Grand Palace and The Temple of The Emerald Buddha
Grand Palace and The Temple of The Emerald Buddha
Grand Palace and The Temple of The Emerald Buddha : The Temple of The Emerald Buddha is a major attraction of the Outer Court, the residence of Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture: Phra Keaw Morakot.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is arguably the most visited and photographed landmark/attraction in the country, every day thousands of visitors flock to this architecturally impressive 17th Century palace to witness the splendor and beauty of its buildings and meticulously manicured gardens.
The construction of the Grand Palace began in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I, and it has been the architectural symbol of Thailand ever since. It has served as the royal family’s residence until 1925 and is now used only for ceremonial purposes.
In the 1700s when Bangokok was made the capital of Thailand, a grand royal residence was built, resulting in an outstanding architectural masterpiece of spires and gold-plated walls. It was a self-sufficient city within-a city, housing government offices, temples and the official homes of the King and Queen, all protected by fortified walls and gates.
Over time, the complex has gone through several alterations, mainly the replacement of wooden constructions with brick structures, and the addition of architectural styles of each period, including a few European (neoclassical) influences. Although the royal family moved out in 1925 (currently living in the district of Dusit), the interior of the main palace building is currently used for official and religious ceremonies including the coronation of kings, and often welcomes foreign heads of state.
The Dusit Throne Hall is the most sumptuously-decorated in the palace, crowned with a tiered spire and housing a teak throne that is considered a masterpiece of Thai Art. Another throne hall, the Chakri is the most “palatial” and was added in 1882 following a European or neoclassical design, but kept a Thai-style roof.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha also known as The Wat Phra Kaew is still used in religious ceremonies, but is mostly visited by the thousands of tourists visiting to admire the country’s most important Buddha statue. It is inside the complex’s most sacred building, with exterior doors and windows inlaid with mother-of-pearl designs, and sits above a fantastic golden altar. It is dressed in one of three costumes, depending on the season.
The library housing Buddhist scriptures is another striking building of the temple, unfortunately it is closed to the public. Its splendid exterior features bronze elephant statues and memorials to all the kings of present Chakri dynasty.
Surrounding the temple complex is a cloister known as the Ramakien Gallery, decorated with 178 panels from the late 1700s, depicting the ancient legend of the Ramakien, an epic take about the triumph of good versus evil.
Before you enter the Grand Palace and the temple, make sure your shoulders and legs are covered. If not, you will be given a short or sarong to cover up.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha – (The Chapel Royal): The Temple located to the northeast of the Front Court has a cloister that serves as a boundary hall to enclose all the structures indicative of a Buddhist monastery but was constructed with no living quarters as Buddhist monks do not reside in this Temple.
Rama I installed the Emerald Buddha in the Chapel Royal and conferred the temple name as Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram translated as the Temple of the Auspicious Buddha image that is crafted from a precious stone. The Temple is also colloquially called Wat Phra Kaew as ‘Rattana’ is Sanskrit for precious stone in reference to the Emerald Buddha.
Twelve Sala or Pavilions with marble bases are placed to the north and south and are parallel to the Phra Ubosoth (Convocation Hall) for the faithful to sit and listen to sermons on Buddhist holy days or to chant rhyming stanzas on special occasions of the Buddhist calendar.
History of The Grand Palace
In 1782 the new King of Thailand decided to move the capital city to the left bank of the Chao Phraya River for strategic purposes and used the canals to the west as defenses for the new city. The palace was constructed whose grounds currently covers an area of 218,000 square metres that are enclosed by crenallated walls mearing 19,000 metres. Similar to palaces in the former capitals of Sukhothai and Ayudhaya, this palace is also laid out with Halls of Residence and Throne Halls as well as administrative buildings and a temple that serves as the Chapel Royal.
The Grand Palace Attractions
Arts of the Kingdom Museum
The Arts of the Kingdom Museum is the only museum in Thailand displaying work created by the hands of the farming community.
The artisans of the Queen Sirikit Institute create art works without a model or mold. They start from zero, with no background in the arts. Some cannot even read and write. But through the generosity of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, these beautiful works of art have therefore preserved as natural treasures, an artistic heritage that is a source of pride for future generations of Thai People.
Khon Performance at Sala Chalermkrung Royal
The Khon Performance at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre is a show staged to follow the footsteps of His Majesty King Maha Vagiralongkorn in preserving and carrying forward the nation’s high art form of classical dance.
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile is located at Ratsadakhorn-bhibhathana Building inside The Grand Palace. In 2003, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother requested permission to use a then – vacant building on the grounds of the Grand Palace to house a new museum of textiles.
Highlights of visiting the Grand Palace
- The Ordination Hall (Royal Chapel) – there are two standing Buddha images of two of Thailand’s past kings within its halls. This hall is also where the Emerald Buddha resides
- Wat Phra Keaw – The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
- The Royal Pantheon – surrounded by Bonsai trees and guarded by mythical creatures. This building is where the statues of the Chakari Dynasty kings are enshrined
- The Great Golden Stupa
- Hall of Rose Gold Buddha
- Miniature Ankor Wat
- Scripture Hall
- Image Hall
- The Bell Tower
Visitor’s Guide to The Grand Palace
- Opening times: 08:30 am – 03:30 pm
- Tickets: 500 bahts (for the entire complex that is Palace and Temple)
Attractions By The Grand Palace
Your visit to The Grand Palace can be combined with a visit to the neighboring attractions including
- Wat Pho – The Temple of the Reclining Buddha
- The Bangkok National Museum
- Wat Mahathat
- The Amulet Market
- Vimarnmek Mansion
- Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) situated on the other side of the river, almost opposite.
Where to stay near The Grand Palace
There are not many hotels near The Grand Palace, but there is highly rated and well-designed property on the riverfront facing Wat Arun – The Romantic Inn a Day. Also, by the river and a few feet from the palace is Sala Rattanakosin.
