One of the most revered temples in Thailand
Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao was built in 1680. It stands on a highly picturesque site next to the Menam Wang. The small chapel that was built around 1800 is particularly interesting. It is one of the finest examples of classical Burmese architecture with its excellent wood carvings around the arched openings, the fine tendrils that adorn the columns, not to mention the imaginative and colourful bas-relief decorations and the magnificent coffered ceiling with mother-of-pearl, enamel and glass inlays. The colours and shapes of the ornaments are perfectly at one with the proportions of the architecture. The copper figure of Buddha is also interesting. The neighbouring staircase building dates from a later period (the Bangkok era) but is distinguished by its beautiful wood carvings inlaid with blue ceramic tiles. In the chapel a little way from the main buildings there is a Buddha statue in the Chiang Mai style. The exhibits in the museum near the entrance include some excellent carvings. The clay elephant in the garden commemorates events surrounding the famous Jade (or Emerald) Buddha.
