Formerly the official residence of the kings of Thailand, the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok was constructed in the late 18th century when the Thai capital was transferred from Thonburi to Bangkok.
Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the palace closely follows the plans of an old palace in Ayutthaya and played a central role as home to kings and the royal court up until the reign of King Chulalongkorn, who preferred to reside at Dusit Palace. The current king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, resides at Chitralada Palace.
Today the Grand Palace still functions as an important center for royal rituals and contains several offices of important royal institutions. The highlight, Wat Phra Kaew, was built onsite as the monarch’s personal place of worship and is today the main visitor draw for its Emerald Buddha.
Wat Phra Kaew is considered the most sacred temple in Thailand with its ornate pagodas, statues and buildings. The Emerald Buddha is said to have originated in India and was later given as a gift from Cambodia to a king of Ayutthaya in the 15th century. The Burmese seized the image but it turned up once again in Northern Thailand a century later and eventually made its way back to Bangkok upon the construction of the Grand Palace.
To enter the Temple of the Emerald Buddha visitors need to show respect by covering their legs and shoulders; clothing is available for rent onsite.
What is it? The former residence of the kings of Thailand.
Opening hours: 08:30 to 15:30, daily.
Entrance fees: 250 baht.
Address/website: http://palaces.thai.net/night/index_gp.htm.
Where: Phra Nakhon district in the historic center of Bangkok.
How to get there: take a taxi to the Old City or bus numbers 2, 3, 7 or 8.