Deemed one of the most dazzling and captivating icons of the city, the Grand Temple is a majestic site indeed. The Grand Palace, as it is called today was built in 1782 and was at one time the official home to many Thai kings. Housing many kings and their families for a long period of 150 years, the palace was also the country’s Royal Court and administrative seat of each government. As it grew to become a symbol of royalty, the Royal Palace also at one time housed within itself the Ministry of War of Thailand and other state departments.
While staying in Bangkok, a visit to the Grand Palace is a must do. And as the city is home to many 5 star hotels in Bangkok that are situated by the Chao Phraya River like Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, guests will surely have no trouble getting around.
Once a significant symbol of power and royalty, the Grand Palace today has been transformed into a symbol of piety. Its architecture is quite intricate and is one reason which draws in countless numbers of visitors every year. The Grand Palace expands over a large area of land and even houses the Wat Phra Kew or more commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The War Phra Kew contains the Emerald Buddha which can be traced back to the 14th century. This Buddha is believed to have been much venerated that even up to date, Thai kings change the robes of this Buddha as a part of an important ritual of the Buddhist calendar.
The 20th century saw kings shifting out of its premises and using other palaces as their official residences. Though the Grand Palace is no longer the official residence of the monarchy it remains as an important venue that hosts many ceremonial events.
The Royal Reception Halls of the Grand Palace are quite a magnificent work of architecture. Today, these halls are used as official venues for royal events such as coronations. Visitors are allowed to make a trip inside the reception halls which adorn European style architecture.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+