The Grand Palace
14 images 2 contributors Shoot with care
Sue Wolfe
Shoot with care
The Grand Palace is a sacred place. The dress code says: no shorts, slippers, sandals, or revealing tops.
About this spot
The Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew) was established in 1782 by King Rama I when he moved the capital from the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It was the official residence of the Kings of Siam (Thailand) and government until 1925. Eventually the king’s private residence was moved to Dusit Palace, and the ministries were moved to their own locations. However, it is still used for official events, state functions, and royal ceremonies. Unlike other temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks.
The Grand Palace is not a single structure but a complex of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions, gardens, and courtyards. Its layout followed that of the Royal Palace at Ayutthaya. It is divided into four main courts: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The place has been expanded several times and now occupies 218,400 square meters (2,351,000 sq. ft.).
The main attraction of the Grand Palace is The Emerald Buddha. The 66 cm (26”) figure is a meditating Buddha carved from one solid piece of green jasper clothed in gold and diamonds. The Demon Guardians (six pairs of them) stand at the gate to protect The Emerald Buddha from evil spirits. Each one is an important character in the Rammakian story.
The Grand Palace is not a single structure but a complex of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions, gardens, and courtyards. Its layout followed that of the Royal Palace at Ayutthaya. It is divided into four main courts: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The place has been expanded several times and now occupies 218,400 square meters (2,351,000 sq. ft.).
The main attraction of the Grand Palace is The Emerald Buddha. The 66 cm (26”) figure is a meditating Buddha carved from one solid piece of green jasper clothed in gold and diamonds. The Demon Guardians (six pairs of them) stand at the gate to protect The Emerald Buddha from evil spirits. Each one is an important character in the Rammakian story.
Join PhotoHound to learn how, where and when to capture amazing photos here
- Know the best times, seasons & shooting conditions
- Detailed directions - maps, co-ordinates and directions
- Know how to get there - where to park or how to reach there using public transport
- Browse inspirational photos and learn how they were taken - see the EXIF details
- Bookmark your favourite spots for future reference
- Know exactly when to shoot for beautiful photographs - sunrise, sunset, blue hour and astrophotography
- Detailed, 7-day weather forecast at this location
- Share your images with like-minded travel photographers
