Must Visit - Grand Palace Complex Bangkok Thailand

The Grand Palace total area is including Wat Phra Kaew temple all was 218,400 sq. metres and is surrounded by walls (Ramayana mural wall painting) built in 1783. The length of the four walls totals 1900 metres.

Within these walls are situated the government offices and the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha besides the royal residences.

When Siam (Thailand) restored law and order after the fall of Ayutthaya the monarch lived in Thonburi on the other side of the river.

King Rama I, immediately on ascending the throne (Bangkok), moved the center of administration to this side of the Chao Phraya river; and, after erecting public monuments such as fortifications and monasteries, built a palace to serve not only as his residence but also his offices - the various ministries, only one of which remains in the palace walls.

The palace came to be known as the “Grand Palace”, in which the earliest edifices contemporary with the foundation of Bangkok were the two groups of residences named the Dusit-Mahaprasard and the Mahamontien.

Time after time….the Grand Palace is the most attraction in Bangkok, Thailand

When You go to Bangkok, Don't miss The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew really are places you must visit while you are in Bangkok. Both have considerable historical significance and are extremely beautiful places to see.

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 by King Rama I who established Bangkok as Thailand’s new capital. The palace was to be bigger and grander than palaces built in the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras to underscore the significance of the change of capital. The result was a palace of jewels and gold and splendour the like never seen before in Thailand. The Grand Palace remained the Royal Family’s official residence from 1782 to 1946. The last king to live there was King Chulalongkorn.

Wat Phra Kaew was built to house the Emerald Buddha which was returned to Thailand after Thailand’s the capture of Vientiane in 1778. The Emerald Buddha is the most important representation of the Buddha in Thai Buddhism. To pray before the Emerald Buddha is to make merit, and although this is an important place on any visitor’s itinerary, it is important to recognise that this is a place of worship and should be respected as such.

Details: Admission fee is 200 Baht for foreigners, but Thais are admitted free (remember – to Thais this is a place of worship, not a tourist attraction!). The fee also includes tickets to the Coin Pavillion, Vimanmek Mansion and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, all of which are worth seeing in their own right. The site is open 8:30-12:00 and 13:00-15:30.

How to get there: The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are in the Banglamphu area of Bangkok – the ‘Old City’. To get there you can take a taxi, which from the centre of Bangkok will cost about 80 Baht.

Bus Number: 1, 35, 44,47, 123, 201
Air-conditioned Bus Number: 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 25, 39, 44, 82

Source : discoverythailand.com

Highlights in the Grand Palace Complex, Bangkok, Thailand

1. Boromabiman Hall, built by King Rama VI and every king since has lived here at some time.

2. Amarinda Hall, the original residence of King Rama I and the Hall of Justice. Nowadays it's impressive interior is used for ceremonial occasions and coronations. It contains the antique throne, used before the Western style one presently in use.

3. Grand Palace Hall or Chakri Maha Prasat. Visitors are allowed inside the spacious European style reception room.

This building has not been used for royal residence since the mysterious death of King Rama VIII (the older brother of the current King), found shot dead in his room in 1946.

The reverence for the monarchy in Thailand means that, even today, this remains a completely taboo subject to talk publicly about in Thailand.

4. The impressive Dusit Hall, rated as perhaps the finest architectural building in this style.

5. The Museum, which has information on the restoration of the Grand Palace, scale models of the Wat and Palace and numerous Buddha images.

Labels are in Thai only, but there are free English tours available frequently. Entrance is 50B.

Info:into-asia.com

Visit Bangkok, Visit Wat Phra Kaew

Temple of The Emerald Budha or Phrasrirattana Sasadaram Temple was Well known as Wat Phra Kaew (Phra Kaew Temple).

The most important temple of Thailand. Located within the Grand Palace, beside Sanam Luang. Established at the same time of Rattanakosin by the King Rama 1(more than 220 years ago). Same period of established Bangkok as capital.

Wat Phra Kaew is Beautiful of architecture and fine art. The wall inside covered by mural Paint with story from the Ramakian (Thai literature).

Around the temple decorate by variety of sculpture, Such as the Giant who protect the door and Ubchao doll that import from China.

Inside Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok.

The Emerald BuddhaPhra Kaew Morakot or Phra Bhuddha Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn) situated in hall of a temple, it’s was carving from jade with 66 centimetre tall.

It’s transfer from Chiang Rai. When have ceremony always respect invite The Emerald Buddha to be a principal.

Phrasrirattana Pagoda

The big gold pagoda established by the King Rama 4 for keep Buddha's relics. It’s covered by glitter mosaic and floor by marble.

