Bangkok takes great pride in its large number of fascinating temples around the capital. The major ones can be found in the Rattanakosin area on the western side of the city. The Rattanakosin area is called an island but has been incorporated into the city .
1. THE GRAND PALACE & WAT PHRA KAEO ( THE TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA)
The splendid Grand Palace enclosure is home to many ornate temples and buildings with a variety of architectural styles. gold leaf, reflective tiling and Buddha images are to be seen everywhere. The magnificent wat Phra Kaeo, a treasure trove of Thai arts and home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered Buddha image, is at the heart of the complex, but there is much more places of interest to be seen in the Grand Palace compound; such as, the Royal Thai Decorations and Coin pavilion, where a permanent exhibition of royal regalia, decorations, medals and coins dating back to early 11th century is on display.
The complex is open everyday from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm except on special days designated of royal ceremonies to be announced later.
2. ANANDA SAMAKHOM THRONE HALL
Located on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, this beautiful Throne Hall used marble for construction and was built in the Italian Renaissance architectural style in the reign of King Rama V. The ceiling of the dome is highlighted by exquisite fresco paintings of important royal functions during the reign of King Rama I up to King Rama VI of the Royal House of Chakri.
Nowadays , Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall is primarily used to hold important royal and state ceremonies. The Hall used to welcome leaders from many countries participating in the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation ( APEC) 2003 hosted by the Royal Thai Government. The hall opens only on the 2nd Saturday of January ( Children's day) . However , the out door portion is open everyday from 9.30 am to 4 pm.
3. PHAYA THAI PALACE
Located on Ratchawithi Road, Phaya Thai Palace was constructed during the reign of King Rama V, and had a major restoration in the reign of King Rama VI. The museum is open to public to go inside only on Saturday at 9.30 am and 1.30 pm , but visitors are welcomed to walk inside the palace compound everyday.
4.Vimanmek Mansion
This is the largest golden teakwood building in the world, built in 1901 by King Chulalongkorn the Great ( King Rama V) as a royal residence . It is located behind the National Assembly Building. The 3 storey mansion contains 81 rooms, halls and antechambers. It was renovated and extensively restored by the order of H.M Queen Sirikit to house priceless treasures and a collection of late 19th and early 20th century royal memorabilia.
Situated on the east wing of Vimanmek Mansion is Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall , a one storey teak building built in the reign of King Rama V. The Hall is now Thailand's first handicraft masterpieces, created by members of her support foundation. In the museum, visitors will find handicrafts , such as nielloware, Thai silk with various unique design, Liphao basketry made from finely split jungle vines like beautiful trays and handbags studded with jewels in different designs, such as the green metallic wings of an indigenous beetle.
Near the entrance to Vimanmek Mansion is the Royal Carriage Museum with splendid examples of ancient horsedrawn carriages.
Vimanmek Mansion is open everyday from 9.30am to 4pm . Tickets are available until 3pm. There are Thai classical dance performances at 10.20am and 2.30pm. Polite and modest attire is required.
www.vimanmek.com
1. THE GRAND PALACE & WAT PHRA KAEO ( THE TEMPLE OF THE EMERALD BUDDHA)
The splendid Grand Palace enclosure is home to many ornate temples and buildings with a variety of architectural styles. gold leaf, reflective tiling and Buddha images are to be seen everywhere. The magnificent wat Phra Kaeo, a treasure trove of Thai arts and home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered Buddha image, is at the heart of the complex, but there is much more places of interest to be seen in the Grand Palace compound; such as, the Royal Thai Decorations and Coin pavilion, where a permanent exhibition of royal regalia, decorations, medals and coins dating back to early 11th century is on display.
The complex is open everyday from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm except on special days designated of royal ceremonies to be announced later.
2. ANANDA SAMAKHOM THRONE HALL
Located on Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue, this beautiful Throne Hall used marble for construction and was built in the Italian Renaissance architectural style in the reign of King Rama V. The ceiling of the dome is highlighted by exquisite fresco paintings of important royal functions during the reign of King Rama I up to King Rama VI of the Royal House of Chakri.
Nowadays , Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall is primarily used to hold important royal and state ceremonies. The Hall used to welcome leaders from many countries participating in the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation ( APEC) 2003 hosted by the Royal Thai Government. The hall opens only on the 2nd Saturday of January ( Children's day) . However , the out door portion is open everyday from 9.30 am to 4 pm.
3. PHAYA THAI PALACE
Located on Ratchawithi Road, Phaya Thai Palace was constructed during the reign of King Rama V, and had a major restoration in the reign of King Rama VI. The museum is open to public to go inside only on Saturday at 9.30 am and 1.30 pm , but visitors are welcomed to walk inside the palace compound everyday.
4.Vimanmek Mansion
This is the largest golden teakwood building in the world, built in 1901 by King Chulalongkorn the Great ( King Rama V) as a royal residence . It is located behind the National Assembly Building. The 3 storey mansion contains 81 rooms, halls and antechambers. It was renovated and extensively restored by the order of H.M Queen Sirikit to house priceless treasures and a collection of late 19th and early 20th century royal memorabilia.
Situated on the east wing of Vimanmek Mansion is Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall , a one storey teak building built in the reign of King Rama V. The Hall is now Thailand's first handicraft masterpieces, created by members of her support foundation. In the museum, visitors will find handicrafts , such as nielloware, Thai silk with various unique design, Liphao basketry made from finely split jungle vines like beautiful trays and handbags studded with jewels in different designs, such as the green metallic wings of an indigenous beetle.
Near the entrance to Vimanmek Mansion is the Royal Carriage Museum with splendid examples of ancient horsedrawn carriages.
Vimanmek Mansion is open everyday from 9.30am to 4pm . Tickets are available until 3pm. There are Thai classical dance performances at 10.20am and 2.30pm. Polite and modest attire is required.
www.vimanmek.com
