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Visit Wat Phra Kaew (Bangkok)

Overview Wat Phra Kaew

Thai name : วัดพระแก้ว
GPS : 13.75126569,100.49256563 (See on the map)
My opinion :

Due to the royal and religious ceremonies and rites observed following the death of Queen Sirikit on October 24, the Grand Palace and Emerald Temple complex in Bangkok is closed to the public until November 8, 2025 inclusive.

If you are looking for accommodation near Wat Phra Kaew, see this list of hotels near Wat Phra Kaew.

The Wat Phra Kaew is the temple of the grandest and largest of Thailand. Its main building houses a highly revered Emerald Buddha from Thailand (it is also forbidden to photograph). The temple and the Grand Palace are juxtaposed and tickets are sold in general coupled to the two monuments (although it is quite possible to purchase a ticket for one or the other) . The Wat Phra Kaew, which includes many elements finely decorated is a real festival of colors, a treat for amateur els of souvenir photos. It is guarded by statues of giants, and yakshas Kinnari (characters half-woman half-bird).

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Practical information about Wat Phra Kaew

Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
I recommend going in the morning because several times a year, the site closes around noon instead of 3:30 p.m. for royal ceremonies.

Note that here more than elsewhere, as it is a royal residence, proper attire is required to enter. Covering shoulders and knees is not always enough, so plan to dress a little more elegantly than usual.

The entrance ticket is combined with a visit to Wat Phra Kaew and costs 500 baht. Since 2019, it also includes admission to a performance of Khon, a traditional Thai masked theater not to be missed!

To visit Wat Phra Kaew, you can also book one of the tours below.

How to get to Wat Phra Kaew ?

Be careful of tuk-tuk drivers telling you the Grand Palace is closed and try to take you visit other places. Most of the time they are lying and trying to lure you into jewlerry shops where they get commissions and gems are often fake. This one of Bangkok's classical scams.

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Some tours going to Wat Phra Kaew

Bangkok: 3 must visit Temples and Market Walking Tour

Offered in English

Immerse yourself in the cultural and historical heritage of Bangkok by visiting the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha Temple, Reclining Buddha Temple, local markets, and Wat Arun. Trip with a local tour guide.

Details & Booking

Half-Day Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun Tour

Offered in English

See Bangkok's top temples in half day with our private tour to Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Our Local Experts will show you beyond the iconic structures of these temples.

Details & Booking

Visit 6 Popular Temples in Bangkok on a e-Scooter

Offered in English

We will be riding electric scooter to go to measure the various temples to bless and watch the ancient architecture of Thailand. Including to visit and eat in the popular dessert shop in the area Mont Nomsod.

Details & Booking