East Entrance

Wat Phra Kaeo, Bangkok

Phra Kaeo, the temple complex which houses the Emerald Buddha, is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace (map). It was built by Rama I in 1782, when Bangkok became the capitol. In this photo, colossal guardians (closeup) flank the east entrances, overlooking the interior of the complex – an unusual placement, which may suggest protecting the temple from internal disturbance rather than from external dangers.