What I Wore In Thailand | Exploring Wat Phra Kaew In Bangkok
Outfit Details: Top (Similar Here and Here) // Skirt // Shoes (Similar Here and Here) // Bag (Similar Here and Here) // Hat
Yay I’m back in Los Angeles, recovered from jet lag, and ready to start bringing you travel inspiration from my recent travels to Thailand and Vietnam! I’m kicking off my Thailand content at the gorgeous Temple of the Emerald Buddha, known locally as Wat Phra Kaew. It’s located within the precinct of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and for all architecture and history lovers, this is a must see. I absolutely recommend coming here on your first trip to Bangkok!
If you’ve ever been to Thailand, you know that the heat is no joke! To keep cool, I wore a linen top by Papers Official, a Thailand brand I discovered while there. I absolutely adore the statement ruffle sleeves! I can’t wait for their website to be ready as I LOVE their stuff. The quality is so nice, and the prices are good too. I paired the top with a striped linen skirt by Shein that has slits on the sides and a button up front. I’m all about skirts and dresses when traveling in warm destinations. And for me, nothing says travel like a nice straw hat and rattan bag. Do you have any go-to pieces for your travel outfits?
Continue on to see more amazing architectural views of Wat Phra Kaew, outfit shots, read up on the architecture, as well as my complete guide to visiting, including the dress code, etiquette, hours, and more! For those of you that are State side, I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving tomorrow!
XOXO
The Phra Sri Rattana Chedi in Sri Lankan style.
ARCHITECTURE OF WAT PHRA KAEW
Wat Phra Kaew is built in the Rattanakosin style (old Bangkok style), and is truly a delight to see. Inside the temple lies the Emerald Buddha Statue, which dates back to 14th century Thailand. It is made from a single piece of jade, and is not only revered as a religious relic, but as a national treasure. No one is allowed to touch the Emerald Buddha except for the Thai King, which happens 3 times a year during the ritual of changing garments.
Wat Phra Kaew features the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, 12 salas (open pavilions), elegant pediments and columns decorated in gorgeous mosaic tiles, pagodas and mythological statues, a library, a model of Angkor Wat, gorgeous murals detailing the Indian Ramayana, and so much more. As additions were made by the different emperors over the years, it’s fascinating to see the culmination of different architectural styles coming together.
Don’t forget to explore the Grand Palace as well while you’re there. It used to be the official residence of the Kings of Siam and Thailand, and is now used for official events.
The Grand Palace is a stunning masterpiece! Those rooftops are just gorgeous!
A view of Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat at the Grand Palace. The ornate rooftops and tile work is so gorgeous!
Old and new collide as this monk dressed in traditional Buddhist robes spends time on his iPhone.
TIPS ON VISITING WAT PHRA KAEW
DRESS CODE
Did you know that Buddhist temples in Thailand have a dress code? Because it’s a sacred place, you need to dress modestly as a sign of respect. The dress code is actually strictly enforced. As soon as you enter the gates, the staff quickly assesses your outfit and directs you either straight ahead to the ticketing counter, or to the right, where you can rent clothing (long pants and skirts) to cover yourself up. The fee is reimbursed when you return the clothes. Jack and I made sure to check online before we got there, because I wanted to plan my outfit ahead of time.
No sleeveless shirts or crop tops
No short shorts or skirts (knee length or longer)
No see-through, clingy, or exposed clothing
ETIQUETTE
Remember that locals come to worship and pray at the temple, so be mindful, quiet, and respectful.
Take your shoes off when you step inside the temple to see the Emerald Buddha.
Don’t point at, touch, or turn your back on statues or images of Buddha.
TICKETS & HOURS
I definitely recommend going as soon as it opens as it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions. Jack and I arrived about 20 minutes before it opened, and there was already a 30 person line on a weekend morning! The line itself doesn’t take too long, but I still recommend going earlier when the temperatures are cooler and it’s less crowded.
Hours: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Daily
Tickets: 500 Baht
Yaksha demons encircle one of two golden chedis at Wat Phra Kaew.
Mesmerized by all the gorgeous mosaic tiles!
You can see a mix of Western architecture with the rows of columns mixed with the Thai architectural details in the roof.
A gorgeous rattan bag from Wish. It’s such a perfect travel bag for tropical climates.
These Thai students were on a school field trip to Wat Phra Kaew and stopped me several times asking if they could take photos with me. How cute are their innocent faces and matching school uniforms?! I was flattered they wanted to take pictures with me, and also very embarassed and shy, lol! Jack snapped a photo of the crew taking a group photo with me.
SHOP THE LOOK
MY OUTFIT DETAILS:
Top: Papers Official (Similar Here and Here)
Skirt: Shein
Shoes: Madewell (Similar Here and Here)
Bag: Wish (Similar Here and Here)
Hat: Urban Outfitters
CREDITS:
Styling: Annie Cho
Photography: Jackson Kuo
SHOOT LOCATION:
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Golden Buddha) & The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand
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