The Grand Royal Palace is a complex with many architecturally beautiful and spiritually significant buildings. If your next trip to Thailand is scheduled, make sure to plan a visit to this attraction.
If your next trip to Thailand is to visit the Grand Royal Palace in the capital, make sure you plan a visit to this attraction. Not to visit the center of beauty, grandeur and the strongest energy of not only Bangkok, but also the whole country, means to neglect the carefully kept relic and deprive yourself of contemplation of the incomparable works of human hands.
In the years when King Rama I came to rule the country, the construction of the royal palace began with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The official start date of the grand scale construction was 1782. In the process of moving through the labyrinth of time, the appearance of wooden buildings was partially changed, and stone palaces and temples were completed.
In fact, the Grand Royal Palace is a complex or even a small royal town with many architecturally beautiful and spiritually significant buildings. Being on the territory of the palace requires observance of certain rules of behavior, and when visiting Wat Pra Kaew, the rules relate to wearing clothes.
When choosing a tour to Thailand, be sure to pay attention to the opportunity to visit the Grand Royal Palace, surrounded by a fairly strong wall. The complex, located on an island called Rattanakosin, was designed not only as a place for the king’s family to stay and decide matters of state, but also as a defensive structure in case of external attacks or domestic unrest.
The entire palace area is divided into inner, outer, middle courtyards and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The inner courtyard was intended to house the harem with all the ruler’s wives and children. After the king renounced polygamy, the courtyard was gradually emptied, and His Majesty’s wife and daughters were later settled there.
The outer courtyard was designed to house the crown prince’s guards, horse and elephant pens. The outer courtyard was also used to house government offices where guests who were not important persons could be received.
The middle court occupies the largest area with the most important buildings, including the residence of the ruler. Absolutely all coronations took place here, court verdicts were passed, and the will of the king was proclaimed. The reception of foreign ambassadors and important guests took place in this part of the palace.
Photography is strictly forbidden in the Temple, which was specially built for the Emerald Buddha. The small figure measuring 66 centimeters is made of green jade and is semi-precious. It was found in 1431, but there is no record of its manufacture.
Three times a year according to the lunar calendar, the king himself changes the Buddha into specially designed clothes. An interesting feature of the jade statuette is that it changes its color in the green spectrum when viewed from different angles.
Remember that when visiting Thai shrines, closed opaque clothing should be worn, feet should be covered above the ankle, and when entering the Temple of the Emerald Buddha you will need to remove your shoes but leave your socks on. If suitable clothing is not available, pants and sarongs can be rented here.
While in Thailand, don’t miss touching the amazing and stunningly beautiful and exquisite Royal Palace in Bangkok.