Half Day Grand Palace Tour
The Grand Palace was not only the seat of the king and his court but contained within its crenulated walls, the entire government administration. While architecture is vibrantly Thai, visitors may see some European designs as well. Brilliantly colored and gilded, and decorated with intricate detail, the overall effect this magnificent palace has is dazzling. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. The construction of the temple began when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other Thai temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it only features richly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main temple building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Though green in color, the Buddha is carved from a single piece of jade, and while it is only 17 inches tall, it is the most revered object in Thailand. Also, within the grounds lie several palaces which are used for various occasions: The Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. While most halls and palaces may be seen from outside only, but the exteriors are breathtaking enough to please the eyes of travelers.
The Grand Palace was not only the seat of the king and his court but contained within its crenulated walls, the entire government administration. While architecture is vibrantly Thai, visitors may see some European designs as well. Brilliantly colored and gilded, and decorated with intricate detail, the overall effect this magnificent palace has is dazzling. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. The construction of the temple began when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other Thai temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it only features richly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main temple building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Though green in color, the Buddha is carved from a single piece of jade, and while it is only 17 inches tall, it is the most revered object in Thailand. Also, within the grounds lie several palaces which are used for various occasions: The Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. While most halls and palaces may be seen from outside only, but the exteriors are breathtaking enough to please the eyes of travelers.