The Grand Palace Bangkok: A Royal and Cultural Treasure of Thailand

The Grand Palace Bangkok is one of the most iconic and impressive attractions in Thailand. It is a complex of buildings that served as the official residence of the kings of Siam and later Thailand from 1782 to 1925. It is also the home of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred temple in the country.

The Grand Palace Bangkok is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the rich and diverse heritage of Thailand. It showcases the history and traditions of the Thai monarchy, as well as the art and craftsmanship of the Thai people. It is a place where you can admire the stunning architecture and decoration, learn about the religious and cultural significance, and witness the pomp and ceremony of the royal rituals.

In this article, we will guide you through the Grand Palace Bangkok and its attractions, and provide you with some tips and information on how to make the most of your visit. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a sightseer, you will find something to marvel at and enjoy at the Grand Palace Bangkok.

History of the Grand Palace Bangkok

The Grand Palace Bangkok was built by King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri dynasty, in 1782. He moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok, and established the Grand Palace as his new royal residence and the center of his administration. The Grand Palace was designed to resemble the old palace in Ayutthaya, the former capital that was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.

The Grand Palace Bangkok has witnessed many important events and changes in the history of Thailand. It has been expanded and renovated by successive kings, who added new buildings and features to suit their tastes and needs. It has hosted the coronation and funeral ceremonies of the kings, as well as the visits of foreign dignitaries and guests. It has also survived several wars, rebellions, and fires that threatened its existence.

The Grand Palace Bangkok ceased to be the royal residence in 1925, when King Rama VII moved to the Dusit Palace. However, it remains the ceremonial heart of Thailand, where the king performs his official duties and where the royal relics and treasures are kept. It is also a major tourist attraction, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Highlights of the Grand Palace Bangkok

The Grand Palace Bangkok covers an area of about 218,000 square meters, and consists of more than 100 buildings. It is divided into four main sections: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Each section has its own attractions and buildings, which we will describe in more detail below.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, is the most sacred and revered temple in Thailand. It is located in the northeastern corner of the Grand Palace, and is separated from the rest of the complex by a wall. It houses the Emerald Buddha, a 66-centimeter tall statue of Buddha made of green jade, which is believed to have miraculous powers and protect the country.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha was built by King Rama I in 1784, to enshrine the Emerald Buddha that he brought from Vientiane, the capital of Laos. The temple is not a monastery, but a royal chapel, where only the king and the monks can enter the main hall where the Emerald Buddha is kept. The king also changes the robes of the Emerald Buddha according to the seasons, in a ritual that symbolizes his legitimacy and authority.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a masterpiece of Thai art and architecture. It is decorated with colorful tiles, gold leaf, and intricate carvings, and features a variety of structures and elements, such as the ubosot (ordination hall), the prang (Khmer-style towers), the phra mondop (library), the phra si ratana chedi (golden stupa), the ho phra nak (royal mausoleum), the ho phra monthian dhamma (royal pantheon), and the hor phra rajphongsanusorn (royal lineage hall). It also has a model of Angkor Wat, the famous temple in Cambodia, which was built by King Rama IV to commemorate his visit there.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a place where you can admire the exquisite craftsmanship and artistry of the Thai artisans, and learn about the spiritual and cultural significance of the Emerald Buddha and the temple. It is also a place where you can witness the devotion and respect of the Thai people and the monarchy, who regard the temple as the holiest site in the country.

The Royal Palace Hall

The Royal Palace Hall, or Chakri Mahaprasat, is the largest and most prominent palace building in the Grand Palace. It is located in the center of the Middle Court, and faces the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It was built by King Rama V in 1882, to replace the old wooden palace that was destroyed by fire. It was designed by a British architect, who combined the Thai and European styles, creating a unique and elegant structure.

The Royal Palace Hall was used for conducting state affairs and ceremonies, such as the reception of foreign envoys, the presentation of credentials, and the celebration of national holidays. It was also the residence of King Rama V and his successors, until King Rama VII moved to the Dusit Palace. It is now a museum, where the ashes of the Chakri kings and princes are kept, and where the royal regalia and relics are displayed.

The Royal Palace Hall is a place where you can appreciate the architecture and decoration of the palace, which reflects the Thai dominance over the colonial powers and the modernization of the country. It is also a place where you can learn about the history and traditions of the Chakri dynasty, and the achievements and contributions of the kings.

The Royal Funerary Hall

The Royal Funerary Hall, or Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat, is the oldest surviving building in the Grand Palace. It is located in the northern part of the Middle Court, and is adjacent to the Royal Palace Hall. It was built by King Rama I in 1790, to serve as the hall of justice and the throne hall. It was later used for royal funerals and cremations, and is now a museum that exhibits the royal regalia and relics.

