Guide description
Bangkok's Grand Palace, built in 1782 by King Rama 1st, founder of the Chakri dynasty, on the left bank of the Chao Phraya, was moved from the capital city of Thonburi to Bangkok. During the successive reigns, and especially that of king Chulalongkorn (Rama V), a large number of buildings and structures were added. There you will find the Royal Residences, the Throne Hall, a great number of government offices and the recently renovated temple of the Emerald Buddha ( bot of Wat Phra Kaeo).
The Grand Palace comports seven main parts:
• The Temple of the Emerald Buddha ( bot of Wat Phra Kaeo).
• Chakri Maha Prasat Hall
• the upper terrace
• Phra Si Rattana Chedi
• Dvarapalas (door or gate guard warrior statues)
• the central court
• The Golden Chedi
The magnificent Wat Phra Kaew is located noth-east of the Grand Palace. Really named Wat Phra Si Ratana Sasadaram, it was built shortly after the consecration of Bangkok as capital city of the thai kingdom (1782).
Giants' statues guard its entrance: they are the yakshas whose mission is to guard the temple and send away evil spirits. Many other figures ot the buddhist mythology can be seen, such as:
• the "kinnari", half women, half birds, refined elegant secondary divinities whose goal is essentially decorative, the most famous being named Manohara
• the "Apsara", beautiful bare-chested celestial nymphs whose role is to dance for the gods' pleasure.
The Grand Palace is open every day from 8;30 am to 3.30 pm, except on royal celebration ceremony days. Entry price is 500 baht and also includes entry to Vimanmek Palace and Thai Money Pavilion. Good manners, respect and decent clothing are requested.
Access price
Supplement per child : ฿500 (maximum of 100 childs)
