Wat Phra Kaeo Temple at the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park

Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park is located in Kamphaeng Phet province of Thailand. It is about 360km north of Bangkok, about 80km south of Sukhothai and about 350km south of Chiang Mai. Along with Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanalai historical park, it is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site named “Historic Town of Sukhothai and Associated Historic Towns” (designated in 1991 CE).

The most convenient way to reach the historical park is flying to Sukhothai via a domestic flight, as long as you already have private transportation organized from the airport. Otherwise, the more time consuming and less expensive public transportation or private vehicle options could be explored from major cities such as Bangkok or Chiang Mai, depending on the how much time is available. 

Wat Phra Kaeo also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a large royal temple located within the central zone of Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park.

Wat Phra Kaeo at the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park 

Estimated to have been built during the Sukhothai Kingdom (around 15^th Century CE), the temple only contains a Buddhavasa area (where all structures are dedicated to the veneration of Buddha). The non-existence of a Sanghavasa area indicates that there were no resident monks within the temple. The temple was located next to Sa Mon which was the royal palace of which no standing structure remains today.

The main structure of the temple consists of several chedis (Buddhist stupas), viharas and Buddha images that have eroded over time. The temple enclosure is a wall constructed using large blocks of laterite.

The elephant encircled chedi in the west corner of the complex and the gallery which enclosed it has collapsed and only its base is visible today. Standing around the base of the chedi were thirty-two carved Sukhothai style elephant statues of which only a few remain today. The design where the statues are sticking out of the base of the structure gives the appearance that the elephants are carrying the chedi on their backs.

The elephant statues sticking out of the base of the structure gives the impression that the elephants are carrying the chedi on their backs

To the east of the chedi, there was a large structure of a standing Buddha of which only the feet remain.

Feet of the large standing Buddha structure which once stood at the temple

The elevated base behind the statue of  the standing Buddha indicates the existence of a vihara at some point in the past.

Ruins of the ancient vihara structure behind the statue of  the standing Buddha 

The vihara enshrining the three large Buddha images is the most photographed aspect of Wat Phra Kaeo. The three images constructed in brick plaster are the best preserved Buddha statues within the temple. The two seated Buddhas demonstrate the "Bhumisparsha (“touching the earth” or “calling the earth to witness”) Mudra" whereas the third image is of a reclining Buddha.

The two seated Buddha images and the reclining Buddha image which are the best preserved Buddha statues of Wat Phra Kaeo

Though it is believed that the three images were constructed during the early Ayutthaya period, certain features are more consistent with the Kamphaeng Phet style which utilized characteristics such as the square face, a continuous line forming the eyebrows, narrow chin and almond shaped eyes. By the 14^th Century CE, the style of Buddha images and chedis in Thailand were heavily influenced by the Buddhism practiced by the Sinhalese of Sri Lanka. The long fine nose and the flame-like protuberance on the head are likely to be inspired by the Sinhalese style Buddhist images of Sri Lanka.

Believed to have been constructed during the Ayutthaya period, the features of the Buddha images are more consistent with the Kamphaeng Phet style

Next, we find the remains of a Mondop (which is a building form in traditional Thai religious architecture featuring a square or cruciform building with a usually pointed roof) with a heavily eroded laterite Buddha image which demonstrates the Bhumisparsha Mudra.

The heavily eroded laterite Buddha image facing the principle bell shaped chedi of the temple

The heavily eroded Buddha statue faces the temple’s principal bell shaped chedi. The chedi which has been constructed in the Sri Lankan-style is the tallest structure and the best preserved chedi at the site.

The principle bell shaped chedi which has been constructed in the Sri Lankan style

Around the base of the chedi, thirty-two niches which once housed elephant and lion statues (“Singha”) are visible. Above the base of the chedi is another ring of sixteen niches. This circular tier was once enshrined with seated Buddha statues. The style of constructing a ring above the base of a chedi or a stupa with niches enshrining Buddha statues is still utilized in Sri Lanka.

The base around the chedi which once housed elephant and lion statues, and the circular tier above the base which was once enshrined with seated Buddha statues

In the east corner of the temple, there is a large elevated laterite base supporting several structures including the main vihara. 

The elevated laterite base at the east corner of the temple which contains several structures including the main vihara 

Behind the “Ubosot” (the ordination hall), there is pedestal with another heavily eroded laterite Buddha image facing east.

The heavily eroded laterite Buddha image at the east corner of the temple

Wat Phra Kaeo was once said to have housed the image of the Emerald Buddha. Today, this image is at the temple with the same name in Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok which is officially known as Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram is regarded as the most scared Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace.