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What is it: Located within the Grand Palace complex, Wat Phra Kaew is where the country's spiritual centre of gravity has sat since 1785, when King Rama I installed the Emerald Buddha on its gilded throne. The temple continues to serve as the site of Buddhist religious rites undertaken by the king and the royal family and annual rites are held on Chakri Memorial Day, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, the King's Birthday and Songkran. That last one matters here: this isn't just a place Thais visit at Thai New Year – it's a place the nation ritually gathers at Thai New Year. The Emerald Buddha itself is a 66cm jade figure of profound national significance and three times a year the King personally changes its robes to mark Thailand's seasons, while monks and members of the royal court take part in the proceedings, with holy water sprinkled as part of the blessing for the nation. The summer robe – a solid gold crown and sceptre – goes on just before Songkran, making a visit in April unusually charged.
What to wish for: National protection, personal merit and a sense of genuine awe. This is less a wish-making stop and more a place to show up with sincerity and gratitude. Bring offerings of lotus buds and incense, walk the outer galleries with their epic Ramakien murals and spend a moment in front of the Emerald Buddha.
Time Out tip: Dress code here is seriously enforced – no shorts, no sleeveless tops. Sarongs are available to borrow at the entrance. Photography is permitted in the outer courtyard and galleries but not inside the ordination hall with the Emerald Buddha. Budget at least two hours for the complex.
B500 (non-Thai visitors; includes Grand Palace). Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon. Chao Phraya Riverboat to N9 Chang Pier; or MRT Sanam Chai. Daily, 8.30am-3.30pm.