The Royal Funerary Hall is a fine example of the Ratanakosin-style architecture, which is characterized by the multi-tiered roofs, the gilded spires, and the elaborate ornamentation. It features a large hall, where the throne and the royal urn are placed, and a smaller hall, where the royal coffin is kept. It also has a pavilion, where the royal ashes are enshrined, and a gallery, where the portraits of the kings are displayed.

The Royal Funerary Hall is a place where you can admire the beauty and grandeur of the hall, which showcases the dignity and solemnity of the royal ceremonies. It is also a place where you can pay respect and homage to the late kings, and honor their memory and legacy.

Tips for Visiting the Grand Palace Bangkok

The Grand Palace Bangkok is open daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, except on special occasions when it is closed for royal ceremonies. The admission fee is 500 baht, which includes the entrance to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Royal Palace Hall, the Royal Funerary Hall, and other attractions within the complex. You can also rent an audio guide for 200 baht, or join a guided tour for 400 baht.

The Grand Palace Bangkok is a sacred and respectful site, where you need to follow some rules and etiquette when visiting.

Here are some tips and information to help you plan your visit and enjoy your experience:

Dress appropriately. You need to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing shorts, skirts, tank tops, or sandals. You can also rent a sarong or a shirt at the entrance for 200 baht, which is refundable when you return it.

Respect the sacred sites. You need to remove your shoes before entering the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and other buildings, and avoid touching the statues and paintings. You also need to refrain from taking photos inside the buildings, and from pointing your feet or turning your back to the Buddha images.

Beware of scams. You may encounter some touts or guides who will tell you that the Grand Palace is closed or that you need to buy a ticket from them. Do not believe them, and only buy your ticket from the official ticket office at the entrance. You may also encounter some taxi or tuk-tuk drivers who will offer you a cheap ride or a tour around the city. Do not accept them, and only use the metered taxis or the public transportation.

Explore the surroundings. You can also visit other attractions near the Grand Palace, such as Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, and the National Museum. You can also enjoy the Chao Phraya River, the lifeline of Bangkok, by taking a boat ride or a cruise.

Conclusion

The Grand Palace Bangkok is a royal and cultural treasure of Thailand, where you can discover the history, culture, and architecture of the country. It is a place where you can see the splendor and glory of the Thai monarchy, as well as the devotion and respect of the Thai people and the monarchy. It is a place where you can experience the charm and beauty of Bangkok, as well as the diversity and vibrancy of its people and culture.

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit the Grand Palace Bangkok and explore its attractions. It is a destination that will surely leave you amazed and enchanted by the royal and cultural treasure of Thailand. If you are looking for more travel tips and guides, check out our website Tripoto, where you can find the best deals and offers for your next trip. Happy travels!

Grand Palace Bangkok Reviews

Nehal Patel

14 Followers

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So we already booked our tickets on November'19 . All planned and excited for our first International trip . As the days of travel were coming closer, the COVID 19 threat was also spreading like anything, I remember Thailand had some 40 cases positive and was ranked 2nd and China at the 1st Position . As the days were coming closer, we were keeping a track on the COVID 19 cases and one point of time we almost cancelled our tickets . Finally at last we decided to continue our plans as the COVID 19 cases count was stable with almost 46 cases . We decided to take our flight from Ahmadabad to Mumbai and from Mumbai to Bangkok . The fare for Ahmadabad to Mumbai tickets was Rs 9500 Approx for two person and the fare for Mumbai to Bangkok for two person was Rs 15000/- Approx . Once all the check in and immigration procedure was completed, we had one hour to board our flight . So, finally time to board our flight, What we noticed was the flight was almost empty and had only few passengers travelling to Bangkok . Trust me after boarding the flight we was thinking about the CVOID 19, but now we didn't have a choice . So finally we landed in Bangkok and what we observed people all over their face covered with mask and we also did the same as we were also carrying few mask and the category of mask was N 95 . Finally after getting through all the immigration process we picked our baggage and headed towards our hotel . We hired a cab from a app called GRAB and we reached the hotel around 45 minutes from airport and the hotel name was Miramar(Approx cost 2500 THB for 2days/3nights) . We decided,we are not going to spend more on hotels as we wanted to enjoy all other adventure within our budget . As soon as we reached our hotel the CVOID 19 threat disappeared, as people were normally enjoying their vacation . It was 11 P.M and we decided to go to Khaosan Road in the local TUK TUK which cost us around 100 THB and about ten minutes we reached Khaosan road and once we entered the street, the vibe and atmosphere were amazing. We had plans to stay in Bangkok till 25th and everyday we ended up enjoying in the same street, the atmosphere was such amazing . On the 24th Morning we decided to go to The Grand palace and it took us around 20 minutes to reach there . we decide to walk and reach the destination . We had to purchase a ticket and the price for it was 250 or 500 THB per person . The building had many buildings built separately inside and whichever building you passed by, All the buildings were constructed very huge . Also we found a very interesting color of one of the building entry gate which is uploaded in one of my pictures . It took us four to five hours to visit the whole place and which was fun . After the Grand Palace visit, we headed to Platinum mall for Shopping and spent entire day till the mall shut followed by food and drinks . Just a tip if you have any plans for shopping while travelling to Bangkok, you need at least 2 to 3 whole days .

