Grand Palace, Bangkok

\n The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings in Bangkok, Thailand. It served as the official residence of the king of Thailand from the 18th century to early in the 20th century. Construction on the palace complex began in 1782 during the reign of Rama I. The palace complex sits on the Chao Phraya River. The other approaches to the palace are protected by a defensive wall of length 1900 m, which encloses an area of 218400 sq m. Further out from the wall is a canal dug also for defensive purposes, making the area surrounding the palace an island, known as Ratanakosin Island. Prominent parts of the Grand Palace:\n* Wat Phra Kaew\n* Emerald Buddha \n]]\n\n\n - mythological creature, half bird, half woman]]\n