Bangkok boasts hundreds of things to see and do, but somewhere near the top of the list is the Grand Palace. This vast, sprawling complex of buildings and temples is a fine example of Thai tradition, beauty, and architecture. The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and commissioned by King Rama I; it is famous for housing the Jade Buddha. But that’s not all the Bangkok Grand Palace has to offer. Check out this interesting Thai destination with our guide to what to see and how to visit.
Admission and Entrance
The entrance fee to the Grand Palace may be a little more expensive than for other Bangkok tourist attractions, but we think it is well worth it (it was around 500 baht when we last checked). You get to experience a valuable piece of Thai history and culture, and the photo opportunities are fantastic. The Grand Palace complex is open between 8.30 am and 3.30 pm every day. It is best if you get there as early as possible because not only do you beat some of the crowd, but it is slightly cooler and more comfortable to walk around. You can pay for an audio guide in a range of different languages.
The Grand Palace complex is located on Na Phra Lan Road.
Wat Phra Kaeo – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
If you only see one thing at the Grand Palace (and surely you will not want to see only one thing, but that’s another story), then make it the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The entrance to this temple is guarded by two demons, gifts from Chinese traders. After the demons, you will see walls covered with murals that tell the story of Ramakien. The chedi inside the temple is reputed to contain a hair or a bone of the Buddha.
The Emerald or Jade Buddha is small but perfectly formed. It is housed within a nine-tier shelter and was first discovered in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand. The statue was not always so resplendent – it was covered in plaster when it was first brought to light. This plaster layer was accidentally damaged when the statue was being transported – a stroke of luck as the emerald figure was revealed beneath the layers. The King of Thailand changes the robes on the Buddha three times a year – a mark of the changing seasons.
Phra Mondhop
Phra Mondhop is a building that houses the sacred scriptures of the Tripitaka. The floor of this building is made of silver, and the scriptures are displayed on a bookcase decorated with mother-of-pearl. The exterior of the building is covered with glass mosaic tiles, making it an attractive feature of the Grand Palace complex.
Phra Viharn Yot
This building is home to one of the most valuable and oldest treasures in the complex – an ancient throne of Ramkhamhaeng, who founded Thailand in the 13th century.
Prasat Phra Debidorn
You cannot usually enter this building, which is also called the Pantheon. It is open on one day of the year only – April 6th. The building contains statues of the first kings of the Thai Chakri dynasty. The first eight kings are displayed here.
Tips for Entrance
You enter into the Grand Palace through the “Gate of Wonderful Victory” – Wiseedtschairi Gate. The ticket office is at the beginning of the road to the Palace. When you buy an admission ticket, you gain entrance to Wat Phra Kaeo (the Emerald Buddha Temple), the Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion, the Vimanmek Mansion Museum, and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
Dress Code for the Grand Palace
It is imperative to dress appropriately to gain entrance to the Grand Palace. Women should dress modestly to show respect, covering their shoulders and most of their legs. Wear pants or a long skirt, plus a T-shirt or shirt, to ensure you are fully covered. Men can wear long pants and a T-shirt. You will not be allowed to wear flip-flops, any form of see-through clothing, or baggy pants and sweats.
Grand Palace Scams
Because the Grand Palace is such an important tourist attraction, it unfortunately attracts many people wanting to take advantage of tourists. Take no notice of someone telling you that the Grand Palace is closed, and that they have somewhere else they will take you instead. Keep walking and ask the guards at the Palace if you have any doubts. Only buy your admission tickets from the official office – touts on the street selling tickets are not genuine.
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