Phra Mondhob

Situated on north of the hall. It’s established replace the old building that was burn out. This place for keep Golden Buddhist Scriptures (Tripitaka).Phra Thep Bhidorn house

This building is the place for keep wax of Chakkri’s king.

Actually it’s open for visit only 7 days per years that was on Chakkri’s day, Songkran day(3), Chatramongkol day, King Rama 5’s day and the birth day of King Rama 9 (present king)

If you still didn’t visit Wat Phra Kaew that mean you still didn’t visit Bangkok.

General information Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok

Work Hour :8.30-11.30 and 13.00-15.00 (open daily)
Guide service : Contact at the Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew office
Remark : Polite dress (Buddha respect) and possibility to change from the front (free).

Why the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is special?

Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is an exuberantly colored religious compound built inside the Royal Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.The temple's architecture is visually striking.

The temple's largest and most important building is the Bot (loosely translated as "house of meditation"). Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok is Thailand's most sacred shrine and the king's personal chapel, but everyone is welcome to visit it.

Within the Bot resides the world famous Emerald Buddha (actually made of green jade, not emerald). This 500-year-old holy statue is perched so high above the Bot's golden altar and is so small (only 66 centimeters or 26 inches high) that you could easily miss it if you didn't know where to look.

Original Info: hillmanwonders.com

Sanam Luang or Royal Field in Bangkok, Thailand

Sometimes known as the Royal Park or Royal Field, Sanam Luang is right in the centre of the Rattanakosin (Old City) part of Bangkok. A large oval-shaped park, Sanam Luang has a number of royal connections and is where the King appears during his annual 5 December birthday celebrations. Royal cremations are also held here and it is also the venue for the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony. From February to May you can see Kite Flying at the park. There are often competitions for the most ornate and most beautiful kites. It's very interesting to walk around Sanam Luang in the early evening you can see fortune tellers (Mor Doo), people selling a variety of wares, and even masseurs offering traditional massage in the open!

Details: Sanam Luang is right in the centre of Bangkok's main tourist attractions and you can see many of them from the park nearly Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace. It is about 15 minutes walk to Khao San Road from the park.

How to get there: There are no BTS or MRT stations in this area. Probably the fastest way to get there is Express Boat stopping at Banglampoo Pier.

The following buses will get you there:

Bus number: 3, 15, 30, 32, 43, 44, 59, 64, 70, 80, 123, 201
Air-conditioned bus number: 6, 7, 12, 39, 44

Source : discoverythailand.com

Wat Phra Rattanasatsadaram - Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat phra Rattanasatsadaram (Wat Phra Kaew) is the most sacred structure in the Kingdom and the repository of the spirit for all the Thai people. The history of the Emerald Buddha itself dates back more than 600 years and also represents the struggle of the Thai people to maintain their independence from foreign aggressors.

When King Rama I established Bangkok, or Rattanakosin, as his capital in 1782 he added the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the eastern section of the Royal Grand Palace in order to install the Emerald Buddha. During its two hundred year history the Chapel had undergone several renovations, restorations, and additions. The Royal Chapel thus incorporates no less than two centuries of Rattanakosin craftsmanship which is an expression of the essential entity of the Thai people.

A visit to Bangkok is not complete without a visit to this very Important Temple(Wat). We will show you the many spectacular buildings along with a history of the Emerald Buddha itself which we hope will give you a better understanding of Thai history and its people. The related stories listed below are just some of the many spectacular building and monuments inside the grounds of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha(Wat Phra Kaew).

Souce : .bangkokmag.infothai.com

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, Bangkok

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok's best know landmark. It stands on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Thon Buri. Wat Arun is best seen from the opposite bank of the river; it glistens in the sunlight during the day and stands dark and noble at dawn or dusk. A visit to the beautiful, peaceful monastery complex surrounding the familiar towers is very worth-while. These towers, the "Phra Prang," although best known, the only part of Wat Arun. It also contains narrow lanes; elegant, old white buildings; shrines, pools of turtles; and two fine giants, " Yuk Wat Jaeng," mortal enemies of the " Yuk Wat Po" across the river.

The central balcony commands an impressive view of Bangkok across the river. From here one can see the Grand palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha(Wat Phra Kaew) and the spacious Wat Pho.

Wat Arun figures in one of Thailand's most colorful festival, the Royal Tod Kathin. Then His Majesty the King travels down the river in a procession of Royal barges to present new robes to the monks after their three-month lent period.

