If you do one thing in Bangkok, it should be to visit the Grand Palace. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of Thailand and is a magnificent, beautiful structure that is sure to take your breath away.
The Grand Palace
Built in 1782 by King Rama I, the Grand Palace became the royal residence and home of administrative offices. Although the royal family no longer resides here, it is still a spectacular place to view countless mystical Thai creatures covered in gold and jewels and amazing architectural structures. It is literally impossible to take a bad picture here, I'm pretty sure.
The Grand Palace is made up of the Upper Terrace with the recognizable gold Phra Siratana Chedi (large all-gold spire), the Mondop, which holds Buddhist sacred scriptures, a miniature model of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the Royal Pantheon, which houses statues of past sovereigns.
Down the steps from the Upper Terrace are subsidiary buildings which are also quite colorful and beautiful. Along the walls are shaded portions with old murals faded with age, but still impressive. Keep an eye out for the drinking water fountains to refill your water bottle and help beat the heat! At this level you can also reach the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Located inside the Grand Palace Complex is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). This renowned temple is one of the most venerated sites in Thailand where many people visit to pay respects to the Buddha inside. Though it is not actually emerald (it is in fact jade) it still is an impressive sight to behold. The Buddha wears three different outfits depending on the time of year: summer, rainy season, and cold season. The attire is changed in a ceremony three times a year presided over by the king.
The outside of the temple is as beautiful as the Buddha inside with rows and rows of Garuda (mystical bird-like creature) holding a Naga (mystical serpent) in each hand. These are covered in gold with jewels decorating the background behind them. Absolutely stunning.
Proper Dress Required!
There is a very strict dress code to visit the Grand Palace because it was a royal residence and houses sacred temples.
- No tank tops or sleeveless shirts
- No shorts
- No sheer clothing (ladies make sure your bra is not visible through your shirt)
- Short sleeves are fine as long as shoulders are covered
- Sandals are fine
- Men must wear long pants
- Women must wear long pants or skirts
If you arrive and find you are not properly dressed, there is a booth where you can rent items. A deposit is required but you will get it back when you return the clothing. Your best bet ladies: wear a long dress with short sleeves. And guys: pants and a t-shirt.
Good to Know
It is not necessary to hire a guide to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Palace, but if you are interested in learning more, it is possible to hire one by the entrance for a few hundred baht.
There are loads of scammers outside the Grand Palace. Beware! Someone may try to bring you to the wrong entrance (the main one is on Na Phra Lan road), avoid them and follow the crowds. Someone may try to tell you that the palace is closed and to go on a tour with them instead – also false, the palace is open everyday expect holidays. Someone else may try to tell you that you are not dressed appropriately and you need to buy something from them – if you follow the tips above for the dress code you will be fine. If you find out that you are not, the Grand Palace has items for visitors to rent. Again, ignore the scammers and just keep walking!
Tickets to the Grand palace include a free ticket to the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decoration and Coins located on the property of the Grand Palace complex. It is worth stopping by just to enjoy the air conditioning and to learn more about the royal lifestyle.
Also included with the Grand Palace ticket is a free ticket to the Vimanmek Mansion and Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, also worth a visit if you have the time. This part of the ticket is valid within 7 days of purchase.
By the entrance on Na Phra Lan Road is the Queen Sirikit Textile Museum, which you can check out with your Grand Palace ticket. This museum is a part of the Queen's efforts to preserve Thai textiles and art for future generations. It is open from 9:00 – 16:30 (4:30 PM) with the last admission at 15:30 (3:30 PM).
Palace Info
Na Phra Lan Road
Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, 10200
02 623 5500
Hours: 8:30 – 15:30 (3:30 PM)
Cost: Tickets are 500 baht
Have you visited the Grand Palace? Share your experiences/tips in the comments below!