THAI 2019: THE GRAND PALACE

The Grand Palace is one of the most visited places in Bangkok and is a must-see if ever you go to Thailand.  From the name itself, it is so Grand that it will take you hours to go around the whole palace. The palace has been the residences of the Kings of Siam and later on Thailand since 1782.  The construction began in May 1782 at the order of King Rama I. Many kings that kings that succeeded Rama I added many buildings and structures especially during the reign of Rama V.  The Palace is not one structure alone, it is made up of countless buildings, halls, pavilions, set around vast lawns, gardens and courtyards.  The place is partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working place.  

THE DEMON GUARDIANS

After entering the area near the emerald Buddha temple you will see two sixteen feet statues that is quite hard to miss because of their stature and one of a kind faces. They are the Demon Guardians guarding the palace. There are six pairs of them standing at the gate of the gallery and most of them are facing the chapel of the Emerald Buddha and guarding it from evil spirits. These statues were built during the reign of King Rama III. At the left is Maiyarap, one of the Yaksa Tavambal (Demon Guardians) and is the third king of water land and knows magic charms. The one on the right is Sahassa Decha, he is the king of Pangtam city, has 1000 faces and 2000 hands. The top of his baton can give life and the bottom end can kill. These demon guards are from the story Rama Kien.

PHRA SIRATANA CHEDI

The Phra Siratana Chedi was built by Rama IV in 1855 to enshrine the relics of the Lord Buddha - Buddha’s breast bone. Part of the reason it was built was to balance the layout of the structures of the upper terrace. At the same time it was a reminder of the Chedis built in Ayutthaya during the reign of that kingdom. The design of small mirrored tiles made of gold makes it shinier and more magnificent than other chedis.

PHRA MONDOP

Phra Mondop. This was the first building built on the upper terrace in the Wat Phra Kaew complex. Another building, Ho Phra Monthien Tham had originally stood there, but it burned down during a fireworks display shortly after being built. Rama I had this building put in its place and it houses the revised editions of Buddhist literature. 

THE CHAPEL OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA

This is most important building in the temple – the chapel of the Emerald Buddha. This was built by King Rama in 1782 and was used as the place of the ordinations of Buddhist monks beacuase it is surround by double sacred boundary stones. The outside walls have exquisite decorations and the attention to detail on this decors is pleasing to the eye. There is usually a long queue of people going inside to see the emerald Buddha.

DUSIT MAHA PRASAT

Built by Rama I , the Dusit Maha Prasat Hall is the grand spired hall and it is a replacement for an earlier wooden hall which got burned in 1789. The principal function of this hall Is that it will be used for the lying-in-state of kings, queens and members of the Royal family.  

Looking at almost every building, hall or statue in this Grand Palace left me in awe with the details on each item that you see. You can imagine the time spent in planning and more importantly executing the plans in order to make this palace really that grand!

The Grand Palace is open from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. The ticket costs 500 Baht. They are very strict with regards to what to the time and what visitors should wear so please check out their website regarding this.  You can actually purchase a ticket through their website. Its best to come in the morning then visit the nearby Golden Buddha.