“Wat Phra Kraisi,” the tour guide announced, his voice filled with reverence, “This temple, a beacon of faith in the bustling heart of Bangkok, harbors a mystery that still captivates historians and scholars today.” Wat Phra Kraisi stands tall, its magnificent spires piercing the sky. It is a place of immense religious importance, where the echoes of centuries past blend with the vibrant energy of modern Bangkok. Its history stretches back to the time of King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty, who established the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kraisi as the symbolic heart of the newly proclaimed Rattanakosin Kingdom. A fascinating detail often overlooked is the original name of the temple, Wat Phra Si Rattanasasadaram. Its translation, the “Temple of the Auspicious Buddha image” refers to the Emerald Buddha, the revered icon housed within the temple’s walls. Wat Phra Kraisi, known in English as “The Temple of the Emerald Buddha,” is truly a treasure trove of history and faith.
Garuda Museum
Behold the Garuda, a four-meter sculpture spreading its wings. This is the entrance to Southeast Asia’s one and only Garuda