The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is today used by the king only for certain ceremonial occasions such as Coronation Day and is closed to the public. However,the exteriors of the four building are worth a swift perusal.
Borombiman Hall
a French-in-spired structure that served as a residence for King Rama VI, is occassionally used to house visiting foreign dignitaries.
Amarindra Hall
was originally a hall of justice, but is used today for coronation ceremonies.
Chakri Maha Prasat
the largest triple-winged of the palace buildings, literally Great Holy Hall of Chakri, but usually translated as Grand Palace Hall. Built in 1882 by British architects using Thai labour, the exterior shows a peculiar blend of Italian renaissance and traditional Thai architecture. Each wing is topped by Mondop, a layered and heavily ornamented spire representing a Thai adaptation of the Hindu Mandapa, or shrine.
The tallest of the Mondops, in the centre, contains the ashes of each Chakri King who passed away; the flanking Mondops enshrine the ashes of Chakri princes who never inherited the throne.
Dusit Hall
initially served as a venue for royal audiences and later as a royal funerary hall.
The Grand Palace is adjoining The Temple of Emerald Buddha on the same ground, click here for more information about the temple.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo is open daily from 08.30 am to 3.30 pm. Proper dress is required.
