intricate stuccos, murals, and painted designs. In addition, Wat Phra Kaew also has a museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Thailand. The museum houses several artifacts such as archaeological pieces such as pottery and bronze sculptures, royal regalias, and artworks depicting Buddhist lore and history. The museum also contains several religious artifacts from various cultures found in Thailand. Since its establishment, Wat Phra Kaew has been an important site of pilgrimage for Thai Buddhists. The Emerald Buddha is visited by many devotees from all over the world, each year during Songkran (the Thai New Year). A unique Royal Ceremony is held in April to mark the change of season and the celebration of the Thai New Year with the Emerald Buddha, and thousands of visitors flock to the temple. Wat Phra Kaew remains one of the popular cultural and religious sites in Bangkok and Thailand. You must visit one of these historical places in Thailand on your Thailand tour

Interesting facts:

1. Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Thailand and a top tourist attraction in the country. 2. Wat Phra Kaew is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, due to the Emerald Buddha statue which is enshrined within the temple complex. 3. It is believed that the Emerald Buddha statue dates back to the 14th century when it was moved by a Thai ruler from Chiang Rai to its current location. 4. The Emerald Buddha is covered in gold, and changes clothing three times a year as per the seasons. 5. The temple complex consists of several structures, the most famous of which is the Phra Ubosot where the Emerald Buddha is kept. 6. It is believed that King Rama I built the temple during his reign in 1785. 7. The temple complex is heavily decorated with sculptures and statutes of gods, spirits, gods, animals and mythical creatures. 8. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit one of the famous monuments of Thailand with your friends and family.