The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaew, inside the Grand Palace grounds.
About The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) is inside the Grand Palace complex on Na Phra Lan Road in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok's old royal district. It is Thailand's most sacred temple. The grounds are full of gold-covered spires, colourful glass mosaics and guardian statues.
The main draw is the small Emerald Buddha statue in the ordination hall. Visitors also walk the long galleries painted with Ramakien murals and see the palace halls next to the temple. The foreign-visitor ticket covers the whole Grand Palace complex and is about ฿500.
It is a memorable half-day for couples who like history and photos. Go right at opening in the morning, before the heat and the tour groups arrive. There is a strict dress code, so plan your outfits together.
Why it works for a date
- Striking gold and mosaic architecture
- The Emerald Buddha is deeply revered
- Detailed Ramakien murals
- A must-see Bangkok landmark
Good to be aware of
- Very crowded by late morning
- Strict dress code at the gate
- Hot, with little shade
Don't miss
More date spots in Phra Nakhon
Home of the giant Reclining Buddha and the Thai massage school.
Bangkok's big flower market, busiest and prettiest late at night.
Interactive museum about Thai identity in a colonial-era building.
Riverside mall of restaurants and shops at Maharaj pier.
Old market by the pier between Wat Pho and the river.
Riverside eatery and bar in Tha Tian that looks straight at Wat Arun.
See all date spots in Phra Nakhon
More sightseeing spots in Bangkok
The Temple of Dawn, with its porcelain-covered prang on the Thonburi bank.
Mahanakhon SkyWalk: a glass floor 314 m above the city.
Small island in the Chao Phraya known for Mon pottery and snacks.
Historic library on Surawong Road, over a hundred years old.