Bangkok grand palace

Bangkok grand palace

Fancy a Trip to Bangkok Grand Palace?

Many travellers arriving in Bangkok are surprised by the way this heaving, thriving city blends history and modernity with high rises and palaces sitting comfortably next to each other. It is no accident though that at the heart of this rapidly modernising city is the embodiment of the beauty of Thailand's culture and history, the breathtaking Grand Palace.

One of the worlds most magnificent palaces, this is a worthy stop for any world travels.
Built in 1782, for 150 years this was the home and seat of power for generations of Thai Kings. The War ministry, the state department, even the Mint were contained within outer court while the inner court housed the King's royal consorts and daughters. The only males allowed in were boys under the age of puberty.

Contained within the outer court is the Wat Prak Kewm the temple that contains the revered Emerald Buddha statue (in fact made of Jade). The story goes that in 1468 lightening struck a chedi in Chiengrai in Northern Thailand revealing a stucco statue of Buddha. It was brought to the local abbot who noticed that stucco was flaking off the nose. He removed it and discovered that it hid what is today known as the Emerald Buddha.

King Rama I had the Temple of the Emerald Buddha made in 1784 in the outer court of the Grand Palace purely to keep this now sacred object. He also had two seasonal costumes made, one for the dry season and one for the wet. The ceremony in which the Buddha's costume is changed takes place three times a year and the King himself performs it.

Because of the sanctity of this temple, visitors are expected dress in long sleeves and covered legs. When they sit they should sit with their feet pointing away from the Buddha.

Along the perimeter walls is a stunning mural that depicts scenes from the epic Ramakian fable. This mural is under constant restoration and as you walk around the courts that surround the grand palace you will constantly see people undertaking this painstaking task.

Bangkok is the central stopping point for many travellers in Thailand, and its beauty and heritage make it an unmissable stop. The dazzling, serene Grand Palace, while it is no longer the administrative centre of Bangkok, is most certainly the spiritual heart of the city.

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