The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace of Bangkok, Thailand is known for it’s Beautiful Architecture

Bangkok tourist attractions cannot be talked about without talking of the Grand Palace. A complex of various historical buildings located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is surrounded by walls built in 1783. Within these walls of the Grand Palace are situated the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha, the royal residences and government offices.

The Grand Palace came in to existence when King Rama I shifted the capital of Thailand to Bangkok. Apart from making the Grand Palace the center of administration with all his ministries and offices, King Rama I also used it as his residence. Being no longer the royal residence, the Grand Palace is now used only for occasional ceremonies.

Highlights of the palace include Amarinda Hall, Boromabiman Hall, Grand Palace Hal/ Chakri Maha Prasat, Dusit Hall, Phra Thinang Borom Phiman, Phra Asada Maha Chedi and Museum.

Amarinda Hall, also known as ‘the Great Residence’ is situated in Phra Maha Montien building of the Grand Palace. With its carved boat-shaped throne, Amarinda Vinichai Hall is an enchanting site that will mesmerize you with its interiors. Nowadays, Amarinda Hall in the Grand Palace is used for ceremonial occasions.

Built by King Chulalongkom Rama V, Chakri Maha Prasat was used by him as his residence. This beautiful renaissance-style building was not used as residence since the death of King Rama VIII, who was found shot dead in this room. The elegant crystal decorations inside the hall are worth watching during your tour to Bangkok.

Dusit Maha Prasad, also known as ‘Audience Hall’, is the third important building of the Grand Palace. This hall is known for the crowing ceremony of King Rama I. Apart from been used as the customary hall for the lying-in-state of Ayuttaya kings, Dusit Hall in the Grand Palace serves as a perfect venue for the annual Consecration Day Ceremony, Dusit Hall in the Grand Palace.

King Rama V built Phra Thinang Borom Phiman in 1903 for his son and the heir to the throne. With Indra (rain god) on the east side, Varuna (wind god) on the west, Agni (fire god) on the north and Yama (god of death) on the south side, the Siamese conception of the Vedic Gods in India is depicted inside Phra Thinang Borom Phiman of the Grand Palace and is a beautiful site.

Tourists are advised to strictly follow the dress code for visiting the Grand Palace. You won’t be allowed to enter the palace bare foot and wearing revealing clothes or with bare shoulders. In short, you have to fully dress up and would be provided with clothes at a booth near the entry gate if not adhering to their dress code.

An entry ticket is required for tourists. This includes admission ticket to Vimanmek Mansion, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Central Court. Entry for Thai people is absolutely free.