Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

This trip has to be on the program for all visitors to Thailand. Bangkok or "City of Angels" is the capital of Thailand and was founded in 1782 by king Rama I. This new capital was originally a replica of Ayutthaya. The royal palace and temples were all to be built on the Ayutthaya model.

Wat Pra Kaew is also called the temple of the emerald Buddha. This temple was built in 1785 for purpose of keeping the famous image of the emerald Buddha and for the Royal ceremonies. The emerald Buddha is in fact carved from a block of green jade and was first discovered in 1434 in a stupa in Chiang Rai province in the north of Thailand. The emerald Buddha is covered with a costume which is changed three times a year (summer, rainy season and the cold season) by our beloved King.

In the temple is also the shiny golden pagoda which holds the relic of the lord Buddha. Around the temple the walls are decorated with beautiful mural and mythical painting scenes. It was first painted during the reign of King Rama I and was restored several times.

The Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew is linked by a connecting gateway.

The Grand Palace was established in 1782. It houses royal residence, throne halls and also government offices. The most famous throne hall is the Chakri Maha Prasat, which was built in 1882 during the reign of King V. It was built in a Victorian style, but covered with a roof of pure Thai style. The Central Throne Hall now serves many purposes, most notably for the reception of foreign ambassadors and for state banquets.

This is a private trip.

Note: Appropriate dress code applicable, no shorts, t-shirts, singlets and slippers allowed.

Show Wat Phra Kaew on Google Maps