Palaces in Bangkok

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A Slice of History

As the seat of Thailand’s monarchy, Bangkok boasts of an impressive legacy of magnificent palaces.  From 1782 to 1932 when monarchical powers were absolute, more than a hundred palaces and royal retreats were built in and around the city.  Many of these were torn down or passed in to government hands after the revolution and today, only a few are open to the public.  They say when you visit a palace, you engage with history, and this is true of Bangkok’s sumptuously decorated royal mansions which present a fascinating insight into Thailand’s rich heritage and royal lore. 

Dazzling Grandeur

The first stop on every visitor’s agenda is the Grand Palace, Bangkok’s most popular landmark.  A stunning spectacle of glittering gold and shimmering glass, it houses Thailand’s most revered shrine, Wat Phrae Kaew with its iconic Emerald Buddha.  This small yet beautiful image is cloaked in royal robes that are changed with the seasons by His Majesty the King. Also enshrined within the Wat is a replica of the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia, symbolizing the deep historical links binding these two countries.  While inside the complex, take a stroll around the Borombinan Hall which used to be the residence of King Rama VI and the Chakri Mahaprasat that contains the ashes of the Chakri dynasty kings.  A strict dress code applies – no shorts, singlets or informal footwear allowed.  Entrance costs 200 baht and another 100 baht will hire a multi-lingual audio guide.  Nestled in the grounds of the Dusit Palace is the Vimanek Mansion, said to be the world’s largest golden teak building.  The exterior is distinctly Thai, but it has strong Western architectural overtones.  It’s 80-odd octagonal rooms, long winding staircases, and lattice walls serve as a display case for a veritable treasure trove of Thai, Khmer, Burmese, and Western objects d’art, beautifully carved teak and mahogany furniture, glassware, porcelain, and royal memorabilia.  No nails were used in the construction of this mansion, and it has the proud distinction of being the first building in Thailand with an indoor bathroom! Check out the Royal Carriage Museum with its impressive collection of 1900s vintage European carriages. The same dress code as for the Grand Palace applies.  The more recently established Suan Pakkad Palace houses fine examples of Buddhist and Hindu art, as well as lacquered depictions of the life of the Buddha.  

Off the Palace Trail

Other less visited but worthwhile royal houses include Phaya Thai Palace on Ratchwithi Road with its Western inspired glass and wood Throne Hall.  Chitralada Palace, the King’s actual residence, does not permit visitors, but if you watch from afar, you can catch a glimpse of the King’s private little station in front of the palace.  Thonburi Palace, also known as the Old Palace, is now the home of the Royal Navy and houses many halls built during different periods in Thai history.