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.