Wat Phra Kaew Temple

Finished in 1784, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is home to the Emerald Buddha, widely considered the most important Buddha statue in Thailand. The temple is open to the public when not being used for important religious ceremonies by the royal family.

Wat Phra Kaew became the royal chapel in 1784, just two years after King Rama I moved the capital across the Chao Phraya River to the site of present-day Bangkok. The temple complex was constructed on the grounds of the Grand Palace and has been improved upon over the centuries by a handful of Thai kings who left impressive contributions.

The official name of Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Temple of the Holy Jewel Buddha).