Grand Palace in Thailand

Bangkok trip would hardly be complete without Thai Grand Palace (called Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang in The Thai language), the most well-known magnificent place of the city. Built in 1782, during 150 years this place was the residence of the King, Thai court, and governmental administration. Thailand’s Grand Palace has continued to attract many tourists because of the beauty of the architecture and the complexity of details. This is considered Thailand’s pride with virtuosity and creativity that they achieved. Inside the walls, there are ministries, departments, and even mint. Until now the complex has been the spiritual center of the kingdom of Thailand.

Thai Grand Palace

This royal palace features several impressive architectural works like Wat Phra Kaew (The temple of the Emerald Buddha), where the well-known Emerald Buddha dating back to by the 14th century, are worshiped by Thai people.

The Buddha's robes are seasonally changed, which takes place in a solemn ceremony in the Buddhist calendar. Thai King no longer lived in the palace from the twentieth century, but it was still used to organize all ceremonies and rituals believed to bring good omens.

Grand Palace: Appearance and Architecture

Grand Palace is similar to the remaining of Ratanakosin Island and the palace of Ayutthaya, the splendid ancient capital of Siam where Burma raided. The outer palace, near the entrance, once was used as the government office where the King directly involved in the people's government, army and treasury. The temple of the Emerald Buddha is located at a corner of the outer ring of the palace. The inside palace is where the King and agencies managed the state economy. Only 2 rooms with thrones have been open for visiting, but that is enough for tourists to feel the subtlety of each pearl fixed to the surface of the impressive architectural structures.

The Outer Court is where the King’s wives and daughters resided. This place is similar to a small city whose inhabitants are women and girls under the age of puberty. Despite being no longer used for royal purposes, it still closes to the public. There are many similarities between Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, but they still have some contrasts; for example, while the Temple of the Emerald Buddha has Thai architectural style, Grand Palace was significantly influenced by Western style (except the roof).

Royal Reception Halls

Today, the inside is used to organize important events like the coronation. It also has the old traditional style throne before the current Western style is applied. Visitors are allowed to enter the spacious European style lounge and Grand Palace Hall - Chakri Maha Prasat. There is Dusit Hall, considered the most beautiful architectural work in the style of Europe, and a museum which provides information on restorations of the palace, samples, and images of Buddha.

Some important notices about Thailand’s Grand Palace

This place has very strict rules since Thai Grand Palace and the Temple of Emerald Buddha are the sanctuary in Thailand. Only when tourists dress politely, they are allowed to enter the temple. Men must wear the long-sleeved shirt (not wear tank tops). If you go with sandals or flip-flops, you must wear socks (in other words, do not go barefoot). Women should dress discreetly, not wear thin clothes and let shoulders bare. If your clothes are not appropriate, there is a chamber near the entrance offering temporary coats (deposit required).

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew, whose official name is Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and considered the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic center Bangkok, inside Grand Palace, the temple features Phra Kaew Morakot (the statue of the Emerald Buddha), worshiped by many Thai people and carved meticulously on a jade monolith. Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn is another Emerald Buddha in the meditating position in the style of the Lanna School of the north, dating from the 15th century AD.

Several photos of Grand Palace in Bangkok

Thailand’s Grand Place

• Opening hours: Daily from 08:30 to 15:30
• Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)
• Admission fee: Tickets are available from 08:30 to 15:30 at a price of 400 baht. Each ticket includes visiting Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall.