Wat Phraw Kaew

Wat Phraw Kaew, one of the wonders of Asia

This Temple of the Honorable Emerald Buddha (technically wats aren't temples, as the Buddha is venerated, not worshipped, but that's just nitpicking) is a festival of golden spires, ornate carvings, bejeweled statues, mosaicked columns, and elaborate murals.

The wat is incorporated into the complex of the Grand Palace, constructed in 1783 in a rather unique east (Thai) meet west (Italian Renaissance) style and guarded by white-jacketed soldiers who, on very special occasions, wear a kaleidoscope of candy-colored gumdrop helmets.

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