| The Grand Palace
Built on an area of 218,400 square meters, the Grand Palace is surrounded by almost two kilometres of walls. It was built in the early years ofthe Chakri Dynasty and consists of several buildings with highly decorated architectural details.
The palace complex is divided into four groups:
- Wat Phra Kaeo, the temple with the most sacred of the Buddha images in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha. This the temple where Royal relifious ceremonies take place.
- Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, which is the Royal ceremonial complex.
- Borom Phimah Mansion, the Royal residence and the guest residence. This area is not open to the public.
- Government offices.
The GRAND PALACE can be reached either by taxi or you can do it the fun way, which is by Express Boat. Take the boat at Oriental or Si Phraya (River City) pier and ask the fare collector for a ticket to Tha Chang (Chang Pier). The fare is only 7 Baht. if you arrive by boat, just walk from the pier to the road and then straight ahead until you can see the white palace walls (a five minute walk.) Remember that proper attire is required.No shorts, sleeveless shirts or shower thongs.
Personal Audio Guide (available in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin) can be rented at 100 Baht for two hours. The Grand Palace is open for visitors between 8.30am and 3.30pm with a lunch break from 12.00 noon to 1.00pm. Admission is 200 Baht.
Around The Grand Palace
Keep a day aside if you wish to explore the old part of the city which surrounds the Grand Palace. Called Rattanakosin "Island" (presumably because it was once encircled by canals.) This is the area that contains Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest and largest temple with its huge reclining Buddha which is a must-see on any tourists list, as also the National Museum, The National Art Gallery, The National Theatre, Wat Mahatat which is the centre of Buddhist studies, and Sanam Luang, a huge park. The Lakmuang Pillar, which commemorates the founding of Bangkok 220 years ago is a popular shrine featuring regular classical dance performances.
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