Must See Thailand - Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is an architectural wonder of gilded chedi (stupas) seemingly levitating above the ground, polished orange and green roof tiles piercing the humid sky, mosaic-encrusted pillars and rich marble pediments. One of the city's holiest and most spectacular sites, the temple inspires awe in even the most jaded traveller.

It's quite easy to tour the grounds in a sort of daze, enamoured and confused by Thai Buddhism, and not realise until much later that you didn't see the eponymous figure. Here's why: the Emerald Buddha is only 66cm (26in) high and sits so far above worshippers in the main temple building that the gilded shrine is more striking than the small figure it cradles.

Details

Tags

• monument, religious/spiritual