LOCATION: West bank of the Chao Phraya River.
OPENING HOURS: It's open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
ADMISSION: Admission is 30 baht for foreigners and free for Thai people.

Source : watarun.org

Glossary of Thai Temple Terms (Part 1)

Bot
The Bot (also called Ubosoth) is the ordination hall of a Wat. It is the place where new monks take their vows. You can recognize a building as a Bot by the six boundary stones (Bai Sema) that define the limits of its sanctuary. Bots are usually open only to the monks. Inside are always an altar and one or several Buddha images.

Chedi

A Chedi (a different term would be stupa or pagoda) is a domed edifice, often quite tall, under which relics of the Buddha or revered religious teachers are buried.

Burmese Style Chedi in Wat Phra That Haripunchai in Lamphun

Chofah

Chofahs are the bird-like decorations on the end of the temple roofs. If you visit the Museum of the Emerald Buddha near the Grand Palace in Bangkok you can see examples of chofahs displayed in glass cases in the ground floor and have a closer look at them. Chofahs are often decorated with little bells that tinkle in the wind.

A Temple Roof in Wat Chalong, Phuket Island - You can clearly see the Chofahs

Ho Trai

The Ho Trai (also transcripted as "Ho Phra") is the library of the Wat. It is usually a very small, highly decorated building. In the Central Plains it often sits on columns in a pond . The holy scripts and sacred manuscripts of the Wat are kept inside.

Mondop
A Mondop (also called Mandapa) is a baldachin structure that has in some temples been erected above the library with the sacred Buddhist scripts.

Continue Part 2

Source : inm-asiaguides.com

Wat Phra Kaew - First Impressions in Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok Thailand, A lot of first time visitors aren't quite sure what to expect when first arriving in the capital of exotic Thailand, and some may be disappointed by their first impressions on the way into town - endless high rise buildings, busy expressway flyovers and billboards of western companies advertising in English. Yet while Bangkok has undoubtedly embraced westernization and modernization, you only need to look a little under the surface to see that it remains undeniably a Thai place at heart. In between the skyscrapers and sophisticated shopping centers there's still the remarkable Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace , the Temple of the Dawn and many more. Traditions live on too: don't be surprised, for example, to find a large dedicated spirit house built for good luck alongside almost every major building, or to see files of Buddhist monks making their early morning alms round - and it's surely one of the only major cities in the world where seeing an elephant paraded round the streets hardly even ranks as being unusual.

Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok Thailand, Amidst all of this is what many find one of Asia's most interesting and exciting cities, but it does have it's fair share of problems also - not least of which is the heat. Due to it's location in the tropics, Bangkok's average day time temperature is rarely much below 30 degrees centigrade at any time of year and the night time temperature is not much cooler. The maximum temperature can occasionally top 40 degrees during the hot season in April / May, when it is, not surprisingly, the low season for tourism. Despite the temperature, it is not all that sunny in Bangkok and most days are grey and overcast - meaning many visitors are surprised when they first walk outside Bangkok airport and discover that what appeared to be a cold, cloudy day is actually uncomfortably hot.

The heat, combined with the humidity and pollution, makes walking a sizable distance in Bangkok almost impossible, and breaking into a sweat after only a couple of hundred meters almost inevitable. The Thai people themselves will rarely walk any significant distance and there's a very large number of cars, buses, taxis and tuk-tuks to help them get about.

Source : into-asia.com

Phra Rabiang (The Gallery) in Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok, Thailand

The Phra Rabiang (The Gallery) in Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha), Bangkok was constructed by King Rama I in the 18th century and is noted for it's murals depicting the entire Ramkian (the Thai version of the Ramayana epic).

The verses telling the story of the paintings, 4,984 all together, are inscribed in marble slabs embedded on the four sides of each pillar supporting the gallery roof.

The original murals were painted when the Phra Rabiang (The Gallery) was first built, however because rapid of deterioration caused by dampness, the murals today in Wat Phra Kaew reflect little of the art of the First Reign.

Frequent restorations were carried out during their two centuries of existence mainly during the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Reigns and it is not known whether the murals were simply retouched or entirely repainted.

The most recent restoration of the Phra Rabiang (The Gallery) in Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok, Thailand was started in 1965 and took seven years to complete.

Modern technology was used in an attempt to prevent future peeling and deterioration of the murals.

