The Grand Palace in Bangkok - a must-visit on any trip to Thailand
🏰 The Grand Palace is the most perfectly preserved, largest, and most ethnically distinctive of the royal palaces in Thailand. It is located next to the Chao Phraya River, and its golden spires can be seen from a distance, shining brilliantly. In ancient Thailand, only the royal family was allowed to use gold to decorate their rooftops.
🌟 It is the largest ancient architectural complex in the center of Bangkok, covering an area of 218,400 square meters. It was built in imitation of the old royal palace of the former capital Ayutthaya, and through continuous expansion by successive kings, it has become the grand architectural complex it is today. The Bangkok dynasty, from Rama I to Rama VIII, resided within the Grand Palace.
✨ After King Rama VIII was assassinated in the palace in 1946, King Rama IX moved to the newly built Chitralada Palace to the east of the Grand Palace. Now, the Grand Palace is open to the public when it is not being used for coronation ceremonies, court celebrations, and other rituals and activities.
✳️ It is a collection of the essence of Thai architecture, painting, sculpture, and decoration arts, with a style that has distinct Siamese architectural characteristics, and is known as the 'Encyclopedia of Thai Art'.
🔯 Visitors to the Grand Palace usually do not miss the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Located within the Grand Palace, it was built by King Rama I at the same time as the Grand Palace and is also the venue for the king's religious ceremonies.
❣️ Inside the temple are several large statues from Thai Buddhist mythology, such as the most famous 5-meter-tall statue of the giant YAK, which stands at the entrance to the main hall of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, said to be the King of Monkeys from the Ramayana epic.
❇️ The scripture hall (Phra Mondop), situated between the Royal Chapel and the Loha Prasat reliquary tower, houses Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves. It is not open for public entry, but can be admired from the outside, with its roof, pillars, and exterior walls all exquisitely crafted.
🕌 The opulence of the Grand Palace is evident everywhere, and to the north of the main hall of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a high platform with three stupas on it. From left to right, they are the Sri Lankan style golden Phra Siratana Chedi, the pure Thai style scripture hall (Phra Mondop), and the Khmer style Royal Chapel (Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn).
🏛 These three stupas are iconic structures of the Grand Palace, among which the golden Phra Siratana Chedi is gilded with pure gold. Under the sunlight, it radiates a golden glow, extremely magnificent.
⚠️tips little reminders:
Most of the time, you can encounter many Chinese tour groups inside the Grand Palace, and you can listen to authentic Mandarin explanations by following any of them.
The ticket includes admission to both the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Vimanmek Mansion.
The guide map is printed in multiple languages including Chinese, English, and Japanese.
Revealing clothes are not allowed in the temple (clothes and trousers can be rented for free at the entrance, but you must leave a passport or credit card).
✅ The Grand Palace is not far from the famous Khaosan Rd (Khao San Road), just a ten-minute walk from Khao San Road.
An amazing and fascinating experience with the culture and history. visitors often onte the temple 🛕 is serene and Majestic ambiance, which stands in contrast to the bustling city of Bangkok.
The temple's peaceful ambiance and stunning craftsmanship make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Thai culture and Buddhism.
Absolutely beautiful place! Full of Thai-Buddhist history and culture. Lots of photo-worthy locations. Wear long pants and appropriate clothes. Don’t be tricked by the vendors outside, can buy cheap pants inside that are nice. You can also see the palace and the queen’s museum right after in the same area.
Excellent Translator , though we aren’t Chinese , He is amazing , They helped us so much so could do all activities made hassle free!!
Director Chen is too responsible! The explanation is meticulous and patient. Finally, I took us to the Jade Buddha Temple Museum and was fortunate to see the rainy season and cold season clothes of Jade Buddha. This is a place where other tour guides will not take tourists to visit. If you are lucky enough to be assigned to Director Chen, that is one thing to congratulate!