28 Dec 2024 - BKK Day 6 (Bangkok): The Grand Palace

Our first stop of the day was The Grand Palace.  The last time we came was before Jerlene was born, which means it's about 18 years ago.  We took a Grab from the hotel lobby and traffic around the palace was extremely heavy.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a breathtaking complex that stands as a testament to Thailand's rich history and cultural heritage.

This has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782.  King Rama I ordered its construction when he moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok.  It served as the heart of the Thai kingdom, housing the royal court and the administrative seat of government.

The Grand Palace is not a single building but a complex of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions, and courtyards.

It's divided into several zones, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Outer Court, the Middle Court, and the Inner Court.

The complex includes Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple.

The palace is renowned for its elaborate decorations, including gold leaf, mosaics, and intricate carvings.

The entire palace was crowded with both tourists and locals.  We heard that visitors were rushing here these few days because the palace will be closed in the coming few days over the new year holidays.

After King Rama I, successive kings expanded and enhanced the palace, resulting in its diverse architectural styles.  While no longer the primary royal residence, it remains a site for important royal ceremonies.

Below is the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, that uniquely combines Thai and European architectural elements.

After spending slightly more than an hour navigating in the Grand Palace, we exited the palace ground.  

There were many restaurants and cafes outside the palace.  We randomly picked one and managed to get a seat for four.  Below was our lunch.

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