Bangkok - Grande Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo

The Grand Palace complex covers 945,000m of grounds and contains over 100 buildings that date from 1782, the first year of Bangkok rule. Built in traditional Thai architecture mixed with European designs the Palace was once home to the Kings of Siam. Today it is used for only a few ceremonial occasions by the King himself. Adjoining the Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most important temple Wat Phra Kaeo or Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The building is a riot of colours and textures – lavish murals, mosaic encrusted pillars, multicoloured polished tiles, gargoyles and statues of mythical creatures. The Buddha itself is carved out of a single piece of jade and stands about 70cm tall in a glass pedestal out of reach of worshippers and gawpers alike. It is considered to be the holiest and most revered religious object in all Thailand.

Have you been to Bangkok and know about some more great highlights worth a mention? Add details for other visitors to read about.
Add a Bangkok highlight > >.

Bangkok top highlights and attractions

• Grande Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo
• Canals of Bangkok
• Floating Market
• Jim Thompson’s House
• Patpong