Bangkok Attractions

Royal Grand Palace

Construction of the palace began in 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of King Rama I, and opened in 1785 to signify the end of the Burmese invasion of Thailand. The palace itself is made up of a complex array of smaller buildings, most notably the Wat Mahatat (the Palace Temple) and the Wat Phra Keow (the Royal Chapel), which houses the famous Emerald Buddha sculpted from a single piece of jade, and one of the most revered objects in the Kingdom.

Address: Na Phralan Road, Phra Nakhon; Website: www.palaces.thai.net; Telephone: (0)2 623 5500; Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 4.30pm; Admission: B 250 (adults); children free