Grand Palace & Vimanmek Mansion

Bangkok Architecture Adventure: Grand Palace & Vimanmek Mansion

Downloaded on: 7 Oct 2021

Tour code: BKKDBGPV Bangkok City Day Tour

( Private )

Tour Level: Moderate Tour Comfort: Superior Tour Period: Afternoon / Morning

Bangkok highlights tour details

Tour the dazzlingly ornate Grand Palace A thrilling visit to the dazzlingly ornate Grand Palace, the former seat See the 5.5 ton solid gold Buddha of Wat Trimitr of the king, his court, and the entire government administration. The Admire the colossal reclining Buddha of magnificent Wat Pho palace, official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the Visit the highly revered, tiny Emerald Buddha mid-20th century, is brilliantly coloured and gilded, a glorious See royal palaces still used for state ceremonies expression of Thai art. In the palace grounds stands Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the most sacred temple in Thailand. Construction of the temple began in 1785 when King Rama 1 moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. The Emerald Buddha (actually carved from a single piece of jade) is only 17 inches tall, but it is the most revered object in Thailand. The Royal Reception halls are still used for important ceremonial occasions, like coronations, and are magnificent examples of Thai architecture.

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tour description

The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration. The architecture is vibrantly Thai though there are some European designs as well. Brilliantly colored and gilded, and decorated with intricate detail, the overall effect is dazzling. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. Construction of the temple began when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other Thai temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only the richly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main temple building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Though green in color, the Buddha is actually carved from a single piece of jade, and though only 17 inches tall, is the most revered object in Thailand. Also within the grounds are several palaces, used for various occasions: the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. The majority of halls and palaces can be viewed from outside only, but the exteriors are captivating enough to please. Note: The entire Grand Palace is closed during special royal ceremonies and during visiting heads of state, while other buildings (such as the Throne Hall and Coronation Hall) are always closed on SAT/SUN and public holidays, during special ceremonies and on Buddhist Holidays. A calendar for visiting the Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha can be viewed on the web-site of the Bureau of the Royal Household at http://www.brh.thaigov.net/information. Vimanmek Mansion was the first permanent residence in Dusit Garden, built in 1900 by the royal command of King Rama V. The mansion was in fact his former Summer Palace. The celebration for the completion of Vimanmek Mansion was held on March 27, 1901. King Rama V moved from the Grand Palace to reside in Vimanmek Mansion for 5 years. After his death, the Vimanmek Mansion has not been used as a royal residence and has been used as a place of storage by the Bureau of the Royal Household for the past 50 years. King Rama VII ordered a few renovations to the Mansion. For example, he ordered the installation of electrical wiring and repairs to the main pier at the man-made lake in the garden. In 1982, Her Majesty the Queen asked for His Majesty's permission to renovate the Mansion to be used as a museum to honour King Rama V by displaying his photographs, art and artefacts to commemorate royal visits to Europe as well as to exhibit Thai handicrafts to serve as a showcase of the national heritage for future generations.

NOTE: Vimanmek Mansion is closed for renovation from 21 July 2016 until further notice. includes excludes

Transfer included: Yes Meals included: None

Contact [email protected] www.diethelmtravel.com