Thailand

If there were only one visit to make in Bangkok, it would undoubtedly be to the spectacular Grand Palace, the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 and home to the Thai king for over 150 years, the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a massive ancient structure that continues to awe visitors with its beautiful architecture and intricate details. This monument stands as a proud testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the Thai people. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai kingdom.

History

Construction of the Grand Palace of Bangkok began on May 6, 1782, by order of King Rama I, also known as Phutthayotfa Chulalok. After ascending to the throne following the kingship of Thonburi, King Rama I decided to establish a capital for his new dynasty. The new capital was built on an artificial island, with canals dug on the east side, thus creating the island named "Rattanakosin." The new palace was constructed on a vast rectangular space on the west side of the island.

Historically, the site was previously occupied by a Chinese community, which was relocated by King Rama I to a southern area outside the city walls, which is now Bangkok's Chinatown.

Initially built entirely of solid wood due to material and financial constraints, the Grand Palace was enclosed by a log palisade. By June 1782, King Rama I permanently moved into the new palace, holding a coronation ceremony as the first monarch of the new Rattanakosin Kingdom. Over time, the king replaced the wooden structures with masonry (walls, forts, gates, and throne halls), including the Royal Chapel that would house the Emerald Buddha.

Today

The "Grand Palace" is both a monument and a symbolic figure of the metropolis itself. It is divided into four main courts separated by numerous walls and gates: the outer court, the middle court, the inner court, and the temple of the Emerald Buddha. The functions and access to each of these courts are clearly defined by laws and traditions.

The Outer Court is in the northwest, and in the northeast is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Middle Court housed the most important state apartments and throne halls. The Inner Court, at the southern end of the complex, was reserved for women as it housed the king's harem. Under the reign of King Phutthaloetla Naphalai (Rama II), the Grand Palace area was expanded southward to the walls of Wat Pho, formerly offices of various palace officials. This expansion increased the palace's area to 213,674 square meters. New walls, forts, and gates were built to accommodate the expanded complex. Since then, the palace has remained within its walls with new constructions and modifications.

Features of the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace boasts 12 gates in total: three gates on each of the four walls. These are heavily fortified gates built of brick and mortar, topped with a Prang-style spire. Each gate is painted white and named after the four cardinal directions.

Along the walls, there are a total of 17 forts; originally, there were only 10, with additional forts added later. These forts typically feature small battlements with cannons and watchtowers. Like the massive gates, each fort is named after the four cardinal directions.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Inside the palace grounds are several impressive buildings, including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which houses the famous and revered Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century. Wat Phra Kaew, also known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, is considered the most important Buddhist temple in all of Bangkok. The Emerald Buddha statue depicts Buddha in a meditative position. A significant ritual, the changing of the robes, is performed by the King to bring fortune to the country each season. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is beautifully adorned.

Strict dress code at the Grand Palace

Before visiting the Grand Palace, it's important to dress appropriately. It is the most sacred place in Thailand, and all visitors must dress properly before entering the temple. Men are required to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves; tank tops are not allowed. Visitors wearing sandals or flip-flops must wear socks; bare feet are not allowed. Women must dress modestly; no bare shoulders or see-through clothing. If visitors dress inappropriately, a small shop near the entrance provides suitable attire.

Visiting the Reception Halls

Currently, the majestic interior of the Grand Palace of Bangkok is used for significant ceremonies such as coronations. It also houses the ancient throne, previously used before the Western-style throne currently in use. Visitors are allowed to enter and admire the wonderful relics associated with the history of the Grand Palace.

Within the palace grounds is also the impressive Dusit Hall, renowned as the most wonderful European-style architectural building in the entire country. In this grand royal precinct, visitors can also tour a museum showcasing the culinary specialties of the Grand Palace as well as numerous scale models and images of Buddha.

A stroll in Siwalai Garden (สวนศิวาลัย, Suan Siwalai)

Siwalai Garden stands out from other state buildings and the throne hall. In its current form, it dates back to the reigns of King Rama IV and Rama V. It includes not only royal residences but also religious buildings. Over the years, several structures have been erected and demolished by successive kings. The creation of this beautiful garden was initiated by King Rama I as a private retreat called Suan Kaew (สวนแก้ว), or Crystal Garden. Later, the name was changed by King Rama II to "right garden." This monarch invested heavily in the garden, transforming it into a pleasure garden for the inhabitants of the Inner Court. The most significant change in the city occurred during the reign of King Rama IV, when the garden was refurbished into a complex residential palace. During King Rama V's reign, everything was demolished by the king, who turned the area into a private garden, only for the use of the Inner Court as it is today.

How to get there?

The Grand Palace is located near the Chao Phraya River, in an area not covered by the skytrain or metro (MRT). To reach the palace, it's best to take a taxi or a public boat. By taxi, simply tell your driver you're heading to Wat Phra Kaeo.

By boat, take the Silom Skytrain line and disembark at Saphan Taksin station. The quickest access is to take exit No. 2 and board the "Chao Phraya Express" public boat to Tha Chang Pier (Pier No. 9). From there, it's a short 10-minute walk to the main entrance of the palace.

Regarding opening hours, the Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Ticket sales location: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin). One ticket grants access to the palace and the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall.