Information and Directions:
Wat Phra Kaew(วัดพระแก้ว) is part of the complex of buildings that make up Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park located on Khao Wang a hill overlooking Phetchaburi(Phet’buri) in Thailand. The temple shares its name with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, since the architect modelled the temple, albeit in a smaller version, on this famous site.
The temple is located on the Eastern side of the park and is accessed on foot along a path leading from the cable car station. The roof gable of the Bot(ubosoth) is of particular interest with some notable art work. There are also a pagoda and chedi on the site.
The temple has a slightly run down feeling to it, probably because it is a historical site rather than an active temple, however its worth a visit and also affords some excellent views of the surrounding countryside.
The easy way to access the site is from Highway 4 (north or south) and use the cable car to the top of the hill. This costs 20 Baht return and entrance to the park(paid at the summit) is now 150 Baht for foreigners with Thais getting in free. For anyone with lots of energy there is a way to walk to the top, via hundreds of stairs and a roadway but be warned its hard work and there is a troop of monkeys who like to mug unsuspecting visitors!
GPS Co-ordinates: 13.108178 + 99.939265
Opinion:
Wat Phra Kaew is certainly worth a visit if you are in the Phetchaburi area. Aside from some fine architecture the area also offers excellent views of the surrounding countryside. Although it looks a little run down it is of considerable historical interest to Thai people and is well visited. Obviously if you visit the temple then you have lots of other historical buildings close by including the rather quaint Royal Palace.
Last Visited: May 2010
View Wat Phra Kaew(วัดพระแก้ว)on a map of the area.
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