The Grand Palace
Glittering royal palace complex and home of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Grand Palace was founded in 1782 by King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), first monarch of the Chakri dynasty, when he moved the capital across the Chao Phraya River from Thonburi to Bangkok. Set on Rattanakosin Island, the walled complex covers about 218,000 square metres and served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam until 1925. It remains in use for royal ceremonies and state functions.
The palace grounds are divided into the Outer Court, once home to government offices, the Middle Court with the principal throne halls, and the Inner Court, historically reserved for the royal women. Buildings added over successive reigns combine traditional Thai forms with European influences, most notably the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall of 1882, designed by John Clunis, which pairs a Renaissance-style body with three Thai spired roofs.
Within the palace walls stands Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, completed in 1783 as the royal chapel. It houses the Emerald Buddha, a small image carved from jade, and is surrounded by gilded chedis, guardian figures and cloisters painted with scenes from the Ramakien. The complex also contains the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles and the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins.
Highlights
- Wat Phra Kaew, the royal chapel housing the Emerald Buddha
- Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, blending Thai and European styles
- Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall with its tiered spired roof
- Cloister murals depicting the Ramakien epic
- Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles in the palace grounds
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