Grand Palace in Bangkok, a 'must see' for tourists
Who for the first time to Thailand and staying in Bangkok for a few days, there is no escaping it: a visit to it Grand Palace in Bangkok.
You find it Grand Palace on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. This area is seen as the old historical center of Bangkok.
Wat Phra Kaeo and the Emerald Buddha
With a visit to it Grand Palace kill two birds with one stone. The total walled complex encompasses approximately 2,5 square kilometers of terrain. It consists of several buildings such as the summer palace, the main temple the Wat Phra Kaeo (also called Phra Kaew) and the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha. The huge golden Phra Si Rattana Chedi on the grounds contains relics that belonged to Buddha. This sacred Chedi is also said to house a piece of Buddha's sternum.
The complex is located in the Rattanakosin area and was founded by King Rama I in 1782, after Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese. The new and modern Bangkok has spread more eastwards from Rattanakosin and Thonburi. The old town is easily accessible by boat and is within walking distance of the popular backpacker area of Banglamphu (Khao San Road).
The complex once served as a royal residence from the late 18th century to the mid 20th century. King Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty, initiated the construction of the palace in 1782, marking the beginning of the Rattanakosin period in Thailand's history. The palace is no longer in service. The current King Bhumibol moved the residence to the more modern Chitralada Palace.
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Wat Phra Kaeo
The Wat Phra Kaeo, is the 'Temple of the emerald Buddha'. It is the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Large impressive statues of the gatekeepers known as Yaksha are supposed to protect the gate of the temple and keep the evil spirits away.
The most sacred Buddha image in Thailand is the Emerald Buddha. The statue can be admired in the central ubosoth of the Wat Phra Kaeo.
Both Thais and tourists from all over the world visit Wat Phra Kaew to see the statue of only 66 cm. The Buddha stands tall on a gold altar in a display case. Only the king or the crown prince may approach it closely. By the way, the small figurine is not made of emerald but of jade.
The Emerald Buddha is believed to bring good luck and wealth to the one who owns it. The figurine was therefore coveted by many and throughout the centuries kings and wealthy fought battles to obtain the figurine.
Chakkri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Grand palace
Legend
According to legends, the statue is originally from India, but it was first sighted in 1434 in Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand. In that year, the Chedi of Wat Phra Kaew was struck by lightning, revealing a plaster statue. The abbot of the temple discovered that a green statue was hidden under the plaster. When the king of Chiang Mai heard the story, he sent his elephant army to get the statue.
The statue was taken to the Wat Phra Kaew in Laos in 1552. After being housed in Laos for a long time, it was taken after a war by King Taksin and his general Chakri (later King Rama I), first to Thonburi. The statue has also been preserved at Wat Arun for another 15 years. It was moved to its current home on March 5, 1785.
An important tradition is the changing of the statuette's three different robes. In summer it wears a crown and jewellery. In winter a gold scarf and in the rainy season a gilded monk's habit and headdress. The changing of the robes is in sync with the seasons in Thailand. Changing the robes is an important ritual that can only be performed by the Thai king or the crown prince. It is supposed to bring prosperity and happiness to the Thai people in every season.
Visitor Information Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaeo)
How do I get there?
Take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, take a taxi boat upstream to the pier at Tha Chang and you will see the complex on your right. Get off at the pier. The entrance to Wat Phra Kaeo and the Royal Palace is located on Thanon Na Phra Lan.
Guides
Guides are available at the complex from 10:00 AM to 14:00 PM. A so-called personal audio guide (PAG) is available in English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish.
Dress code
There is a strict dress code for Thailand's holiest temple. No short skirts or shorts. Women should keep their shoulders covered. If necessary, you can rent covering clothing.
Location, opening hours and entrance fee
Location: Na Phralan, Phra Nakorn (Grand Palace complex), Old City (Rattanakosin) Bangkok. Opening hours: 08:30 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 15:30.
Beware of scam
Everywhere in the vicinity of the Grand Palace and especially at the pier you will come across neatly dressed people posing as government officials or university students. They address you in English and tell you that the Grand Palace is (temporarily) closed. That's nonsense, kindly ignore them and walk on. These people want to entice you for a (free) tour with a tuktuk or minivan along tailors and gemstone sellers.