Grand Palace – a must-visit place in Bangkok

The Grand Palace is known as one of the most famous tourist destinations in Bangkok, Thailand. It was built in 1782 and has been the official residence of the Kings of Thailand for more than 200 years. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is a major cultural and architectural landmark that you should not miss on your Thailand trip.

Basic information about The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a royal palace complex that houses a museum & is open to visitors.

• Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 (See map)
• Open: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
• Ticket fee: 500 THB/ foreigner; Free for Thai

What is The Grand Palace famous for?

The Grand Palace is famous for its intricate and ornate architecture, which showcases a unique blend of Thai, Chinese, and European influences. The palace is comprised of many buildings, including the Royal Reception Halls, the Royal Chapel, and the Emerald Buddha Temple, which is home to one of Thailand’s most revered religious icons.

The most famous building in the Grand Palace complex is the Emerald Buddha Temple. It is named after its most important and revered artifact, the Emerald Buddha – a small, green statue of a seated Buddha made of jade or jasper. The temple was built in the late 18th century during the reign of King Rama I and is considered one of the most sacred sites in Thailand. The Buddha’s cloak is changed seasonally and marks the beginning of winter, summer, and the rainy season.

Visitors to The Grand Palace can also explore the palace’s extensive gardens and courtyards, filled with lush greenery, sparkling fountains, and intricate sculptures. Additionally, the palace houses several museums that showcase the history and culture of Thailand.

Occasionally, your ticket will include a performance of Khon – a dance drama genre in Thailand that you should not miss.

Tips when visiting The Grand Palace:

The Grand Palace is a sacred and impressive place, hence knowing some tips will help you to avoid trouble and enjoy your trip the most.

• Dress appropriately

The Grand Palace is a sacred site, and visitors are expected to dress formally. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees. Wearing shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing may result in entrance rejection. In case you forget to dress appropriately, you will be directed to a shop at the entrance to buy proper clothes before entering. Don’t buy it there. There are many cheaper shops outside for you to buy from.

• Arrive early

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangkok, the place can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season. If you arrive early, you can avoid the heat and the crowd at the same time

• Stay hydrated

Bangkok is quite hot all year round. Do wear comfortable, lightweight clothing, a hat, and sunglasses, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. Remember to take your hat off when you enter any sacred buildings to show your respect.

• Wear comfortable shoes

The Grand Palace is a large complex with many buildings and courtyards to explore, hence you will need to walk a lot. Wearing comfortable shoes will help you to enjoy the visit the best.

• Follow the rules

The Grand Palace is a sacred site, and visitors are expected to follow the rules and regulations such as not touching or climbing on any of the buildings, not taking photos when not allowed, and respecting the dress code.

• Hire a guide/ audio guide

Hiring a guide will help you learn more about the history and significance of the Grand Palace. If you don’t want to hire a guide, you can hire an audio guide at the gate. It is also super informative as well.

• Spend enough time

The Grand Palace is a large historic site, and spending enough time will help you enjoy it fully. Don’t rush through it – take around 2-3 hours to appreciate the intricate details and beautiful architecture.

• Plan for additional fees

There is an admission fee to enter the Grand Palace, and there may be additional fees for certain attractions or exhibits within the complex. Make sure to budget accordingly.

• Avoid tuk-tuk scams

There are some guys outside the place telling you the site is closed. Never trust them! They are trying to offer some other service to you. It is better to always ask and check at the main entrance. You may read tuk-tuk tips to get more details.

Overall, the Grand Palace is worth visiting due to its beautiful architecture and rich history. Being well-prepared for it will help you learn about the place and enjoy it to the fullest.