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Bangkok , according to Mastercard ’ s Global Destination Cities Index , was 2017 ’ s single most visited city in the world with 20.05mn visitors , and it is set to retain the crown in 2018 with a projected growth of 9.6 %. Not only is Bangkok the world ’ s most prolific city for tourism , but its estimated growth in tourist figures is comfortably the second largest of Mastercard ’ s Top 10 , behind Istanbul at 19.7 % and leading Kuala Lumpur at 7.5 %. With its wealth of culture and ubiquitous splashes of
colour , it is no surprise that people flock to its wondrous sites . At its heart is the official home of Thailand ’ s monarchy , the Grand Palace , an incredible complex of architectural masterworks from Wat Phra Kaew ( Temple of the Emerald Buddha ) to the Chakri Maha Prasat ( Grand Palace Hall ) whose façade ingeniously blends Thai and European styles . According to Heinz Duthel in Duthel Thailand Guide III , the Chakri Maha Prasat was designed and constructed by English architect
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