Thailand is most definitely a land of thousand temples in all shapes and styles, with their high roofed pagodas standing tall through the trees and the buildings, with the stupas belonging to diverse cultural and traditions side by side, it is truly a place where history, culture and religion all seamlessly mingle and complement each other.
For the first time visitor to Bangkok, there are a few places of interest that should not be missed. For the traveller keen on exploring the diverse attractions that this eastern land has to offer, Wat Phra Kaeo or the temple of the emerald Buddha as it is better known amongst the tourists is a must visit.
However, it has a more elaborate and an elegant official name that goes as “Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram”. The premises is considered to be the holiest of the Buddhist places of worship in the country. Being both a religious and a political symbol, it is located within the precincts of the Grand Palace itself.
The main attraction at Wat Phra Kaeo, as the name itself suggest is the emerald Buddha statue. However, one should be aware that Emerald in the local language means green, and it does not specifically refer to the stone by the same name. Therefore, do not expect a statue in emerald. What the visitor to this temple would come across is a dark green figurine, which is in a standing form. It is approximately twenty six inches in height and is said to be carved out of one single stone known as jade.
Only the Tail King has the power to touch the figurine and no one else can touch it. When the seasons change during the year, from summer to winter to the rainy days, the King changes the cloak that is around the statue. It is considered to be a ritual that is followed with great veneration in expectation of good luck and prosperity for the country and its people.
There are a number of other interesting attractions within the premises of the Grand Palace too. Just keep in mind to wear modest clothes covering your arms and legs when visiting the grounds to avoid having to wear clothes provided by the security.
Travellers who are staying at Chiang Rai Hotels can make this place a part of their visit to Bangkok. Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand is a hotel Chiang Rai, which will make all arrangements for you to explore this and many other attractions in this land.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.
