The magnificent Grand Palace is the most popular landmark in Bangkok. Visiting this palace is one of the biggest attractions for travelers. It was home to the Thai Kings, the Royal Court, and the administrative seat of Government for many years. Your visit to Bangkok is not complete without watching it. A lot of tourists visit this palace every day because of its splendid architecture and intricate details. People appreciate the creativity and craftsmanship of the Thai people.
The incredible Grand Palace is not only a big tourist attraction but also a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists. This palace is absolutely a fine piece of art as it has been built by various kings with a long history of 200 years. It is an enchanting site with walls that possess different styles, pillars that have varied structures, and buildings that echo a blend of stories.
Most of the golden and white buildings have varied and fascinating minarets which make it even more interesting. The stunning structure is a perfect example of Thai arts and crafts. The complex designs, the complicated architecture, and its sacred vibe never fail to bewitch the hearts of tourists. The palace grounds have been well maintained, with special care being taken to protect and restore the palace’s substantial murals.
The Grand Palace consists of several beautiful buildings including the temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew. It possesses the small but sacred Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. The robes of the Buddha are changed every season by The King of Thailand. It is a significant ritual in the Buddhist calendar. The palace was used by the kings till the end of the 19th century, perhaps it is only used now for official meetings and ceremonies.
Temple of The Emerald Buddha
The Grand Palace is the spiritual heart and soul of the Thai Kingdom. The outer court used to house government departments, such as civil administration, the army, and the treasury. The central court was used for the residence of the king. Only two throne halls are open to the public and they are exceedingly beautiful with impressive structures. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located in one corner of this outer court. Although the temple of the Emerald Buddha is too close to the Grand Palace still, there is a marked difference in styles between the Thai Temple and the European-inspired design of The Grand Palace.
The palace is so huge that it has four groups of palaces with the Chakri Maha Prasat being the largest and most popular. It was constructed by King Rama V for his residence in 1882. It has three stories containing a mixture of Thai and Western architecture. The lower parts are designed by a British architect depicting the imperial Victorian style while the top part is traditional Thai with its layered loping roofs and narrow spires.
Another highlight of the Grand Palace is Boromphiman Hall which was built by King Rama V for the Crown Prince’s residence and is now served to accommodate foreign heads of state. Boromabiman Hall overlooks the beautiful lawns where the king’s annual garden party used to be held. The hall is beautifully painted and depicts the four Indian gods Indra, Yama, Varuna, and Agni. There are numerous important buildings, stupas, and monuments which should not be missed when you visit The Grand Palace.
Significant Buildings Worth Seeing in Bangkok
Phra Mondop, Prasat Phra Debidon, Angkor Wat, and Dusit Maha Prasat are significant and worth visiting buildings. Phra Mondop is made of tiny green and gold glass mosaics. It has silver floors and served as a royal library. It holds the canon of Buddha and sacred scriptures and a number of Buddhist publications and ancient literature. The Prasat Phra Debidorn has huge statues of the Kings of the Chakri Dynasty. It attracts tourists for the golden pagodas and the row of colorful and huge demons who guard the building.
People take photographs of these iconic images. You can also see the replica Khmer-style temple, although it is much smaller than the original and it’s worth seeing. Dusit Maha Prasat is a beautiful white and golden building that is open for visitors. It has a splendid large hall, which was Rama I’s chamber where the King received his guests, seated not on the large throne seen today, but higher up on a niche like throne. The roof is designed in Renaissance style to give a royal touch to this hall.
The Grand Palace is the most significant tourist place in Thailand. A visit here will give you an insight into the rich history and culture of Thailand. You will see one of the most incredible fusions of Thai and European architecture and arts. If you are in Bangkok, make sure to keep this beautiful place on your bucket list.