TEMPLE, ROYAL PALACE, HISTORICAL SITES & MONUMENTS
Probably
the most visited and remembered landmark of Thailand, The Grand Palace in
Bangkok is where every visitor must pay a visit at least once in their
lifetime. The construction of the Grand Palace began in 1782 during the reign
of King Rama I, the founder of Chakri Dynasty, to become a royal residence, and
it has been the utmost architectural symbol of Thailand ever since. The Grand
Palace served as a significant royal residence until 1925 and is now used for
ceremonial purposes only.
The Grand
Palace is divided into three main zones: The Outer Court, home to royal
offices, public buildings and the Temple of Emerald Buddha; the Middle Court,
which is where the most important residential and state buildings are; and the
Inner Court, which is exclusively reserved for the king, his queen and his
consorts.
The major
attraction of the Outer Court is the Temple of Emerald Buddha, the residence of
Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture: Phra Kaeo Morakot (the Emerald
Buddha), which was carved from flawless green jade, situated amid gold-gilded
sculptures and ornaments, and fresco paintings of the main ordination hall.
Situated
at the center of the Middle Court is Chakri Mahaprasat Throne Hall which was
ordered by King Rama V to become his residence and a major throne hall. The
construction began in 1876 and completed in 1882, revealing an outstanding
architectural-style combining European structure and traditional Thai roof
tiles and spires. The interior sees sophisticated decorations inspired by
European renaissance era, adorned with royal portraits of Chakri Dynasty’s
monarchs. The building now only serves state functions and royal ceremonies.
At the
far right of the Middle Court is Borom Phiman Mansion, which was also
constructed during the reign of King Rama V in neo-renaissance style to become
the residence of the crown prince. This most modern architecture within the
Grand Palace compound later became the occasional residence of three succeeding
kings. The mansion is not open to public and currently served as the official
accommodation for visiting heads of state. Borom Phiman Mansion is part of
Sivalai Garden complex, where the office of the Royal Household Bureau is. The
garden was a recreation area for the royal women and children and is now used
for receptions.
Sat
between Sivalai Garden and Chakri Mahaprasat Throne Hall is Maha Monthien
Prasat complex, home to the Audience Hall of Amarin Winitchai where royal
ceremonies usually take place. While on the far left is Dusit Mahaprasat Thone
Hall, which is an ideal archetype of traditional Thai architecture.
Getting
there: One of the easiest, and most pleasurable, ways is taking the BTS
skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, located atop Sathorn “Central” Pier. From
here, take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Chang Pier, and then it’s a
short walk to the Grand Palace’s main entrance.
Opening
hours: Open daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm except during special royal
ceremonies.
Entrance
fee: 500 Baht, inclusive of access to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations
& Coins Pavilion and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, which are located
within the Grand Palace compound, and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi
Road. Additional 100 Baht for a rental personal audio guide in English, French,
German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin.
Dress
code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. These following clothes are
strictly not allowed as outer garments for both ladies and gentlemen:
1. Shorts,
mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, and tights
2. See-through
shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers
3. Sleeveless
shirts or vests
4. Sandals
(without ankle or heel straps)
5. Rolled-up-sleeved
shirts
6. Sweatshirts
and sweatpants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers
7.
Please wear black or white cloth to respect for the passing
of Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.