Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is one of the most popular attractions in the capital. It has been the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since 1782 and covers 218,000 square metres. It only consists not only of the royal and throne halls but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
After King Rama I ascended to the throne in 1782, the palace was built. Prior to this, the royal palace and centre of administration had been located in Thonburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. For various reasons, the new King considered the former capital to be unsuitable and decided to establish a new capital on the other side of the river.
The Grand Palace Map - Source |
Inside The Grand Palace
As soon as the palace comes into sight, its opulence is apparent. Real gold decorates the many buildings that including the temple for the Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace is surrounded by many smaller buildings where foreign dignitaries stay. All of this is surrounded by large white defensive walls that were built in the 1700 and 1800s.
There is a special gate, the Phimanchaisri Gate, that only a monarch, foreign monarchs, and world leaders can enter through; all others enter through a different gate.
Once you enter through the gate, you realize just how massive the palace compound is. It contains the Dusit Haha Prasat Throne Hall, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Phra Maha Monthian, and government offices among other buildings. However, be aware that most of the buildings are not open to the public.
When my best friend and I visited in March 2019, there was a museum in one building, where no photographs were allowed, that contained all the gifts the late King Rama IX (or King Bhumibol Adulyadej) received during his reign from foreign heads of state. It was lovely to see the gifts given to him by The Queen, as well as the gifts from various dignitaries around the world.
The Temple of Emerald Buddha. Filming and taking photos inside the temple are not permitted, however, you can take photos outside. |
One of the most important buildings in the complex is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. You must take your shoes off to enter the temple and cannot take photos once you have entered. There is a separate area for the Thai people to pray from foreigners, and the architecture is just beautiful (as it is throughout the complex).
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The grounds of the Grand Palace are made up of three different zones, or courts. There is the Inner, Middle, and Outer Court. You will likely spend most of your time in the Outer Court, where you will find buildings open to the public as well as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. You will find that much of the palace consists of traditional Thai architecture, while other areas are inspired by the European renaissance era, and oftentimes you will see a combination of both. There are over 100 buildings on the grounds.
The Grand Palace is a must-see if you are visiting Bangkok. It’s in a beautiful area and full of history and unique, gorgeous architecture!
Scroll down for more photos around The Grand Palace grounds!
Facilities and Accessibility
• You can borrow wheelchairs for free from the cloakrooms just inside the Exhibition Road entrance.
• Wheelchair-accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are clearly marked on the Museum map and floor plans.
• Additional 200 Baht for a rental personal audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin, and Thai.
• Souvenir/Gift shops are available.
• Doi Kham shop offers hot and cold drinks, snacks, and other products.
Admission Fee
Admission fee is free of charge for Thai nationals.
Adult - 500 baht for foreigners.
Children – under 120cm in height are free of charge.
The ticket covers the tour of The Grand Palace grounds and surrounds (not including the inside the palace), and a visit to The Temple of Emerald Buddha, Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion, and the late King Rama Museum of his private collection.
The ticket also includes an entry for the “Khon” Thai Classical Masked Dance that is performed every Monday to Friday (10:30am, 01:00pm, 02:30pm, 4:00pm, and 5:30pm) at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre.
It is valid within 7-days after the ticket purchase.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM - 3.30 PM
You can buy the tickets online, or at the entrance gate.
Dos and don’t when visiting The Grand Palace
Here’s a general guideline for dressing when visiting the Grand Palace and the temples inside.
– Knees and shoulders should always be covered.
– No tight or transparent clothing.
– Avoid yoga pants, stretch pants, and sleeveless tops.
– Clothing depicting religious themes and death-related themes is not allowed.
– Torn-style clothing is not permitted.
– If you have any Buddhist or Hindu tattoos, be sure to cover them.
You won’t be allowed to enter the temple (and the Grand Palace) if you don’t adhere to the dress code guidelines. However, you can rent appropriate clothing at the entrance if you forget to wear proper clothes.
– Always speak quietly. Avoid laughing or yelling inside the temple. You shouldn’t run around in the temple grounds as well. Think twice of bring your small children and toddlers as the place is usually crowded to avoid any form of inconvenience.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring a water bottle as well. There are free drinking facilities available.
- Do not take photos and videos in places that are not permitted.
– Be respectful. Try not to get in the way of people who may visit the temple to actually worship.
– Don’t chew gum, eat snacks, or smoke cigarettes inside the temple.
– Don’t wear accessories like hats, sunglasses, or headphones while you’re exploring the temples.
– Avoid turning your back too, pointing at, and touching images of Buddha. NO selfies.
CovidSafe Plan
After being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Grand Palace and Temple of Emerald Buddha is now open to the public since its reopening in November 2021.
In the same month, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) presented the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Plus Certificate to the Grand Palace, and other two of Bangkok’s most famous and revered attractions, Wat Pho, and the City Pillar Shrine.
All three attractions reopened to the public on 1 November 2021, after a temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the same day on which Thailand began welcoming fully vaccinated tourists from 63 countries/territories and from around the world.
UPDATE: Thailand is now removing all travel restrictions, including the registration to Thailand Pass, and lifting the US$10,000 health insurance requirement, thus welcoming all travellers with proof of either a certificate of vaccination or a pre-arrival negative RT-PCR or professional ATK test result.
This means tourists can once again marvel at the beauty and magnificence of the Grand Palace complex, which also incorporates the famed Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaeo, and the historical significance of Wat Pho also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and which is a centre of traditional Thai massage. Bangkok’s City Pillar Shrine is also now once again welcoming both Thai and foreign visitors to pay homage.
