Where is the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok and how to see it?

The Emerald Buddha statue (Wat Phra Kaew) is housed in the temple of the same name, which is the main shrine of the Grand Palace in Bangkok. You can find it on the grounds of the palace complex, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the historic center of the city. You can only reach the statue by purchasing an entrance ticket to the Grand Palace itself — there is no separate entrance to the temple.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is not a single building but a whole complex within the palace grounds. The statue itself, 66 centimeters tall, is carved from a single piece of jadeite (emerald) and is one of the most revered relics of Thailand. According to legend, it was discovered in 1431 in the city of Chiang Rai in the north of the country, where it was hidden inside another clay or gold-plated Buddha statue.

Here is what you need to know before visiting:

• Photography inside the temple is strictly prohibited, but you can photograph the statue through the open doors from outside.
• Dress code is mandatory: you cannot enter wearing tank tops with exposed shoulders, shorts, short skirts, or flip-flops. If you are dressed inappropriately, you will be given a free cover-up at the entrance with a 200 baht deposit.
• Opening hours: daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM). It is best to arrive at opening time to avoid crowds of tourists.
• Ticket price: 500 baht for foreigners. This price also includes admission to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha Museum and the Queen Sirikit Textile Museum.

You can get to the Grand Palace by taxi (about 200 baht from the center), by metro to Sanam Chai station (Blue Line MRT, then a 20-minute walk), or by public boat on the Chao Phraya River to the pier near the palace. Beware of tuk-tuk scammers who will tell you the palace is closed today — don't believe them, it's an old trick to take you to souvenir shops.

You can learn more in our reliable and honest guide in the article Grand Palace in Bangkok: how to visit, opening hours and cost in 2026, how to get there on your own. There we have detailed all the nuances of visiting, including a map, sightseeing tips, and how not to fall for scammers' tricks.

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