After visiting the Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha, we proceeded our journey to the less crowded areas of The Grand Palace complex.

The Grand Palace complex was established in 1782 and it consists of not only the royal residence and throne halls, but also a number of government offices. It covers an area of 218,000 square metres and is surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length.

The Borom Phiman Mansion

After escaping the crowds from The Temple of Emerald Buddha, we came to The Borom Phiman Mansion, a western design building that is completely different from any other buildings that we have seen in The Grand Palace compound. The Borom Phiman Mansion was built in western style in 1903 by King Rama V for the Heir Apparent, the future King Rama VI, this mansion was also used on various occasions as a royal residence by King Rama VII, VIII and the present King Rama IX. At present the mansion serves as the Royal Guest House for visiting Heads of State and guests of Their Majesties.

Since the mansion is still used as guest house, we’re not allowed to enter its compound. The gate was locked and the soldiers were guarded at the gate.

At one time I actually felt pity for the stalwart soldiers in full uniform and gear carrying out their duty to safeguard the complex but were constantly interrupted by the visitors who were so enthusiastic to take photos with them. They were like part time statues harassed by cameras flashes and visitors posed next to them.

Can we just leave the soldiers alone?

Chakri Maha Prasat

We walked further and came to a huge nicely maintained lawn planted with beautiful trees and flowers. The lawn was surrounded by Chakri Maha Prasat, The Dusit group buildings and The Borom Phiman Mansion. The Chakri Maha Prasat was built by King Rama V in 1882, the same year as the centenary celebration of Bangkok. Only the reception area are now in used. The Chakri group consists of the Central Throne Hall and the two wings. The Central Throne Hall now serves many purposes, most notably for reception of foreign ambassadors.

Its walls are decorated with four canvasses depicting diplomatic receptions of the past. The crystal decorations in the hall are mostly gifts from foreign monarchs presented to King Rama V.

It’s a stunning building with the style of West-Thai.

On the left of the Chakri Group is a stretch of eye-catching buildings with traditional Thai style roofs. This area is called The Phra Maha Monthian Group, consists of three main buildings, namely the Audience Hall of Amarindra Winitchai, the Paisal Taksin Hall, and the Chakraphat Phiman Hall.

The Phra Maha Monthian Group

The Audience Hall was built in 1785 during the reign of King Rama I. Is it used for a number of state ceremonies such as the birthday anniversary of the King. The Paisal Taksin Hall is where the coronation ceremony takes place. The Chakraphat Phiman building was the residence of King Rama I, II and III. It has subsequently become customary for the sovereign to spend at least one night here after the coronation to signify the taking up of official residence.

The Dusit Group at the right of The Chakri Group

This group consists of the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall and the Amphorn Phimok Pavilion. All these buildings look very similar to each other and thus I was quite confused throughout the whole journey and need to constantly refer to the map and the introduction of each building in the guide brochure.

Click to download the full size plan

You may also find more information and photos of The Grand Palace in my previous post -> The Grand Palace and Royal Monastery of the Emerald Buddha.