The Grand Palace was built in 1782 at the same time as Wat Phra Kaeo to act as the official residence of the king. King Chulalongkorn was the last king to live there, subsequent monarchs residing at the less formal Chitralada Palace in Dusit district. Today, the palace is used for certain ceremonial occasions such as Coronation Day. A few government buildings within the compound are still functioning.

Dusit Throne Hall: The cross-shaped Dusit Throne Hall with its magnificent multi-tiered spire is one of the finest examples of Rattanakosin architecture. Originally used as a venue for royal audiences, the hall is currently used for the annual Coronation Day ceremonies. Inside this building is the fabulous mother-of-pearl throne, used since the first monarch of the Chakri Dynasty.

Chakri Throne Hall: This is the largest of the palace buildings and is often known as the Grand Palace Hall. Designed by the British architect John Chinitz, the building exhibits a bizarre blend of European and Thai architecture. The central 'mondop', the tiered spire on the roof, houses the ashes of each of the Chakri kings, while the flanking mondops enshrine the ashes of princes who never inherited the throne.

Boromphiman Hall: Built by King Rama V as a residence for the crown prince, the Boromphiman Hall is designed in neo-classical European style. Today, the hall is still occasionally used to accommodate visiting dignitaries.

Maha Monthien Hall: Located east of the Chakri Throne Hall, this complex actually includes three buildings, the Amarindra Audience Hall, the Phaisan Taksin Hall and the Chakraphat Phiman Hall. The three buildings together represent the grand residence of the palace complex.

Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace are open to the public daily from 8.30 am to 11.30 am and 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm. Admission costs 125 baht which includes entry to the Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion within the Grand Palace, and Vimanmek Palace and the Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall in nearby Dusit district.

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