Temple of the Emerald Buddha Tours and Activities

Temple of the Emerald Buddha featuring a temple or place of worship as well as a large group of people
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Temple of the Emerald Buddha featuring a temple or place of worship and religious aspects
Temple of the Emerald Buddha which includes religious aspects, interior views and a temple or place of worship
Temple of the Emerald Buddha which includes a temple or place of worship and religious elements


A small but extremely important Thai religious icon sits on a golden pedestal within the ornate Wat Phra Kaew structure on the grounds of the Grand Palace.

“Temple of the Emerald Buddha” is the English nickname for the striking place where you can admire the most sacred object in the Kingdom of Thailand: a small stone Buddha that sits in a meditative pose on an oversized golden throne. Thai people believe it is the oldest sculpture of Buddha, which makes it a much-worshipped object.

Wat Phra Kaew, as Thai people call the temple, is part of the Grand Palace complex. Its official name is Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, which means “the residence of the Holy Jewel Buddha.” The ornate temple was built in 1782 under King Rama I, who moved the Emerald Buddha from Wat Arun across the river.

Admire the temple’s mosaics and gilded features before you step inside. The Buddha statue doesn’t contain emeralds, and gets its name because it was carved from a single block of green jade stone. The statue was found hidden in stucco in a temple in Chieng Rai in the early 1400s.

In neighboring regions, you’ll find various conflicting chronicles about the creation and mystical travels of the ancient Emerald Buddha before it was rediscovered. Despite its unconfirmed age and origins, Thai culture still holds the statue in reverence. It is believed to bring legitimacy and prosperity to all who possess it.

Join the line of pilgrims who eagerly make the journey from all over the country to pay homage. At every change of season, the Thai king presides over the ceremonial changing of the Buddha’s outfit. As you make your way around the rest of the temple, don’t miss the model of Angkor Wat, the Cambodian temple complex where the statue was housed when it was under Siamese control. Step through the giant gatekeeping statues onto the temple balcony to see murals depicting the Ramayana legend.

The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are open daily but close by mid-afternoon, so get there early. As you enter the site, you are asked to dress respectfully, which includes covering arms, legs and feet. Ferry or taxi is the most convenient way to get there.

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Best Lodging Options Near Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza

Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza

3 out of 5
95 ,Soi Rambuttri, Chakkra Phong, Road,Phra Nakhon, 1, Bangkok, Bangkok Province
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Thana Wisut Hotel

Thana Wisut Hotel

3 out of 5
6 Trok Ban Lo,, Bangkok
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Riva Arun Bangkok

Riva Arun Bangkok

4 out of 5
392/25-26 Maharaj Road, Phraborom Maharajawang, Pranakorn, Bangkok
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Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok

Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok

4 out of 5
488/800 Bo Bae Tower, Damrongrak Road, Klong Mahanak, Bangkok, Bangkok
Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok
Villa de Khaosan

Villa de Khaosan

4 out of 5
20 Chakrapong Road, Talta Yot, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok
Villa de Khaosan
Corridor2407 Hotel

Corridor2407 Hotel

2 out of 5
31 Charoenkrung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Bangkok, Bangkok
Corridor2407 Hotel
Dang Derm Khaosan

Dang Derm Khaosan

3 out of 5
1 Khaosan Road, Phranakorn, Bangkok
Dang Derm Khaosan
Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan

Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan

3 out of 5
42 Soi Ram Buttri, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan
Chillax Heritage

Chillax Heritage

3.5 out of 5
10 Phra Athit Road, Khao San Road Area, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok, Thailand
Chillax Heritage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Temple of the Emerald Buddha

While visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere by exploring nearby attractions and indulging in a traditional Thai massage. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the bustling streets of Bangkok and enjoy shopping for unique souvenirs and local crafts. These activities enhance your experience, making your trip to this iconic temple truly memorable.

Shopping

For shopping near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, check out Chinatown, just 1.6km away, for vibrant local markets. ICONSIAM and Siam Paragon Mall, both about 2 and 4.8km away respectively, offer a fantastic mix of family entertainment and city vibes if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Narisara Thai Massage & Spa, where relaxation takes centre stage. For an adrenaline boost, visit Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium, immersing yourself in the dynamic world of Thai boxing. Finally, unwind at Health Land Spa & Massage Asoke, a serene haven for body treatments.

Adventure

Fantasia Lagoon Water Park, located 12.9km from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, offers thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. Pororo Aqua Park, 11.6kms away, features exciting water activities for all ages. For a sporty challenge, visit Thai Wake Park, 24.8km distant, perfect for water sports enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha! Enjoy a captivating performance at Patravadi Theatre, just 805m away, or unleash your adventurous spirit at KidZania Bangkok, 4.8km away. For a fun-filled evening, don’t miss SF Strike Bowl, also 4.8km away.

Find the best attractions near Temple of the Emerald Buddha

When visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, you can explore a variety of attractions, including local temples, vibrant streets, and urban parks. This area is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Be sure to visit the iconic Emerald Buddha and other nearby Buddhist temples to enrich your travel experience in this bustling city.

  • Khaosan Road: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Khaosan Road, a bustling street filled with lively bars, street food stalls, and eclectic shops. Experience the energetic city vibes as you mingle with fellow travellers and locals alike.
  • Grand Palace: Explore the stunning Grand Palace, a historic site showcasing exquisite architecture and rich cultural heritage. Just a short walk from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, this iconic landmark offers a glimpse into Thailand's royal history and intricate artistry.
  • Wat Arun: Visit Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, where you can marvel at its striking design and tranquil surroundings. This beautiful temple, with its cultural vibes, is a perfect spot for photography and reflection along the Chao Phraya River.

Best time to go to Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Visitor numbers around Temple of the Emerald Buddha is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Temple of the Emerald Buddha is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January81.1°F (27.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February83.3°F (28.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March85.6°F (29.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
April87.4°F (30.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May87.3°F (30.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June85.5°F (29.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
October82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Temple of the Emerald Buddha

To save money while visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Khaosan Road and Pratunam Market. The best times to book accommodations are in May or September to October, with Wednesday being the least expensive day to stay. Check last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings, and use their search tool to find eco-friendly hotels that fit your budget. Combining your hotel stay with flights and activities through an Expedia package can also lead to significant savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Temple of the Emerald Buddha are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Temple of the Emerald Buddha is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.