Joanna James
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand is a magnificent structure that has captivated visitors for centuries. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace served as the home of the Thai monarchs for over 150 years. Today, the palace complex serves as a museum and a major tourist attraction. Here are five amazing facts about the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
One of the most important and revered objects in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha resides in the Grand Palace. The statue is made of green jadeite and is about 66 centimeters tall. The Buddha is dressed in robes made of gold and is believed to be over 600 years old. The statue is kept in a special room within the palace complex called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
One of the most impressive feats of engineering of the Grand Palace is that it was built without the use of nails. Instead, craftsmen used a technique called "tongue and groove" to fit the pieces of the palace together. This technique involves carving out a tongue-like piece of wood on one end of a plank and a groove on the other end of another plank so that they can be tightly fitted together. This method not only made the palace structurally sound, but it also gave the building a beautiful, polished finish.
The Grand Palace includes a throne hall called the Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat. This impressive building is one of the few remaining examples of traditional Thai architecture in the complex. It was built in the 19th century and was used for important ceremonies such as coronations and royal funerals. The building's unique design combines traditional Thai and European architectural styles, with a central dome reminiscent of European cathedrals.
To protect the Thai monarchs and their palaces, the Grand Palace was built within a walled enclosure. The walls are made of stone and are about 1.9 kilometres long. Surrounding the walls is a moat that measures about 20 meters wide. The moat is home to several species of fish and turtles and is a popular spot for tourists to take pictures.
The Grand Palace is known for its elaborate decoration, including intricate carvings, colourful murals, and sparkling mosaics. The buildings within the complex are adorned with ornate details that reflect the artistic traditions of Thailand. The murals depict scenes from Thai mythology and history, while the carvings feature intricate floral and geometric patterns.
Exploring the Palace is ought to be done leisurely and it is a time-consuming endeavour. So make sure that you visit here early. Also, be sure to book your accommodation close to the Palace at establishments like Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel where you can set up the transfers as well.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is an impressive complex that is steeped in history and tradition. From the Emerald Buddha to the ornate decorations, the palace is a must-see destination and visiting here is one of the best things to do in Bangkok. Whether you're interested in history, art, or architecture, the Grand Palace is sure to impress.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