Related Stories about Wat Phra Kaew

Gate No.2, Na Wua Gate, Wat Phra Kaew
Khantharat Buddha Image Hall, Wat Phra Kaew
Montheintham Buddha Image Hall, Wat Phra Kaew
The Bell Tower, Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok
Giant, the Wat Phra Kaew temple, Bangkok

Info: infothai.com

Gate No.1, Koeysadet (Front) Gate, Wat Phra Kaew

The Koeysadet (Front) Gate, on the eastern side of the temple, is in front of Phrathep Bhidorn House and opposite the Grand Palace's Sawadsopha Gate. This is an important gate built in the Fourth Reign. The gate has a ramp for mounting elephants and an undressing pavillion. The top of the gates a pointed crown.


The murals on the walls of the gate depict Thao Sahasadecha(giant), Nilaphat (monkey), Hanuman (a monkey) and Thosakan (giant). In front of the gate, inside the temple, 2 6-metre tall plaster giants beautifully decorated with glazed colored tiles, stand guard. they are Suriyaphob, on the left, and Indrachit, on the right.

Suriyaphob

A giant with a bright red body, was the son of Thao Chakrawad, ruler of krung Maliwan and friend of Thosakan. he holds the Mekhaphat spear, which was given to him as a weapon by Phra Isuan. the spear was very potent and withstand it. According to legend the spear was thrown at Phra Satarut and made him faint. Suriyaphob, the giant was slain by Phra Phrot using his Phrammat arrow

Indrachit

A giant with a green body, was the beloved son of Thosakan and Naang Montho. His name was originally "Ronaphak Kumarn" because of his potent powers. Because ho defeated Phra Indra, his name was changed to Indrachit. He was given sacred weapons by Phra Isuan, Brahma, and Phra Narai including the Phrammat, Nagabat and Vishnupanam arrows. finally Indrachit, like MangkornKan before him was killed by Phra Ram's Phrommat arrow.

Sala Rai, Wat Phra Kaew

Sala Rai, Wat Phra Kaew are open sided pavillions traditionally used as places where religious text could be read to the people during festivals and holy days. there are 12 Sala Rai placed around the Hall of Temple, 4 pavillions each at the northern and southern sides and two each at the front and rear. Although originally designed to provide people who had come to hear the monks chanting with a resting place, they are now mainly used by tourists as a resting place.

All 12 pavillions are similar in design and size, topped with a Thai-style roof and covered with blue and orange tiles. The gable is decorated with a Thephanom on a white glass background and surrounded by traditional Thai motifs on a blue glass background. The roof is adorned with a Chor Fa, Bai Raka, Hang Hong and Nag Sadung(Thai name. Carved wooden props help support the roof on all sides. The celling of the pavillions are covered with plaster. The floors are laid with marble at both levels.

Sala Rai, Wat Phra Kaew History

The Sala Rai were constructed in the First Reign. King Chulalongkorn (King Rama 5) ordered new ones constructed to replace the originals and these were again and new ones built to replace them. It is these pavillions that can be seen today. These same pavillions were renovated in the original style to mark the capital's bicentennial in the present reign.

Source Book : The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace

Giant, the Wat Phra Kaew temple, Bangkok

The giant stand beside the gate to protect the temple from all devil and ghost.

All Giants around Wat Phra Kaew was turn his face to The hall of Temple for protect The Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot or Phra Bhuddha Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn). All giants around was 12, come from The Ramayana scene (same story on Mural wall painting).

All 12 Giants made from cement; decorated by mosaic and mirror. Hanging the bat, protect the gate. All was height about 6 Metres (suppose the giants was established on King Rama 2 period)

Srisassada Gate; Grand Palace entrance, Wat Phra Kaew

1. Tossa Girithorn Giant

; Soil Swan or dark pot color, end of nose was trunk. He was son of Ravana and Elephant.

2. Tossa Giriwan Giant

; the Tossa Kirithorn’s twin, end of nose was trunk too.

Front of the hall of temple, Wat Phra Kaew

3. Wirunhok Giant

; Kab color, irritable and be quick-tempered. Govern a country Unthakarn City.

4. Mangkornkan Giant

; King of Giant, green color. He was son of Phraya Korn and Ratchadasoon, king of Romekal City.

Back of the hall of temple, Wat Phra Kaew

5. Jakkawatr Giant

; white color, Govern a country Maliwan. He was Ravana Close friend.

6. Ussakan Mala Giant

; purple color. He was Ravana Close friend too.

The gate in front of Phra Thep Bhidorn house, Wat Phra Kaew

7. Suriyaphop Giant

; red color. Mangkornkan (no. 4)’s brother, he have a magic glass that burn all he point.

8. Inthrachit Giant

; green color. He was son of Ravana and Miss Montho. In the pass he was called Ronnapak, who get arrow from God Siva. Can transfigure to God Indra. After time he was named Inthrachit because he can get win the God Indra.

