The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a walled complex of several magnificent buildings in Bangkok. It has served as the residence of the Kings of Thailand since 1782. The palace was commissioned by then-king Rama I, the founder of Thailand's Chakri dynasty. One of Thailand's most important cultural attractions, the Grand Palace attracts over eight million people every year. 

The roughly rectangular palace complex spans over 2.3 million sq-ft. (213,676 sq-m) and houses royal residences, throne halls, holy sites, a library holding Buddhist scriptures, a golden wooden pavilion, gardens, and courtyards. The Emerald Buddha Temple, Thailand's most sacred site, is located within the precincts of the palace. A miniature Angkor Wat across the temple dates to the reign of Rama IV when Cambodia was a vassal state of Siam. You can observe the changing architectural styles used throughout the complex's 200 years of construction. Entry to the palace is through the Wiseedtschairi Gate. Visitors to the Grand Palace are expected to dress modestly.