Updated July 28, 2025
Text & photographs: Claire Lessiau & Marcella van Alphen

The Grand Palace of Bangkok is the most visited monument of Thailand, and definitely a must-see. Read this short article to enhance your visit!

Dating back to 1782, the Royal Residence was first made of wood before its founder Rama I ordered bricks to be brought back from Ayutthaya – the former capital that served as a model for the palace – on the Chao Praya River. Buildings were dismantled, but the temples of Ayutthaya were left intact. Since then, every king has left its mark, mixing styles, culminating with Thai-style prasat spires topping off the Chakri Maha Prasat Hall of European built.

Situated on the Rattanakosin Island in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace has not been the royal residence but a site for ceremonies since the abolition of the absolute monarchy for a constitutional monarchy in 1932.

Still, it is a major landmark for Thai people and Buddhists in general as it hosts the most revered Buddha image of Thailand in the chapel of the Emerald Buddha. The 66-centimetre-high sculpture (26 in) was carved from a block of gemstone in the 15th century. As it has never been tested, some scholars think it is the rarer jade, others that it is jasper. The outside of the chapel is surrounded by more than a hundred garudas, the king of birds, holding a naga, or serpent. The chapel is also guarded from evil spirits by a dozen 5-metre (16ft) tall demon guardians.

 

The Wat Phra Kaew Temple is surrounded by a gallery which walls are covered with fine murals, telling the story of the Ramakian, the Thai national epic. Based on the Indian Hindu Ramayana, almost 200 scenes depicts how the demon King Tosakan abducts Queen Sita, hoping to marry her, and how her husband, the virtuous King Rama conquers her back with the support of powerful armies of monkeys. Many battles rage against Tosakan’s demon armies.  Finally, Rama defeats Tosakan and kills him, and returns with Sita to reign on Ayutthaya. If the murals emphasize human values of honesty, faith, and devotion, some details are fun to catch, like a soldier making out by a fort!

Other interesting statues inhabit the grounds such as monkey demons decorated with gilt and colored glass mosaics, or Chinese statues. The latter were brought back as ballast when rice and teakwood were traded against silk and porcelain.

As the former residence of the Thai kings and the heart of the country’s royal ceremonies, the Grand Palace offers a unique glimpse into the grandeur of the Thai monarchy, headed by the wealthiest monarch on the planet.

Travel tips:

• Being the most visited site of Thailand, you will not escape the crowds. Arrive early!
• Check out this interactive map for the specific details to help you plan your trip and more articles and photos (zoom out) about the area!

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