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Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)vsThe Grand Palace
Both Temple of the Emerald Buddha and The Grand Palace are highly recommended by those who travel for a living. Overall, Temple of the Emerald Buddha ranks marginally higher than The Grand Palace. Temple of the Emerald Buddha is ranked #4 in Bangkok with approval from 6 reviewers like Frommer's, Fodor's and Travel + Leisure.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
Fodor's
Concierge
Frommer's
Travel + Leisure
Michelin Guide
Lonely Planet Travel + Leisure
Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Rajawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
From $0/night
Fodor's "No single structure within the Grand Palace elicits such awe as this, the most sacred temple in the kingdom." Full review
Concierge "One of Thailand's most impressive sights: 54 acres featuring a collection of palatial buildings, golden stupas, sculpted nine-foot demons, and richly ornamented wats (temples)."
Frommer's "The number one destination in Bangkok is also one of the most imposing and visually fascinating." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Wat Phra Kaew, more commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is widely regarded as Thailand’s most sacred site." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The royal chapel (ubosot) serves as a backdrop to one of the most sacred objects in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha." Full review
i
Walk right around the temple to admire the Ramakien gallery, which is adorned with remarkable painted murals.
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Wat Phra Kaew gleams and glitters with so much colour and glory that its earthly foundations seem barely able to resist the celestial pull." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Regarded as the holiest Buddhist temple in Thailand, you'll find it within the elaborate Grand Palace complex. Inside the shrine is a small, jade-colored Buddha draped in golden robes"
The Grand Palace Travel + Leisure
Time Out Fodor's
Afar Magazine Michelin Guide Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
Independent Lonely Planet
Na Phra Lan Rd, Maharaj Pier, next to Wat Phra Kaeo Temple Complex, Bangkok, Thailand
From $0/night
Travel + Leisure "Located on the Chao Phraya River, the gold-spired Grand Palace is one of Thailand’s most important sacred sites." Full review
Time Out "Bangkok's paramount must-see sight is this architectural and spiritual treasure, which is twice as dazzling if you see it on a sunny day." Full review
Fodor's "This is Thailand's most revered spot and one of its most visited." Full review
i
Proper attire (no flip-flops, shorts, or bare shoulders or midriffs) is required
Afar Magazine "No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to the Grand Palace, which sits smack in the middle of the city, while resting elegantly on the banks of the Chao Phraya River." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"The former royal residence of the kings of Siam... the Grand Palace now hosts official ceremonies." Full review
i
In addition to Chakri Mahaprasat palace, where the king lived, don't miss Aphon Phimok Prasat, a beautifully proportioned wooden pavilion, and Dusit Mahat Prasat, built in 1789, recognisable by its gilded spire.
Travel + Leisure "Come early in the morning and grab a guide (or find a local tour group) to help you navigate the ornately decorated halls, pavilions and inner palaces that were once home to Thailand’s monarchy" Full review
Travel + Leisure "Give yourself between 60 and 90 minutes to enjoy the grounds and the stunning shrines—the Emerald Buddha is a must see."
Bangkok Travel Guide
July 14, 2021
i
Make sure to go early to beat the heat.
Independent "The ornate structures include the royal quarters (which are only viewable from the outside but are nonetheless very impressive) and a stunning wat (temple)...there’s also a swish textiles museum"
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Adjoining Wat Phra Kaew is the Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang), a former royal residence that is today only used on ceremonial occasions." Full review
