The Grand Palace, a pride of Thailand, is a must-see tourist attraction for anyone visiting Bangkok. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, this 60 acre landmark houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and was also home to the royal residence.
the classic view of the Grand Palace complex from outside
Upon entering the complex, we are greeted by a friendly looking statue of the Hermit Doctor on a pedestal, said to be the father of Thai herbal medicine. Many pay their worship here to be blessed with good health.
worshippers making offerings to the Hermit Doctor
As we explore the interior of the complex, we are amazed at the display of architectural splendour in the royal compound. Also, around the buildings of Wat Phra Kaew are colourful guardian statues of varying sizes.
demon guardian standing tall
holding up one of the chedis
more guardian statues supporting a golden chedi
Upper Terrace
Three prominent monuments stand next to each other at the Upper Terrace. The first is the Phra Si Ratana Chedi, a tall gold structure with a bell shaped base and a spire at the top. Covered in gold tiles, this main chedi is said to contain the relics of Lord Buddha. In the centre is the Phra Mondop, a library where sacred Buddhist scriptures are kept. Adjacent to the Phra Mondop, is the Prasad Phra Thep Bidom, the Royal Pantheon, in which statues of the Chakri kings are enshrined.
the three outstanding structures of the Upper Terrace
9th century Javanese buddha with the high columns of Phra Mondop
beautiful arches of the Royal Pantheon
the ornate doors and walls of the Royal Pantheon
Ubosot
The most important building in the complex, the Ubosot, is the ordination hall which houses the sacred Emerald Buddha. Carved from green jade, this Emerald Buddha sits high on an altar and has seasonal costumes for summer, rainy season and winter. There is a ceremony presided by His Majesty the King, held 3 times a year to change the costume.
the Ubosot
protectors in gold, lining the walls of the Ubosot
glittering exterior of the Ubosot
the Emerald Buddha in winter clothing
Chakri and Dusit Group
We move on to the southern part of the complex. The Chakri Maha Prasad which is the Grand Palace Hall, consists of the Central Throne Hall. West of the Chakri Maha Prasad is the Dusit Group comprising of the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall and the Amphorn Phimok Pavilion. The Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall serves as the resting place for deceased members of the Royal Family before they are cremated.
European style facade of the Chakri Maha Prasad
the impressive Amphorn Phimok Pavilion
Visitors to Note:
Visitors are required to dress appropriately to enter the Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha, considered as a place of worship. Men should be dressed in long trousers, shirts with sleeves and covered shoes. Likewise for ladies, the legs, shoulders and upper part of the arms should not be exposed. However, for visitors whose dress attire are considered inappropriate, there are trousers or skirts available for borrowing.
signboard of dress code guidelines
For a great selection of places to stay with discount prices visit Bangkok Hotels for more information.
Whoa! GRAND indeed!
will definitely include this place in my visit next month.
Nice shot of the Emerald Buddha! Thumbs up!!!
Went to Bangkok in Jan 2008. Then, funeral of the King’s sister was going on, and part of the palace was off-limit to visitors.
Still prefer Wat Arun.
The last time I was in Thailand was when I was about 9 years old. Very, very long time ago.
Oh so nice la Grand Palace under your “eye”
I been there also last year with my primary school fren, it indeed a nice and grand place to visit 
This is a definite must visit. And I ahve gone in there with the prohibited outfits before
Just waited for a bunch of Japanese tourists to confuse the guards and then I sneaked in 
nicely done, lee eng! wanna ask u for some pictures to submit for photo competition when my company next has one!
chyng: yes u should.. how many days r u planning for bangkok?
YeeJen: as we’re not allowed to take photos inside the hall of the Emerald Buddha, this photo was a zoom in shot from standing quite far away outside. hey & we happen to be both blogging on bangkok!
khengsiong: aah haven’t gotten a chance to visit Wat Arun. will take a note of that next time i visit.
Mei Teng: time for another visit once it’s all settled in bangkok!
uLi: actually this visit was also last year in december
Nicholas: u managed to sneak in eh… for guys they’re usually stricter.. for me i was wearing 3/4 length trousers.. but it’s nearish ankle so i could pass.
ashwin: is the competition open to non-company folks??
wow….u came back from bangkok only? wah…really nice pics. finally our photography club approved…hehehe
via: bangkok was actually last dec…. hopefully the tourism to bangkok will build up again once safe.
wow lechua..the skie’s so clear for photography and yep..it’s sharper with DSLR..I only get to take those pics with bridge cam which is not so good..really like the crisps of the photos.
