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The Grand Palace Bangkok
Royal Splendour!
The Grand Palace Bangkok is right at the top of the list of places to visit in the city for a reason.
 Besides having been the King’s court and the residence of the Royal family of Thailand since 1728, the Palace was also the administrative centre of the King and the
Government.
Although the current
King of Thailand
and other royalty no longer live at this Bangkok palace it still bears an air of regality with its elegant architecture and shimmering gold spires. Add to this the spirituality due to the sacred 14th century statue of the Emerald Buddha being located in a temple in the palace compound, and it is easy to understand why tourists make a beeline here.
The Bangkok Grand Palace is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Rattanakosin, also known as the Old City. When the earlier palace across the river was burned down during the fall of Ayutthaya, the King moved his residence to Thonburi. Subsequently, after King Rama I ascended the throne, he moved the royal residence to Rattanakosin and built a fortified city that served as a residence and administrative center. Following the architectural style that was typical to earlier palaces in the ancient Kingdom of Ayutthaya, Grand Palace Bangkok was built with an Outer Court, a Central Court and an Inner Court.
 The Outer Court of the Grand Palace is the first area that tourists come to upon entering through the gate. This was where the daily administrative functions of the Kingdom were carried on. The Wat Phra Kaew, the holy temple with the Emerald Buddha, is located in a corner of this area. The army and the treasury were also stationed here. The Central Court of Grand Palace Bangkok housed the King’s residence as well as the audience halls and pavilions where state events and functions were conducted.
The Inner Court was where the King’s consorts, daughters and young children (including pre puberty boys) resided. This area remains closed to the public even today despite being unoccupied.
The entry to the Grand Palace Bangkok is through the main gate that can be accessed either by road or by the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Tha Chang pier followed by a short walk through the riverside market. The palace welcomes tourists from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm on all days, unless there is a state function in progress inside. The audience hall where the King’s thrones are located remains open only from Monday to Friday.
While planning your trip to Bangkok, make sure you schedule at least a half day for touring the Grand Palace complex. Dress suitably keeping in mind the fact that you are visiting a site of historic, cultural and spiritual importance. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to access certain parts such as the temple of the Emerald Buddha. Dress modestly (no shorts, tank tops or see through clothes) so that you get to see all you can at the Grand Palace Bangkok and tick the most important sight of the city off from your itinerary.
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