The Grand Royal Palace rises on the banks of the Menam River in the Old Town area of Bangkok. It consists of the impressive complex of sacred and secular buildings that are surrounded by a 1900-meter defensive wall. The construction of the palace was initiated by King Rama I in 1782. The magnificent Temple of the Emerald Buddha was erected at that time as well. The palace complex was the official residence of the Thai monarchs until the mid-twentieth century. Tourists also have two museums at their disposal, where exhibits related to the history of the constriction of the Royal Palace are presented.
