The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand, with over eight million people visiting each year. It is a rectangular complex with a combined area of 218,400 square meters, surrounded by four walls, and is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens, and courtyards. It is divided into several quarters, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court, and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace, with several royal offices still situated inside