Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

The Emerald Buddha itself is small. This surprises many. It sits enthroned high above the altar, carved from a single block of jade, and wears royal robes that the king changes three times a year, according to the seasons. You don't get close to it, nor do you linger inside. The real reward awaits you outside: gilded chedis, mosaic-covered walls, and mythological guardian figures watching over the courtyards. Take your time. Rushing through this place is the only mistake I would warn you against.

It's an active temple and a symbol of the monarchy, so the atmosphere is more formal than relaxed. But that works well. Wat Phra Kaew can't be visited separately from the Grand Palace. It's located in the northeast corner of the outer palace courtyard, and the 500 baht ticket, available at the gate on Na Phra Lan Road from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., grants access to both sites, as well as the Queen Sirikit Textile Museum. The grounds are open until 4:30 p.m., but the courtyards are already crowded by mid-morning, so an early visit is the only sensible strategy. I would recommend visiting the temple first and then the palace halls.