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The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace / Phra Borom Maha Ratche Wang

Bangkok's famous Grand Palace complex hosts the Grand Palace, which was once a place of residence for the Royal family. It is a magnificent campus housing several other modern architectural masterpiece structures, some of which are listed below:

1. The Wat Phra Kaew - the most sacred Thai temple built in a traditional thai style architecture.
2. Amarinda Hall: This was the original residence of King Rama I. Also known as the Hall of Justice, it has very beautiful interiors. Now, the hall is used for ceremonial occasions and coronations. It contains the antique throne, which used before. Now, a Western style throne is in use.
3. Dusit Phra: The impressive Dusit Hall is rated as the finest architectural building in it’s style.
4. Chakri Maha Prasat: Also known as the Grand Palace Hall. This is a building built in a style influenced by the Italian Renaissance. Visitors are allowed inside the spacious reception area. After the mysterious death of King Rama VIII in this hall in 1946, the royal family stopped using it. It is considered to be a place of taboo. You should be careful not to talk about this sensitive matter publicly.
5. Prasat Phra Thap Bidon
6. Phra Si Rattana Chedi (See The Wat Phra Kaew)
7. Phra Viham Yod
8. The Royal Thai Decorations and Coin Pavilion. Displays royal regalia, decorations, medals and coins and monetary units used in Thailand since the early 11th century.
9. Several Statues of deities guarding the sacred place.

History of the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace complex was built in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I. It was built to serve as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand. Over a period of time the palace has been further developed and renovated with modern structures and architectures. Now, the royal family does not stay in this palace. Occasionally it is used for ceremonial purposes. Most parts are not open for tourists. However, you can still move around and watch the magnificent structures.

Visiting Hours for the Grand Palace complex

Tourists are allowed entry into the complex from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. An entry ticket of 200 Baht is required. With the same ticket you can also visit Vimanmek Mansion and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, both in the Dusit area of the city. Please note that since the campus houses the sacred Wat Phra Kaeo, proper attire is required to enter the complex to maintain the sanctity of the temple.

Other Attractions near the Grand Palace

When visiting the Grand Palace, you can also plan to cover other nearby attractions, such as - Wat Pho & the Wat Arun.