Located on the same grounds as the Wat Phra Kaew is the Grand Palace. Its origins date back to the time when King Rama I decided to move the kingdom across the Chao Phraya River and was complete in 1785. The buildings that comprise the Grand Palace include a mixture of more classical Thai architecture, as well as a hall inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Personally I found the European architectural buildings to seem a bit out of place, amidst the otherwise harmonious Thai structures, with their abundance of color and upward-pointing details.
The grounds around well-preserved buildings was immaculate. Groundskeepers practiced their topiary skills, transforming bushes into elephants and other animals.
Visitors were allowed inside some of the buildings. Inside one was an elevated throne used during the coronation ceremony. The walls in one building were decorated with what looked like wallpaper. It wasn't until I looked up close that I realized that these were all paintings - such intricate work! Unfortunately, photos were not allowed inside the buildings.
Although the king does not live in the palace, the Grand Palace is still used for special ceremonies such as coronations, funerals, marriages, and state banquets.
See more photos of the Grand Palace on my Flickr page.
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