The golden embellishment that sits in the midst of the wonderful city of Bangkok was home to kings for 150 years. The Grand Palace is a place that you just cannot miss on your visit to Thailand and here’s why;
Inside the palace grounds
The central Court was the King’s living quarters. It also consists of halls to hold state business. The King’s royal consorts and daughter lived in the Inner Court, this was more or less like a mini village with women and children (boys) under the age of puberty. The area is still closed off to the public. The Outer Court close to the entrance housed the government departments in which the King was directly involved in.
Wat Phra Kaew
Inside The Grand Palace is a magnificent Buddhist temple known as the ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’. Held in the temple is a delicate emerald statue of Buddha that is greatly venerated by the faithful in Thailand. The robes on the Buddha are changed according to the seasons by the King. This has become a significant event in the Buddhist calendar in Thailand.
Royal reception halls
The European style reception hall known as the Chakri Maha Prasat (Grand Palace Hall) is now used in occasions like coronations. This hall contains the ancient throne as well as the throne that is used in this day and age. Next is the Dusit Hall, it is incomparable in architecture and acts as a museum that holds various artefacts related to the palace as well as a number of Buddha images.
Things to keep in mind
The Grand Palace in which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is built is considered a sacred place by the locals. Therefore, is essential that you dress appropriately, for example, wearing clothes that cover the body entirely and wearing socks if you happen to go in flip-flops. There is a booth at the entrance that will provide clothing if necessary. If you are lodged in perhaps any 4-star hotels in Bangkok, the likes of Adelphi Suites, do stop by to marvel at the intricate beauty of the palace.
Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+
