Luxury Travel Blog

Ideas to inspire your world: luxury, culture, food, travel, style

October 16, 2018

A Visit to Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok

luxury Thailand toursThe glittering Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok is considered the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand and is a must-see for the stunning architecture, craftsmanship, and layers of historical and spiritual significance.

luxury Thailand toursArtisans of Leisure arranges expert-led private tours of the complex, which dates from the founding of the capital in 1782.

luxury Thailand toursThe palace grounds are on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the Rattanakosin historic district, a short journey from the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, one of the top luxury hotels in the world and the perfect base for exploring the city.

luxury Thailand toursFor an evocative start to the day, we can organize a private boat ride in a traditional long-tail boat from the hotel to the Grand Palace.

The Grand Palace has more than 50 acres of beautiful grounds and numerous buildings that are a fascinating blend of Thai and European architecture, reflecting the different personal styles of the royal family.

Bangkok luxury toursAlthough the royal family no longer lives in the Grand Palace, it is still used for ceremonial purposes and represents the royal and spiritual heart of Thailand.

Thailand toursSet within the palace grounds, Wat Phra Kaew is a Buddhist pilgrimage site and architectural landmark renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate details that showcase the best of traditional Thai craftsmanship.

luxury Thailand toursOrnate decorative details include a kaleidoscope of mosaics with rich colors, gilding and mirrored tiles.

private Bangkok toursWhile Wat Phra Kaew has a number of buildings in the complex, the most significant is the ubosot (ordination hall) that enshrines the Emerald Buddha, a 15th-century image of Buddha in a meditation pose that’s carved from a single piece of jade. (Only the king is allowed to touch the statue, so the exact material has never been confirmed.)

private Bangkok toursUnlike the larger-than-life guardians outside the chapel, the Emerald Buddha is only 26 inches tall.

luxury Thailand toursSee the extensive, stunning murals around the cloister, which illustrate the Ramakien (Thailand’s interpretation of the Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic poem of good triumphing over evil) in incredibly detailed scenes.

luxury Thailand toursWhile on the grounds of the Grand Palace, we highly recommend visiting the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.

private Bangkok toursThe wonderful gift shop is filled with high quality silk textiles, flowers and other beautiful crafts from around Thailand.

private Bangkok toursAfter a morning of immersive cultural touring, we love savoring the local cuisine.

luxury Thailand toursArtisans of Leisure can make reservations at one of our favorite nearby restaurants.

luxury Thailand toursContact our travel experts who have traveled extensively in Thailand to plan a customized Southeast Asia tour based on your interests.

luxury Thailand tours

Destinations:  Asia, Southeast Asia, Thailand

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