Grand Palace is a must-see destination for tourists planning a Bangkok tour. The palace is surrounded by four walls. It was built by King Rama I who took the initiative to build many monasteries, forts and monuments. He shifted his administrative center from Thonburi to Bangkok once he became the ruler of Thailand. Rama I built this palace so that it could house his offices, besides being his residential quarters. Later this splendid architectural monument was called the Grand Palace.
There are around 35 attractions in the Grand Palace. Some of the prominent ones are:
Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram or the Wat Phra Kaew or the Chapel Royal of Emerald Buddha located within the premises of the Grand Palace. The main building of the temple called central ubosoth houses an emerald green statue of Buddha.
The Museum of the Emerald Buddha Temple is located opposite to the Phra Thinang Maha Prasat Group. The ground floor of the museum exhibits several artefacts while the central hall displays the bones of white elephants. These elephants had pinkish coloring and creamy eyes. They were an essential symbol of kingship as their possession affected the prestige of the king; the more they possessed, the greater was their prestige.
The Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins Museum displays coins, regalia, ornaments, and royal decorations used in the royal courts.
The Phra Thinang Amarin Winitchai Mahaisuraya Phiman is an important building of the complex. This Thai style throne hall was built for meeting foreign ambassadors.
The Bureau of Royal Household, Sala Luk Khun Nai, Sala Sahathai Samakhom, Siwalai Garden, Ho Sastrakhom, Ho Sulalai Phiman and Ho Phra That Montien are some other interesting places to visit in the Grand Palace complex.
Grand Palace Location
Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam. Don Mueang International Airport at a distance of approx. 30 kms is the nearest airport to the Grand Palace. The best way to visit the Grand Palace is via a water taxi.
Grand Palace Map
Grand Palace Hours
The Grand Palace opens throughout the year from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Grand Palace Entrance Fee
The entry ticket to the Grand Palace costs 400 BHT per person.
Best Time to Visit
The Grand Palace is open on all 365 days. However, November till February is the best time to visit the Grand Palace as the weather is pleasant.
Facts
- The foundation stone of the palace was laid on 6 May, 1782 under the founder of the Chakri Dynsaty, King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I).
- The approximate area occupied by the Grand Palace is about 218,400 sq meters.
Nearby Attraction
Places to Visit Nearby are : Silom, Bangkok Seashell Museum, Skybar, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Neilson Hays Library, DJ Station and Mt. Sapola.
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