The Biggest Attraction in Bangkok (4 photos) and other Bangkok, Thailand Things to Do Tips

The Royal Palace was constructed over several years beginning in 1782 when King Rama I moved the capitol from the west side to the river to the east side. It is a rough replica of the palace compound in Ayutthya bounded by the river on one side and with the entrance facing north. The compound included all the administrative buildings for that time as well as the Royal Chapel of the Emerald Buddha.The total area occupies over a square mile. Today only the department for the Royal Houselhold remains. There are 8 large chedi within the compound, of which the most famous in the golden chedi - phra si rattani chedi - which traditionally is believed to contain the ashes of Buddha.The three central structures are of different architectural origins - Thai, Ceylonese, and Cambodian.

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Phone: 02-224-1833
Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

The major buildings within the Grand Palace are divided into groups based on location and architecture. This grouping of 3 buildings was the first constructed. King Rama I lived here and since his time all Thai kings have been coronated at this site. By tradition, the first night after coronation the king remains overnight. This building is inaccessible to tourists. The most famous building in this group is the audience hall of Amarin Winitchai seen in the first 3 photos. In past times, foreigh ambassadors presented credentials here and the building is stlll used for state functions. It contains two famous thrones, one in the shape of a boat and the other with a nine-tiered umbrella.

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Phone: 02-224-1833
Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

The central portion of the Grand Palace is occupied by this group of buildings, of which the dominant one is the throne hall built by King Rama V to celebrate 100 years of the Chakri dynasty. It contains a reception hall for royal guests and several rooms devoted to deceased royalty. It has not been used as a residence since King Rama VIII was found shot to death in a bedroom in 1946. The original architecture was predominanty European in style, with 3 spires on the roof in traditional Thai syle.

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Phone: 02-224-1833
Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

The Dusit Maha Prasat Hall was built during the reign of King Rama I and has traditionally been used as the hall for Lying-in-State for members of the royal family. It is also used for the annual Consecration Day Ceremony. Just below the spire on the roof the Thai National symbol can be seen. On the north face a throne was intended for public appearances by the king. The images include these features.

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Phone: 02-224-1833
Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

Among the most beautiful structures in the Grand Palace is this small pavilion constructed during the reign of King Rama IV as a disrobing pavilion. It was the centerpiece of the Thai exhibit at the Brussels 1958 World Fair.

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Phone: 02-224-1833
Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

The holiest temple in Thailand is the Wat Phra Kaew, the Royal Chapel. It houses the Emerald Buddha (really made of a single piece of green jade), the most revered image in Thailand. This statue was discovered fortuitously in the 14th Century and has been the object of warfare among the neighboring nations of the region. The site of origin is uncertain, the body postion suggesting a Northern Thai origin but the facial expression more southern. Three times a year the king changes the costume of the Buddha to correspond with winter, summer, and the rainy season. Pictured here is the entrance to the temple, which occupies the northeast corner of the Grand Palace Compound.

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Phone: 02-224-1833
Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

The ordination hall in which the Buddha sits high above the floor on a decorated altar of gilt carved wood (no photos allowed) is appropriately ornate. As with most buildings on the Grand Palace Compound, it was built in the reign of King Rama I in the 1780's and modelled after earlier buildings destroyed in Ayutthya.

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Phone: 02-224-1833
Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

No photographic essay on the Temple of the Emerald Buddha would be complete without images of the fierce demons standing eternal guard over the compound.

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Phone: 02-224-1833
Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok
Website: http://www.discoverthailand.com/

The Sukhothai Trimitr Golden Buddha is the largest solid gold Buddha image in the world, Made of pure gold, it is 16 feet high and weighs 5 tons. It was made more than 700 years ago. Following the Burmese invasion, it was hidden by covering it in stucco and remained for almost 100 years. During a move, the covering was chipped revealing the gold underneath. In a beautiful setting, this is a visit not to be missed.

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Phone: 623 1226
Address: Thanon Yaowarat
Directions: Near Hualamphong Station

Dinner-theatres with an exclusively tourist clientele offer elaborate Thai cuisine and traditional Thai dance, both of variable authenticity. The dinners are comprised of multiple small dishes with multiple contents. Some are easily identified by westerners, others not so easily identified. Some are edible by westerners, some not so easily eaten. The Thai dance show pictured here depict ancient stories and legends with elaborate costumes and masks and typical stylized movements. Hotel desks and tourist magazines provide information. However, in all honesty, I wouldn't go this way again. There are many places to see Thai dancing, considerably cheaper, and with food you can identify and eat with mental comfort. This commercial establishment is not on the internet and may no longer be in business.

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