The north gate of Phra Srirattana Pagoda, Wat Phra Kaew

9. Wirun Jambang Giant

; ink color (white with black). He was son of Phaya Tooht from Jaruk, chonnaboht. Ravana’s nephew, riding the black horse with red mouth (nillphahu) that can disappear through horse and whom riding.

10. Maiyarap Giant

; King of Giant, light purple color. The third king of water land. Known the magic to charming forces.

The south gate of Phra Srirattana Pagoda, Wat Phra Kaew

11. Sahassa decha Giant

; King of Giant, white color. King of Pangtarn City, have 1,000 faces and 2,000 hands. His bat can point the top to alive and point the end to kill.

12. Ravana Giant

; King of Giant, green color. Have 10 faces and 20 hands, in the life before this time he was named Nonthuk who was killed by Rama.

Mural wall painting, Wat Phra Kaew

General Information

Mural wall painting in Wat Phra Kaew has 178 screen. Painting by Thai literature Ramayana story (Ramakian). The Ramayana’s structure from India Compose again by King Rama 1 for collecting and completely all Ramayana story from Ayuthaya period.

Actually the balcony was around shrine, pagoda, hall of a temple for walk with lighted candles in hand around a temple. Especially for Wat Phra Kaew the balcony was around all building to separate with the Grand Palace times with hall of a temple and Monthien Dham hall. But not have a record for exactly time, when rebuild Monthien Dham hall because of burned the balcony was extend in the north like a present. That mean the balcony was establishe twice or one time when extend the temple. King Rama 1 be kind enough to paint the mural in Ramayana story around the wall.

Renovate

King Rama 3
Reproduct all mural and renovated balcony.

King Rama 4
Extend balcony and floor by tile.

King Rama 5
Fix the balcony and reproduct mural

King Rama 7
When celebrate kingdom 150 anniversary. Renovate balcony with new technique, cement and steel for prevent humid. Construct the fence in front of mural painting and renovate the floor.

King Rama 9 (present)
Renovate and painting on arc of balcony. For the roof fix and paint with gold stencil. Use new technique to modify the mural. Repaint on the damage mural following the original.

Tips

Ramayana story around the wall start from north door turn to the west.

Phra Thep Bhidorn house, Wat Phra Kaew

Phrathep Bhidorn House or Phra Buddha Prang castle is the place for keep wax of Chakkri’s king. Phrathep Bhidorn House stand in the east of Phra Mondhob, straight to Sawadisopha gate (Grand Palace gate).

History of Phra Thep Bhidorn house

King Rama 4
Phrathep Bhidorn House established by King Rama 4 in 1855 and finished on 1882 (27 yaers). Folowing Ayuthaya Gold Castle. The tile was import from China since King Rama 3 (first the King plan to decorate hall of Arunrachawararam temple) but not finished, the king was pass away

King Rama 5
In King Rama 5 times, continue construct on Phrathep Bhidorn House. Roof inside, wall paint, floor by marble, decorate mirror and renovate outside too. And finished when celebrate kingdom 100 anniversary. But the size was not enough to make ceremony if stand The Emerald Buddha (following King Rama 4 royal thought) but replace by respectfully engage Kalaithong pagoda (that in the pass stand at the right of Phra Buddha Monthien) to be a principle.

In the late of King Rama 5 have an short on electrical circuit then burn all roof decorate and Kalaithong pagoda. While the burn King Rama 5 ask to remove windows and doors to Rachabaphitr’s temple. Then have a renovate and continue in King Rama 6 period.

King Rama 6
After renovated King Rama 6 establish the wax of Chakkri’s king to stand here. And change the name from Phra Buddha Prang castle to Phra Thep Bhidorn house.

King Rama 7
In King Rama 7 established the wax mold of King Rama 6 and respectfully engage to stand in Phra Thep Bhidorn house. And renovate the building following original for celebrate kingdom 150 anniversary.

King Rama 8
In King Rama 8 established the wax mold of King Rama 7 but not finished the respect process, the king was pass away.

King Rama 9
King Rama 9 continue all process and established the wax mold of King Rama 8 then respectfully engage wax of King Rama 7 and King Ramam 8 to stand in Phra Thep Bhidorn house.When celebrate kingdom 200 anniversary have renovate Phra Thep Bhidorn house again following original.

Phra Thep Bhidorn house will open for visit only 7 days a years that was on Chakkri’s day, Songkran day (3), Chatramongkol day, King Rama 5’s day and the birth day of King Rama 9 (present king).