Must See Buildings in Grand Palace Bangkok – Royal Residence
During our ten days vacation in Thailand we spent five days in Bangkok the capital city of the country. Bangkok has such varied and interesting sights to see, that at the end of our five days there we were left wishing for more days to spend in the city. One of the most memorable places we visited in the city was the Thai Grand Palace. True to its name the palace was indeed GRAND!
Shots from my archives, these were taken at Bangkok Grand Palace. This was home to the King and his court, and also the entire administrative seat of government. Thai Kings stopped living in the palace full time around the turn of the twentieth century, but the complex remains the seat of power and spiritual heart of the Thai kingdom.
This was the official residence of kings of Chakri dynasty, King of Siam, King Rama I to King Rama V of the Rattanakosin Kingdom ever since it was built in 1782. Over the years several official buildings sprouted up in the complex that was home to the Thai King, Royal Court, monasteries, a Wat, museum, the administrative seat of government and perfectly manicured grounds, lawns, and courtyards.
Nowadays the complex hosts royal ceremonies and for welcoming the king’s guests, State guests, and other foreign dignitaries. The complex is done up so beautifully that the Royal Grand Palace ranks high in list of must see in Bangkok. The creativity and craftsmanship of Thai artisans depicted here deserves a standing ovation!
We came across numerous impressive structures in the complex, some allowed entry while we had to walk past some and be content with pictures. Here is a list of buildings and temples inside the Grand Palace complex.
Things to See at Grand Palace Bangkok
Since the buildings are spread over a vast area it will be good to plan ahead as to how to cover all within the time you have. It is divided into two main zones. Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one important zone which we did first. It is a beautiful temple and one has to spend some time to appreciate and take it all visually.
The other zone has the royal residence with its Outer Court, Middle Court and Inner Court.
Wat Phra Kaew
It is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The temple dedicated to Lord Buddha is located on a corner in the outer part of the whole complex. It has Buddha’s image carved out of emerald stone. If you can time your visit you can witness the ritual wherein the King of Thailand changes the robe of Buddha every changing season.
More info here: Amazing Facts of Emerald Buddha Temple
Chakri Maha Prasat
The Great Chakri Palace is no longer the royal residence, nevertheless its architecture is unique and a great sight to see. This was originally designed by an English architect in Italian Renaissance style, but King Rama V brought in his modifications. He ordered that it be embellished with the Siamese stepped roofs and mondhop that you see today.
Grand Palace – Chakri Maha Prasat
soldier of the King’s Guards stands at the entrance of the Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat
Aphorn Phimok Prasat
When I saw this golden structure, I was like OMG! Such exuberance! You will cross Aphorn Phimok Prasat when leaving the Dusit Maha Prasat. Hard to miss the delicate golden wooden pavilion, it is so eye-catching!
This pavilion was used by Rama I as a dressing chamber, where the king would change before entering the audience room and then again after leaving. It is said attenders held drapes interlaced with gold thread around the pavilion pillars while the king donned his ceremonial robes. On some occasions it was also used to park the king’s palanquin. The king would change clothes before leaving for ceremonies inside Dusit Maha Prasat before leaving in the palanquin to join the festivities.
Aphorn Phimok Prasat Grand Palace Bangkok
Prasat Phra Debidorn
Do plan a visit on April 6th to get inside The Prasat Phra Debidorn building. It is also known as the Royal Pantheon, houses life-size statues of the kings of the Chakri dynasty. The interior is open to public only once a year, on Chakri Day (April 6th).
The building was originally designed to house the Emerald Buddha, but as it was too small they had to abandon the plan.
Prasat Phra Debidorn
Mini Angkor Wat
There is a miniature model of the real Angkor Wat of Cambodia within the complex of Grand Palace. It is a stone model of the Khmer-style temple. We were so carried away by the glitter of the buildings all around that we almost missed this gray sand model.
Mini Angkor Wat in Grand Palace
Nearby Sights of Grand Palace
Sanam Luang
It is a vast green leisure park situated in the north of Grand Palace complex near Chao Phraya River. Original name was Thung Phra Mane which meant royal crematorium ground in Thai. The name was changed to Sanam Luang which meant royal ground in Thai by King Rama IV. It is used as used as a location of royal crematoriums for high-level members of the royal family. During November this ground turns to playground for kite flyers. The admission is free for all.
National Museum
National Museum showcases the History of Thailand with lot of information on how people lived during the different periods.
Pin this for later
(Updated post. First published on Dec 22nd, 2011.)
I would love to visit the Grand Palace when I go to Thailand. So maybe it will give me a vibe of being one of the royalties, at least. Are tourists allowed to go inside the palace? How about taking photos?
How did you like the Grand Palace? I thought it was absolutely stunning, but there were too many people. I really enjoyed the sparkling gold architecture on the sides of the palace.
I visited here earlier in the year. It is so lovely isnt it and you have some lovely photos. I cant wait to explore more of Thailand.
That gold figure is very interesting. the building seems to grow out of him in an interesting way!
Definitely a very grand palace,nice shots.
This looks like a fascinating place to visit. I've been to the Palace Museum in Beijing, and this looks just as interesting. The figurine in your second photo is amazing.
Great captures and Season's Greetings!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Absolutely gorgeous shots.
Beautiful pictures! And special buildnings! 🙂
Wonderful place, great shots.
a majestic architecture that seems to touch the sky!
Wonderful images of a beautiful plce to see..
WOW, gorgeous!!!
*.˛.°★。˛°.*˛.
˛˛_██_*。
˛. (´• ̮•)*˛°*
.°( . • . ) ˛°.
*(…'•'.. )˛* ˛
.°FELIZ NATAL!!!˛.
☆ ∗ * ☆ * ☆ ∗*
What a wonderful building and great sky! Nice shots, Indrani!
nice shots Ind…
Really a beautiful photos and wonderful towers, how beautiful …. Greetings.
Wow ! what a beautiful building, I almost forget to look at the sky !
Beautiful Architecture
Beautiful.
It's a gorgeous place and your photos are lovely!
What gorgeous shots!
Nice to have shared from your archives. Hoping to be there in Summer next.
Really grand.
Beautiful and interesting.
beautifully captured!
Lovely captures .
Wow looks like the tower are leaning. It's so amazing how beautiful and colorful it is.
SWF
Superb..!
more pics?
Wonderful places and lovely photo's….wish you a merry Christmas Indrani.
Greetings, Joop
Gorgeous, colorful palace, beautiful skies, interesting history and terrific captures as always, Indrani!
Hope your week is going well!
Sylvia