The Grand Palace: The Royal Haven Of Bangkok

21 Jun 2023

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Walls that boast of different styles, pillars that hold up varied structures, buildings that echo a blend of stories. The Grand Palace of Bangkok is an interesting site, if not enchanting. With a history of 200 years that have seen various kings build it piece by piece, this palace is no less than a piece of art!

A vision of white and gold with the stunning blue sky in the background, this structure is an impeccable example of Thai craftsmanship at its best. The intricate designs, the elaborate architecture, and its spiritual vibe never seize to amaze the hearts of tourists.

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The Grand Palace: Know a little about the spectacular structure

The Grand Palace, Thailand has served as the royal residence since the 1700s till early 1900s. The uniqueness of this palace lies in its remarkable construction, which has been put together by all the kings together over time. This has led to it being a combination of different kinds of architectural styles that are traditional at different times. It is even more astounding that all these designs seem to magically suit one another, bringing together the rich history of Thailand.

To add to this, the palace is not a gigantic structure, but more of a number of buildings and structures within the four walls. Gardens, halls, courtrooms, pavilions, temples, courtyards, and the royal residence are only some of the notable parts of this haven.

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Some of the important aspects of the Grand Palace, Bangkok include the Outer Court which can be used by the public, a number of public buildings, the Siwalai Gardens quarter, and the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Dating back to the 14th century, this emerald statue of Lord Buddha serves as a spiritual center for the country. Legend has it that the image of an emerald idol of Lord Buddha first surfaced in India, where a sage predicted that the home of the idol would be blessed and protected always. This temple is also considered to be one of the best in Thailand!

Apart from the temple, there are many other parts of the palace that can be toured by tourists. Like any regal residence, while some of these parts have always been open to the public, some remain only for the royal family. Even today, on many traditional festivals, the public grounds of the palace served as a venue for the most elaborate celebrations. In addition to this, the royal ceremonies to take place here.

Interesting facts about The Grand Palace, Bangkok

For those looking to visit the Grand Palace of Bangkok soon, take a look at some of the most interesting, lesser-known facts about this royal heritage:

It is made out of wood: Whether the reason is lack of resources or any other, but the material used then for construction was mainly wood.
It is an art gallery: With the best of Thailand’s paintings, sculptures, and architecture, all in one place, the Grand Palace is most definitely Thailand’s best art gallery!
Its layout resembles that of the Ayutthaya: The former capital Siam, the Ayutthaya had a number of palaces, all of which were designed in a similar manner, with the outer ring comprising of public offices, and the inner circle of the private areas.

The Grand Palace of Thailand is an important tourist site in the country and must not be missed. A visit here will not only give you a glimpse into the history and culture of Thailand but also its art, which is as stunning today as ever before! While planning a trip to Bangkok, make sure to add this beautiful place into your plan!

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