Grand Palace Bangkok

Name: Grand Palace
Item: Grand Palace
Author: We Love Bangkok

The Grand Palace Bangkok is a complex of structures at the heart of the city. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based upon the grounds of the palace till 1925. The present queen, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Royal Vacation home in the Dusit Palace. But the Grand Palace is still used for main events. A number of royal events and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is among the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

Building of the Grand Palace Bangkok started on May 6, 1782, at the order of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I). The creator of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. Throughout succeeding reigns, lots of brand-new buildings and structures were added. Specifically during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). By 1925, the King, the Royal Family and the government were not permanently settled at the palace, and had moved to other homes. After the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932, all federal government companies entirely moved out of the palace.

Complexes

The complex of the Grand Palace Bangkok is roughly rectangle-shaped and has a combined location of 218,400 square metres, surrounded by 4 walls. It is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin. The Grand Palace is surrounded by Sanam Luang and Na Phra Lan Road to the north, Maharaj Road to the west, Sanamchai Road to the east and Thai Wang Road to the south.

Instead of being a single structure, the Grand Palace Bangkok is made up of numerous structures, halls, and structures. Set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and diverse designs are because of its natural development. With additions and restoring being made by successive ruling kings over 200 years of history. It is divided into a number of quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Monthien Structures, the Phra Maha Prasat Structures and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The Grand Palace is presently partly open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with a number of royal offices still located inside.

Visiting

Today the Grand Palace is still a centre of ceremony and of the monarchy, and functions as a museum and tourist attraction – with this palace being a ‘must visit’ during your stay in Bangkok!

Grand Palace

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