Bangkok Offbeat Tours

The Grand Palace Bangkok happens to be one of the most sought after landmarks that attracts zillions of visitors year over year. The palace was constructed in the year 1782 and it has been used as the home of the Thai King, administrative seat of government and the Royal Court for about 150 years. The centre of attraction of this age old marvel in Bangkok is its beautiful architectural designs and intricate detailings. They are worth a watch. You will truly be captivated by the sheer creativity and craftsmanship of the Thai People of the bygone times. Apart from being the home to the Royal Residence and Royal Court, this architectural marvel has also served as home to many government and administrative departments like the Thai war ministry, The treasury or Phra Viharn Yot, Civil Administration, and the most fascinating Temple of Emerald Buddha, which contains small and greatly Emerald Buddha dating back to almost 14th century. The Thai kings stopped living in the palace around the 20th century but it is still used for all ceremonial and auspicious happenings. The Palace Complex has got a similar style of architecture as that of the paces of Ayutthaya which happened to be the glorious capital of Siam. The palace has an outer court close to the main entrance housing many government departments in which the Thai kings are involved directly. The outer court has civil administration, treasury, and army departments. The famous temple of Emerald Buddha is also located in one of the corners of the Outer Court. The Central Court serves as the residence of the Thai Kings and has halls that are used for conducting state business. Out of many, only two throne halls are open for public exhibition where tourists can marvel at the exquisite work of art on the impressive structures. The Inner Court of The Grand Palace is meant for royal consorts and the place where the daughter lived. The inner courts are just like a small city that is entirely populated by women and boys under the puberty age. At the present times, no one lives in the inner court but it is still not open for public exhibition. Heading over to the Grand Palace, you will come across many contrasting styles of architecture with designs inspired from various European architectural styles. Some of the major highlights of The Grand Palace are the Boromabiman hall and the Amarinda Hall which has served as the primary residence of King Rama I and the Hall of Justice.Read More: Places To Visit In Thailand In December

Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew is a 15th century Buddha statue that has been carved from green jasper(a semi-precious stone) and clothed in gold. This approximately 66 centimeters tall statue depicts Gautam Buddha sitting in the lotus position and meditating. Also known as Phra Phuttha Maha Mani Rattana Patimakon, Emerald Buddha is considered Thailand’s sacred palladium and is housed inside the Temple of Emerald Buddha, which is located in the Grand Palace premises in Bangkok. The costumes of the Emerald Buddha are ceremonially changed thrice a year as per the seasons. This statue was first found in 1434 CE in Chiang Rai of northern Thailand after the stucco wall of a Buddhist Stupa was cracked open by lightning. Nothing is known about its past before that, making it one of the most mystical figurines that are considered to have some spiritual power. The only information about it is gathered from the palm leaf manuscript named the Chronicle of the Emerald Buddha, found in Chiang Mai and written in the Pali language. As per this manuscript, the statue was crafted by a Sarvastivadan Buddhist Monk in 43 BCE in Patliputra, India. The exterior of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is made of dark blue, orange, and green glazed roof tiles, golden carvings, glittering mosaics, and bronze bells, giving it an extraordinarily beautiful view. The emerald statue is placed on a high pedestal inside the temple with two Buddha statues on both sides, which are about three meters tall. The inner and outer walls of the temple are covered in murals about the world as per Buddhist cosmology and scenes from Ramakein (Hindu epic Ramayana’s version from Thailand) respectively. There are six pairs of Yakshas or giant demon guardians guarding the entrance of the temple and protecting it from any evil spirits.Read More: Things To Do In Bangkok In 5 Days

Visit these sightseeing places in Bangkok to explore Thailand's architectural traditions and artwork. First, visit Suan Pakkad Palace - a former royal residence featuring eight traditional teakwood houses with a collection of Ban Chiang. Then head to Jim Thompson's house and museum to view his personal collection of fine arts and antiques.Both of these sightseeing places in Bangkok offer you a chance to discover artefacts, unique heritage, art pieces, poetry, tools, and glass ornaments.Location: 352 354 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400Timing: 3 hrs tour