Thanx for sharing
I didn’t been there when I went to Bangkok,
there were close for some reason, I can’t remember now…
but I will visit there next time I go to Bangkok!
There are so beautiful in your pictures!
The last time I was in Bangkok was when I was probably in my late teen. I do wish to visit again, this time arm with my camera and all
). It would be cool to photograph those grand standing temples etc. I wonder if they switch on any lightings at night.
Thank you for sharing, they are marvellous.
Hong: the weather was quite good that day…. very sunny. i remember wanting to melt in the heat. nowadays bridge cameras are getting really advanced and comparable to some dslrs
Rafael: the place is pretty grand looking… do pay a visit there when u get a chance
ai shiang: the temple & palace is closed at night but i’ve seen photos where it’s all gold and glitter at night.. looks pretty cool so u could photograph them from outside.
I was there when I was about 6 or 7!!
I still remember it up until today.
Fascinating buildings.
What really fascinated me then was actually the topiary in the palace!
Like Alice, I was in a dream in a wonderland…
The temple guard is known as the Garuda.
It’s actually the same guard used in Indonesia coat of arms.
Also their airline, Garuda Airline.
Ha ha… I also loved mythical creatures when I was a kid!
Especially, Greek mythology! Guess, that’s the early version of my “Super heroes”!!
sure they will give very cheap price for the hotels….to attract tourist back…like wat happen to bali bombing….5 start resort for usd 25
I was there but i didnt really know what i was seeing or what to look for. i should have had a guide. Thanks for the info. If I had read this post before I went, it would have been so much more meaningful
when was this? i hope bangkok quickly recover from the recent events which hit their tourism.
Ron
Few capitals in the world can boast of truly “grand” sights to see within the city and this is really Bangkok’s crowning glory. I like the depth of field on your photos!
Londoncaller: ah.. so u were into Greek mythology from young
. The garudas here remind me of those i saw at the temples in Siem Reap http://www.lechuaphotography.com/2010/01/17/siem-reap-banteay-srei/. But the guardian statues are of quite differing styles in this bangkok temple and in Siem Reap, the former exhibiting more grandeur along with the temple, while the Siem Reap one looking like ancient treasures of Cambodia.
via: yea.. there’s also a huge mid-year sale.
Bengbeng: they actually give out quite an informative brochure upon purchasing the ticket – that’s where i read most of the info from
Ron: this was last december. yes the tourism industry has been hit pretty bad recently…. hopefully once all settled, tourists will once again flock to thailand!
Nomadic Pinoy: this place is indeed quite a significant symbol for the country and its history. and i’m quite impressed at how very well maintained it is… the buildings look almost brand new.
Ha ha.. I like freaks from Greek Myth like me?!
I was amazed by their super powers when I was young – of course – it was just a fantasy!
Later on, I also also enticed by Spider Man and his Amazing Friends.
Your photos are really good… now you make me want to travel to Bangkok… The whole place seems to glitter with gold… Keep those pictures coming, they get better and better…
fulamak! thake the place till so sharp and grand!
can teach a..:D
great series of pics, very impressive and appealing shots.
Aloysious: u should go sometime… amazing culture, great food, good shopping! will be doing up few more posts on bangkok
taufulou: the place is really grand! when there’s not enough light, sun behind clouds… u may turn to post-editting if your photo doesn’t turn out as vibrant and sharp
life ramblings: thanks for the compliment
The palace is truly a magnificient place. The intricate designs and grand architecture with so much attention to details are a joy to see.
The Grand Palace พระบรมมหาราชวัง a.k.a Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang is H.U.G.E! I went there last year. LOVE the ornate buildings and all the bling-bling deco. The BEST part of Grand Palace? The ancient wall paintings. Beautiful!!!
WOW! You got an amazing picture of Emerald Buddha. I thought the inner Ubosot is off limits to the public or women.
Cheers!
Compliments for your great blog,
the pictures are beautiful and colorful.
Greetings, Joop ( Holland )
That shot of the 9th century Javanese buddha with the high columns of Phra Mondop is insanely beautiful. What incredible detail…
Autumn Belle, Jeremiah: the details are really fine! quite amazing to look at…
mylo: no cameras allowed in the Ubosot… this photo was shot from outside using a zoom lens
Joop Zand: many thanks for dropping by to have a look!