To help ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the health and safety measures in place at all venues include the compulsory wearing of face masks at all times, body temperature screening upon entry, handwashing facilities, and registration on the Thai Chana application. Social distancing is observed at service points in the complex, and common contact surfaces are cleaned and disinfected every 20 minutes, while medical professionals are on standby in the case of emergencies or first aid being needed
How to Get There
Sky Train (BTS)
BTS Saphan Taksin Station Exit 2
Walk to the Chao Phraya River. Under the bridge, there is a Sathorn Pier. Chao Phraya Express Boat, orange flag. Take the boat at Tha Chang (N9). The royal palace is on the right.
By MRT
MRT Sanam Chai Station Exit 1
Take the bus no. 3, 9, 44, 47, 53 and 82
By Boat
This is one of the most popular ways to The Grand Palace.
Take an express boat to Tha Tien (N8) along the Chao Phraya. Once you walk out of the pier walk past the food stalls until you get to a large road junction. In front (slightly to the right) is The Grand Palace. Take a right here and walk about 10 minutes until you come to Wat Pho which will be on the other side of the road. Otherwise, get on a tuk-tuk but they'll probably overcharge a lot for this short distance.
By Bus
Buses go straight to The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The bus that passes through the palace and the nearest temple is Wat Phra Kaew. 1, 3, 9, 15, 25, 30, 32, 33, 43, 44, 47, 53, 59, 64, 80, 82, 91, 203, 503, 508, 512
By Private car - Parking
Wat Mahathat, Tha Maharaj soi Thapphen, beside City Pillar Shrine, Rajadamnern Road Car Park, Soi Wat Pho, Wat Rakang Parking Building.
By Tuk Tuk
It might end up costing you more than a taxi to get there. If possible arrange a price beforehand with a little bargaining.
Underground Walkway near Grand Palace
Photo credit: PattayaMail.com |
The underground walkway beneath Maharat Road is now open for the convenience of visitors to the Grand Palace. The project included a museum and its exhibition area on the history of the capital and the architecture of local ancient walls and the Intara Rangsan fort. The museum can welcome 400-600 visitors at a time or about 10,000 a day.
Photo credit: PattayaMail.com - Tourists would have a rest area before entering the Grand Palace and visiting tourist attractions near the adjacent Sanam Luang ground. |
The new walkway would ensure safety for people because they would not have to cross the road to the Grand Palace. Besides, tourists would have a rest area before entering the Grand Palace and visiting tourist attractions near the adjacent Sanam Luang ground.
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang,
Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Thank you for sharing the full details of the Grand palace,bangkok Thailand, very informative ! Beautiful area and gorgeous architecture ✨ nakakamazed yung ganda dito♥️♥️
ReplyDeleteNakaka-amazed talaga. I can just sit there and stare for hours looking at the Palace. I felt like I've been blessed with its opulence!
DeleteHow I'm amazed by Their tradition, culture and history!
ReplyDeleteLocated at the heart of Bangkok,the capital of Thailand
Wow grabe ang ganda ng place ang perfect din ng bawat shot😍😍ang saya mamasyal sa ganysn ka gandan view and structures😍😍
ReplyDeleteI want to visit again next time we go to Bangkok.
DeleteWow ang ganda ganda nman na place ito . Tlgang babalik balikan din ng mga turista 😍
ReplyDeleteFor only 500baht entrance fee, I believe na super sulit! You need a whole day para lang dito.
DeleteNaku kung maka punta man po ako sa Bangkok di ko po talaga ito palalagoasin super memorable Yung mga place na ganito 🥰 Ang gaganda ok at talagang dito makikita Yung mga tradition at culture Nila❤️🥰
ReplyDeleteSulit pasyalan talaga, but I suggest not to bring little kids kasi kawawa lang sila. It is the most popular place to visit kaya super crowded.
DeleteIf you really want to know more their culture,I think this is the most one you need to visit.Ang gandaaa niya super and for sure mageenjoy ka sa mga attraction inside and outside 🥰❤️
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! Dito pa plang sulit na ang Bangkok trip!
DeleteI recall my visit to Grand Palace in Bangkok. Incredible.
ReplyDeleteI find it magical on its own way.
DeleteWow, this looks like it would be an amazing trip! I love your photos
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. I will have to add Bangkok to my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteIf you are a spiritual person, you will feel the energy of Emerald Buddha.
DeleteThailand is very high on my bucket list and I would love to visit Bangkok! The Grand Palace is so fascinating.
ReplyDeleteAll travel restrictions are gone starting July 01! You just need to present your usual travel documents and your vaccine certificate.
Deleteiconic place! The photos are great! I love how detailed your guide is, I don't think I now need to book anything to visit and see it all
ReplyDeleteYes, you should visit!
DeleteThis post makes me wanna go back to Bangkok. I love the city and the Grand Palace was the first landmark I visited on my first trip. The temples are just incredible.
ReplyDeleteThat place looks massive. I love the look of that blue door
ReplyDeleteOh wow, there seems to be so much detail that has gone into that. It looks quite amazing. I'd love to see it myself.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this beautiful spot to visit with detailed info. I miss all my Thailand travels slot, hope can resume soon. Cheers Siennylovesdrawing
ReplyDeleteThat is such a grand and beautiful palace. It looks absolutely amazing and definitely worth a visit.
ReplyDeleteThat really is a grand palace. So incredibly beautiful
ReplyDelete