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Bangkok Grand Palace

November 28, 2013 by David Herd

Iconic Bangkok Temple

Bangkok Grand Palace

Bangkok Grand Palace is quite remarkable, put it at the top of your list of places to see. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.

The photo above is Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as seen from the Outer Court.

Big crowds arrive every day.

The late monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), used to reside at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

Phra Si Ratana Chedi

Phra Si Ratana Chedi, a 19th-century stupa built in Sri Lankan style enshrining ashes of the Buddha.

Entrance to Wat Phra Kaew.

As regards the historical legend of Wat Phra Kaew, it was originally known as the “Wat Pa Yia”, (Bamboo Forest Monastery) in the Chiang Rai province of Northern Thailand. The wat was struck by a lightning storm in 1434, when the octagonal Chedi broke up and revealed the Emerald Buddha (made of Jade), locally known as Phra Kaew Morakot. From there it was moved, initially to Vientianne and finally to Bangkok where it was deified in the temple by the original name, Wat Phra Kaew.

Another legend mentions that attempts made by the King of Chiang Mai to possess the statue after it was found in 1434; these failed thrice because the elephants transporting the statue refused to proceed beyond a crossroad in Lampang. The King of Chiang Mai considered the incident to be a strong divine directive and allowed the Buddha statue to remain in Lampang, where it remained for the next 32 years in an exclusively built temple.

Lots of photo opportunities at the Bangkok Grand Palace

The Palace is a photographers paradise.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Royal Pantheon)

The Royal Pantheon was constructed during the reign of King Rama IV in 1855. He intended to place the Emerald Buddha here but the building was not completed until after his death. His successor, King Rama V, considered the building too small to accommodate the congregation at royal ceremonies so the Emerald Buddha was not placed in this building. A small gilt stupa belonging to King Rama IV was placed there instead.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat

The throne hall forms the front or the facade of the entire building group. In front of the throne hall is the Rathakit Field; on either side of the throne hall are the Phrom Sopha Gates. The throne hall is constructed in an eclectic style, a blend of Thai and European (more specifically Renaissance or Italianate) styles. The lower part of the structure is European, while the upper part is in Thai-styled green and orange tiled roofs and golden spires or prasats.

Bangkok Grand Palace, Monks at the Throne Hall.

Their orange robes are a great contrast to the trees in the background.

Bangkok Grand Palace

The Bangkok Grand Palace is probably Thailand’s number one attraction.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat.

Two elephants and one lonely guard on duty.

There are lots on nice hotels along the river with fabulous views.

Fantastic monuments.

Absolutely spectacular.

Gold, gold, lots of gold.

Give yourself plenty of time as the Palace is huge.

Smile

Mother & daughter having fun at the Bangkok Grand Palace.

The students wanted to interview us for a project.

I guess they had a project from school to interview a foreigner.

We could be twins.

Thanks for visiting Bangkok Grand Palace photo blog, put it on your bucket list.

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Here are some more posts to check out

Pattaya Hilton

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