1. Grand Palace Layout and Orientation
If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Located in Yawarat Area of Bangkok, Thailand. The Grand Palace or Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang served as the official residence of the Thai Kings since 18th century. The Grand Palace was first established during the reign of King Rama I in 1782, when he decided to move the capital of Siam across the river from Thonburi on the west to Bangkok on the east of the Chao Phraya River. The Grand Palace was designed to be a complex of magnificent buildings, including the Royal home of the Thai King, the Royal court, the administrative seat of government, as well as Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.