preeti talwar

244 Followers

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Day 2 began with a scrumptious breakfast at our hotel followed by an exotic massage at the Sabaidee Massage center. Another word of caution, choose your massage parlors carefully and look for “Massage Only” on their rate cards. Less than 10 $ and there I was, feeling completely rejuvenated and ready to enjoy much much more of this megalopolis. Enjoying our tuk-tuk ride to our next destination, The Grand Palace, our driver complaint of the never-ending traffic jams the city had begun to see. Staring at the landscapes with the high-rise buildings glaring back at me, I was absolutely stunned by how pretty and massive this city has turned out to be. Once we got there and bought our passes at about 15 $ each, the first sight of The Grand Palace definitely satisfied our lust for exotic. Remarkable maze of buildings constructed in oriental Thai style, mounting roofs with colors ranging from white to glamorous gold is definitely a unforgettable sight. The venue was packed with tourists and all of us were left breathless by the beautiful paintings and intricate drawings across walls. Pausing for a bit and offering our prayers to Lord Buddha was definitely nothing but the most peaceful few moments of the day. Back into the burg, we visited one of the go - go bars on the streets of Bangkok, which was a first for me. The touts at the door shoved us inside and soon a waitress dressed in a sexy schoolgirl outfit got us our drinks. The bar was lit with glimmering red and orange lights and throbbing with loud music. As the girls clung on their poles dancing away, I noticed the individuals present in the room were a mix of tourists and a few couples like us who could not leave Bangkok without experiencing it’s night life. Few beers and a hell ova time later we headed back to our hotel as we had an early bird flight to catch.

Neha Bajaj

191 Followers

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Grand Palace is situated in the heart of Bangkok and is built across the bank of river Chao Phraya. The swaying reflection of this ornamented landmark in the river will leave you in an awe with its beauty and architecture. It is one of the top tourist destination in Thailand as it has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. As you walk in from the main entrance, on your left you can see the conglomerate of perfectly aligned building adorned with crimson sloping roofs and golden spires. The biggest of all is the bell shaped stupa with a tall pointed spire, representing the Buddha and his path to enlightenment. The largest of the palace buildings is the Grand palace hall, also known as Chakri Mahaprasat. The exterior of the building is a beautiful blend of Italian renaissance and Thai architecture as each building is mounted with layered ornamented spires. I must say this monument is an inspiration for all architects and engineers to design and create something unique. The Borombhiman hall, located at the eastern corner of the complex building was the royal Residence of King Rama VI. Today, it is guarded by armed troopers and can only be viewed through its iron gates. Although, if you are lucky you might get the chance to see the “Changing of Guards”. It is an interesting ceremony where the old guard hand over the responsibility of protecting the palace to the new guard. Both the guards religiously follow the choreographed routine before they exchange places.

Tejas Ghorpade

570 Followers

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Day 3 had a number of places on the agenda, and though they all were quite close to each other, individually they took a lot of time to be completely explored. So after a heavy breakfast, we left early from the hotel for the Grand Palace. It is situated in the heart of the city and is the official residence of the rulers of Siam. The palace complex comprises many beautiful buildings including the Wat Phra Kew or the temple of Emerald Buddha. The nearest BTS station is the Saphan Taksin station or S6 station on the Silom line. Getting down here, you need to exit from Gate 2 and look for the dock to take the Chao Phraya Express boat. Alternatively, you can take a Tuk Tuk, but always be careful while negotiating the fare. They will almost always charge you for the entire capacity of the TukTuk, which is even more than an Uber or Grab sometimes. But you can ask them if you could share the cab and pay only for your seats, that saves a lot of bucks. The Grand Palace is open till late noon with the ticket sales closing at 3:30 pm. Entrance Fee: 500Bahts

Avanish

691 Followers

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The Grand Palace:I walked towards the Grand Palace entrance, which is about 5 mins walking distance from the market. The entry ticket to The Grand Palace was whopping 400 Bathfor foreign nationals. Note that the admission fee also includes an admission ticket to Vimanmek Mansion and several other sights around Bangkok that can be used within seven days of your Grand Palace visit. For Thai Nationals, I think, it was free. This palace was the official residence of the Kings of Siam (now, Thailand) since 1782, until they moved to the new Chitralada Palace (Dushit Palace Complex) in 1925, where they still reside. Be aware that everyone (means everyone including females) have to cover legs to the ankles and arms to the wrists, before entering in the premises. You can hire them from the palace for 200 Baht which you would get back when you return the items, however it is not guaranteed. The Grand Palace is open every day from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, unless it's being used for a state function, which is quite rare. The Royal Pantheon in Temple of the Emerald Buddha isonlyopen one day a year, on 6 April.