The Royal Grand Palace, Bangkok

The construction of the Royal Grand Palace complex started in 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of Rama I, the first king of the current dynasty. The original living quarters were temporary and made of wood and thatch and the walls surrounding the palace were made of wood palisades. After the coronation the King moved into a mansion built of permanent materials. The only other building of permanent material at the time was Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the forts along the walls.

The area of the original palace was about 51 acres. King Rama II expanded the area to today’s size of about 60 acres. The Royal Palace contains a number of halls, residences, and other buildings constructed by King Rama I. Later monarchs altered some and renovated others while still others were enlarged or torn down to make way for newer buildings.

The Royal Grand Palace houses several accessible ground floor rooms with historical weapons guarded outside by the Royal Guard. These Thai soldiers, like their British counterparts, stand still without moving and will not acknowledge your presence. The Palace itself is also a wonder and although no longer inhabited by the King.

Wat Tarimit - One of the most noteworthy Wat include Wat Tarimit, also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha houses a 5 and a half ton Buddha image, which was only discovered some 50 years ago, having been plastered to avoid detection.

Wat Phra kaeo or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the royal temple and is named after a Buddha image that stands in the main chapel. It is easily the most visited tourist sites in Bangkok. The complex was built during the Rattanakosin area (Bangkok), but incorporates various older architectural styles. Visitors are guided first to the Wat Phrakaew compound, and when exiting this compound enter the Royal Palace compound. Ideally one would need from 4-6 hours (with some drink stops) to cover the most important parts at leisure.

Wat Arun or the 'temple of dawn' is located on the Thonburi site of the Chao Phraya river. It was once home to the Emerald Buddha. The major prang was built in the beginning of the 19th century, in what can be called Khmer-Thai style.

Wat Pho, also called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is the oldest and largest wat in Bangkok and apart from its 46 metre reclining Buddha Wat Pho also has a fine collection of bas-reliefs, stupas and statues. The only other building of permanent material at the time was Wat Phra Si Rattanasatsadaram).

The palace opens from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. most days and guided tours are available, but it’s easy enough to wander the grounds on your own. Be sure to wear pants or skirts that cover the knees and shirts that cover the shoulders. This is actually a requirement if you are entering most palaces and temples in Bangkok, and be warned that officials do enforce this dress code.
A trip to Bangkok would not be complete without visiting Bangkok’s ornately decorated Royal Palace.

Bangkok-Capital City of Thailand

Bangkok, the “City of Angels” is a sprawling metropolis of 11 million, has been the Thai capital since 1782. Bangkok is one of the world’s most exciting and interesting cities which would take a lifetime to explore properly. Bangkok has everything you could possibly want and quite a lot you wouldn't. Bangkok never fails to surprise visitors. If you have time, it is worth spending a few days here before travelling onto your next destination. Although on the surface Bangkok seems to be nothing more than a polluted urban nightmare it has much to offer away from the congested streets where a profusion of temples, palaces and even a few of the original thoroughfares of the city, canals called Klongs, have survived.

Bangkok, a city of stunning contrasts and never ending delights. Here you will find glorious golden temples tended by saffron clad monks nestling serenely amongst soaring skyscrapers and a futuristic skytrain, river trips along the river and canals, the famous floating markets nearby.
Bangkok has a thriving nightlife, from discos and nightclubs, Muay Thai (Thai boxing) matches held at the Lumphini stadium or at the Ratchadamnoen stadium, clubs and bars, as well as noisy tuk-tuks and pollution. For shopping and entertainment Bangkok is hard to beat from street markets to shopping malls of designer boutiques, restaurants serving every imaginable kind of cuisine and its world famous nightlife. Chinese or Nepalese tailors can make a suit or dress for you out of Thai or Chinese silk, or cotton. Chinese silk is cheaper. There is the weekend market at Chatuchak which is huge.

Venture and discover the Koh Kret Island where the Mon people have been fashioning pots from clay longer than Bangkok has existed. Take a bicycle tour to the “Bangkok Jungle” and discover the labyrinth of canals - you couldn't possibly hope to cover it all in one visit.

Thailand Overview

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is a constitutional monarchy that has been independent since the 13th century. . The climate there is tropical with a warm southwest monsoon from May to September and a cool northeast monsoon from November to March. . About 92 per cent of its population are Buddhists. Almost every village in the country has a temple or "wat." A temple typically has at least one chapel and at least one "chedi" or "stupa," which is usually a cone-shaped monument to the stability of Buddha. Thailand means "Land of Free" and many have described Thailand aptly as the "Land of Smiles".

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, known to Thais as "Krung Thep" (the city of Angels) is one of the world's most exciting cities .It is the center for political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty the King recognised as Head of State, Head of the Armed Forces, Upholder of the Buddhist religion and Upholder of all religions.. It holds the essence of the Thai spirit, and is very much the heart of the country. Without doubt, this fast-growing metropolis of roughly 10 million people has something to offer to everyone. Its lively collection of nightlife venues, markets, shops, restaurants, magnificent "wat"(temples), museums, palaces and parks will assure that you never get bored.


Thailand is a place that has something for everyone. Thailand is not only one of the most famous tourist destinations, but also one of the most exciting countries in the world! For those interested in foreign and ancient cultures, Thailand boasts of having more visible historical evidence of past eras than any other Southeast Asian nation, so take your pick of the ubiquitous historical ruins and temples to visit. Here you can experience the agitation of the city life as well as the serenity and tranquillity of some of the most spectacular remote islands in the world. Be immersed in the culture, lifestyle, language, food, traditions and customs during our “Discover Thailand” program in Singburi.

For those in search of tropical paradise, Thailand’s islands and beaches defy the definition of heaven on earth. And for those who can’t live without urban delights, the huge metropolis of Bangkok and other major provincial cities, like Chiang Mai and Phuket, will thrill you with their chaotic energy and enchant you with their charms and cultural treasures. Even the remotest of the remote town has its own unique appeal that will captivate any visitor and leave a long lasting memorable imprint.

Thai people are renowned for their warm hospitality and friendliness. Thais are also fun-loving, happy people who never seem to get bogged down by any obstacles (excluding the uptight workaholics in Bangkok, who break out a smile now and then), as evident by the joyful celebrations of year-round festivals. The country's official spoken and written language is the Thai that is spoken in central Thailand. There are local dialects, and some differences in vocabulary from the south to the north. Since most foreigners don't attempt to learn the language, those visitors who do master some phrases will impress those around them.


Travelling in Thailand is so easy and convenient, with efficient and wide choices of transportation mode, cheap accommodation, and a delicious national cuisine that has its unique taste according to each region. All visitors, Thai or foreign, are all treated with courteous manners and sincerity, as if they are part of the family. Discover what makes Thailand so very Thai—and what captivates so many visitors. The magical Kingdom is a never-ending source of fascination and pleasure for international visitors.