The Grand Palace of the King in Thailand

Walking the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok is like stepping back into the ancient period. The images of strange and beautiful mythical creatures and demons are visible in every corner. The smell of the burning incense is overwhelming, the air sparkles and shimmers with heat. Everything seems to be encrusted with jewels and mosaic inlay. Several objects which are considered as treasures of indescribable nature are housed in the Grand Palace, including the legendary Emerald Buddha. Millions of worshippers and visitors from far-away lands travel to Thailand to see this fabled palace, for most, to make the pilgrimage, pay their respects and say their prayers, and for some, to admire its beauty and learn its history.

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok. It has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year.

Construction of the palace began on 6 May 1782, at the order of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. In shape, the palace complex is roughly rectangular and has a combined area of 218,400 square metres (2,351,000 sq ft), surrounded by four walls. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island, today in the Phra Nakhon District. 

Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. It is divided into several quarters: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Montien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. 

Nowadays, the Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum that’s why it attracts millions of tourists every year who are willing to spend for air fare to Thailand just to see this magnificent palace. However it remains a working palace as several royal offices are still situated inside. 

The layout of the Grand Palace followed that of the Royal Palace at Ayutthaya in location, organization, and in the divisions of separate courts, walls, gates and forts. Both palaces featured a proximity to the river. The location of a pavilion serving as a landing stage for barge processions also corresponded with that of the old palace. To the north of the Grand Palace there is a large field, the Thung Phra Men (now called Sanam Luang), which is used as an open space for royal ceremonies and as a parade ground. There was also a similar field in Ayutthaya, which was used for the same purpose. The road running north leads to the Front Palace, the residence of the Second King of Siam. 

It is divided into four main courts, separated by numerous walls and gates: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Each of these court's functions and access are clearly defined by laws and traditions. The Outer Court is situated on the northwestern part of the Grand Palace; within are the royal offices and (formerly) state ministries. To the northeast is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the royal chapel and home of the Emerald Buddha. The Middle Court housed the most important state apartments and ceremonial throne halls of the king. The Inner Court, situated at the most southern end of the complex, was reserved only for females, as it housed the king's harem. 

The highlight of visiting the palace is seeing the 75cm Emerald Buddha which sits on a high platform in a richly decorated bòt. It’s guarded by mythical giants called yaksha. The Buddha is always dressed in different robes for each season. It was discovered in 1434 A.D. when lightning struck a stupa in Changrai in Northern Thailand. A Buddha statue was found inside and was brought to an abbot’s residence. Shortly after, the stucco on the nose flaked off to reveal its green surface. Interestingly enough, the Emerald Buddha isn’t made of emerald. It’s thought to be jade. People flocked from all over the country to worship the beautiful statue.

Today the Grand Palace is still a centre of ceremony and of the monarchy, and serves as a museum and tourist attraction as well.

Experience The Best Of Thailand

Thailand is undoubtedly one of the countries in Southeast Asia that attracts million of tourists throughout the year. With all the interesting historically rich places, magnificent temples and shrines and sun-soaked beaches, spending an airfare to Thailand will never be a waste of hard-earned money. Here are the top ten destinations in Thailand showcasing the best things of the country:

Thailand offers fun and exciting activities to its tourists. Shopping is one of the things that Bangkok is known for. The energetic and busy streets of this metropolis are shopping haven for those who are keen to find branded goods at an affordable price. Consequently one does not buy an airfare to Bangkok only for shopping because it has also temples and shrines that are popular for their beauty and historical value. Few of them are the Grand Palace, Wat Po and Wat Arun.

Experience what trading was like in Thailand during the olden times as you visit the floating market at the Damneon Saduak Canal. Vendors and their produce are in a narrow boat and need to be hailed down if you want to buy something from them. Tourist will also find it entertaining to see the vineyards, orchards and other local businesses which are great to view by canal boat en route to the market.

Tranquility and relaxed atmosphere are two of the several reasons why tourists love to visit Chiang Mai. It is the best place to go if you would like to experience the famous Thai massage. This part of Thailand is also dotted with temples, craft shops and plenty of Thai restaurants which serve mouth-watering Thai dishes. Since Chiang Mai is located in the mountainous region, it is also a popular place for mountain trekking. The small town of Pai is often visited by backpackers because of its less crowded and more “rustic” treks leading to the hill tribes.

Tourists will definitely enjoy the visit to the San Kamphaeng Hot Spring located just 36 kilometers from the city of Chiang Mai. It is situated amid the natural surroundings of shady trees and fertile hills making it an ideal place for picnics and camping. A swimming pool, dining facilities and segregated mineral water bathing rooms are also present in the area. The high sulfur content of the Kamphaeng Hot Spring is ideal for health and physical well being as it possesses curative and restorative properties.

For the water enthusiasts and beach lovers, Koh Samui and Koh Pangan are the best places to get a sun-soaked holiday. Located on the east side of Thailand, these islands are famous for vacationers and backpackers because of its palm tree lined white sandy beaches, turquoise clear waters and laid back atmosphere. These places also offers world-class sites perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving activities.

Another place that entices tourists to Thailand is the fascinating local hill tribe communities of Mae Hong Son. It is the capital of Thailand’s most north-western province. This quiet and isolated city has a distinct feel from the rest of Thailand because of its close proximity to the Burmese border. Often shrouded in mist, Mae Hong Son has unusual breathtaking natural sceneries and great mountain treks. The famous Karen long neck hill tribe can also be seen in this place. Handicrafts and artworks made by the local people can be purchased at the night market for unique souvenirs.

Ayutthaya features the ruins of the Siamese kingdom that existed from 1351 to 1767. The remains of this once magnificent ancient city had been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ayutthaya’s magnificent temples are scattered throughout the ancient kingdom and along the encircling rivers. Ruins such as Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon, Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat can be visited on foot.

Accessible only by boats, Railay attracts thousands of tourists who would like to have a vacation for relaxation and rejuvenation. Railay is a beautiful secluded beach located in the southern part of Thailand. Considered as a tropical paradise, it has rugged limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. It is also a great place for mountain trekking because it is surrounded by dense vegetation and mountains.

Kok Phi Phi is another must-see place in Thailand especially for those who love beaches. Most of the tourists who have spent a vacation in this idyllic island see it as an ultimate island paradise with its turquoise water, pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Some of the activities that are popular in this island are climbing a steep view point to watch the breathtaking scenery of sunset and hiring a long tail boat for snorkeling the surrounding waters.

For a spectacular diving experience, divers usually purchased airfare to Thailand to visit Hin Daeng. It is considered as the best diving spot in Thailand around Andaman Sea. Literally means “The Red Rock”, Hin Daeng is a huge underwater formation protruding only 3 meters above the surface. It features lush and tall red soft corals, huge schools of jacks, whale sharks, manta rays, and barracuda.

Exploring these wonderful places in Thailand means a spending a holiday full with exciting and fun-filled activities guarantee to make it an unforgettable vacation.