The Grand Palace in Bangkok is Thailand’s most well-known vacationer attraction – and for good cause – it’s a mind-blowing, spectacular sight that provides a vital perception into Thai historical past and tradition.
Bangkok’s Grand Palace is the official residence of the Thai royal household, it’s a sprawling and unbelievably elaborate advanced of royal residences, temples, pavilions, courtyards, and places of work. The undisputed spotlight is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) a blinding sight which homes the extremely revered Emerald Buddha.
It’s an absolute should see – even if you happen to don’t like busy vacationer sights, it’s nonetheless nicely value visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The extravagant palace and mesmerizing temple is the jewel of all Thailand’s golden temples and glittering palaces so that you don’t need to miss this out of your Bangkok itinerary.
Nevertheless, there are some issues it’s worthwhile to know earlier than visiting the Grand Palace and a few frequent scams you want to pay attention to to have an pleasurable and stress-free go to. However don’t fear, I’ll clarify every thing it’s worthwhile to learn about visiting the Grand Palace and avoiding the scams on this weblog.
In a rush? Pin this and skim it later!
Important Info for Visiting The Grand Palace, Bangkok:
- Location: The Grand Palace is positioned at Na Phra Lan Highway, Phranakorn, Bangkok, 10200. It’s such an unlimited advanced it may be complicated discovering the doorway which has modified from Viset Chaisri gate to Mani Noppharat Gate. It’s vital to go to the best entrance to keep away from getting scammed.
- Opening Hours: The Grand Palace is open each day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the final entrance at 3:30 pm. Nevertheless, it’s vital to notice that the palace could also be closed throughout particular royal ceremonies and sure holidays. To keep away from disappointment, or falling for the traditional ‘closed right this moment’ rip-off test the calendar schedule on the official web site earlier than you go to.
- Tickets and Entrance Payment: The Grand Palace is free to go to for Thai’s (convey your ID card). For foreigners the worth is 500 Baht (approx. US$14/ £11). You should purchase tickets on the entrance gate or on-line on the official web site. Don’t consider anybody who says it’s worthwhile to have a ticket earlier than coming into the advanced – it’s a rip-off.
- Costume Code: As it is a royal palace and sacred web site there’s a strict gown code for the Grand Palace. Each women and men are required to decorate modestly with shoulders and legs lined. Extra on the gown code right here.
- High Excursions: The simplest means to make sure you don’t fall for a rip-off and have the very best expertise is by taking a guided tour – most additionally go to close by temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun. These are prime rated Grand Palace excursions:
The Grand Palace – A Fast Historical past
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is an important royal historic and spiritual web site of the trendy period of Thailand. The monarchy is extraordinarily vital to the Thai folks so visiting the Grand Palace offers a vital perception to Thai tradition.
Building of the Grand Palace started in 1782 through the reign of King Rama I, the primary king of the Chakri dynasty which nonetheless guidelines right this moment, marking the institution of Rattanakosin in Bangkok as the brand new capital of Siam after the autumn of earlier capitals at Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.
The Grand Palace compound was a metropolis inside a metropolis which housed the royal residence and administrative places of work of the brand new capital. It has been developed and expanded considerably underneath subsequent kings, most notably King Rama IV and King Rama V who launched Western influences, and King Rama IX who modernized the palace.
Thailand is the one nation within the area that was not colonized by Europeans largely because of the efforts of the monarchy. All through the interval of absolute monarchy from 1782 to 1932, the Grand Palace was each the nation’s administrative and spiritual middle. After Thailand turned a constitutional monarchy in 1932 the palace was opened to the general public.
The Grand Palace stays the official residence of the Thai royal family, though they stopped truly residing right here in 1925. Right this moment it’s nonetheless used for numerous authorities places of work, royal ceremonies, state features and is Thailand’s hottest vacationer attraction attracting over 8 million guests every year.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
Whereas the Grand Palace may be very spectacular, the actual spotlight is Wat Phra Kaew, often known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This elaborate sacred Buddhist temple advanced is a big royal chapel inside the Grand Palace advanced and homes Thailand’s most valuable nationwide treasure – the well-known Emerald Buddha.
The historical past of the Emerald Buddha may be very attention-grabbing. It’s origins are surrounded in thriller, legends and conflicting tales. It’s stated to have been made in India in 43 BC and has modified arms many occasions, spending time in Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia and Laos.
When the Thai’s captured the Khmer capital of Angkor Wat in 1432 the Emerald Buddha got here to Northern Thailand and was hidden. In 1434 lightning struck a chedi at Wat Pa Yia in Chiang Rai and the Emerald Buddha was rediscovered. It was then housed in Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao in Lampang and Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai earlier than being taken to Laos the place it stayed for over 200 years.
In 1779 Basic Chao Phraya Chakri (who later turned Rama I) introduced the Emerald Buddha again to Siam. He based the Chakri dynasty, moved the capital, and constructed the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The temple was consecrated in 1785 and stays the nationwide treasure of Thailand.
The Emerald Buddha is definitely made out of jade or jasper however nonetheless seems to be spectacular sitting excessive up on a golden altar adorned with golden robes that get modified by the King himself in a ceremony at first of Thailand’s three seasons.
The entire temple is sort of overwhelmingly dazzling, a mesmerising riot of glittering gold and shimmering mosaics with intricate particulars all over the place you look. Each floor is roofed with elaborate mirror and glass mosaics that glitter within the solar whereas shimmering golden stupas stand up towards the sky.
There are additionally a whole bunch of legendary creatures adorning the temple; golden half-animal half-human celestial beings and pairs of large Yakshas guard the doorway, cheeky Hanuman monkeys maintain up the gilded stupas, 5 headed Naga snakes slither down stair rails whereas golden Garudas line the partitions. It actually helps to have a information to elucidate the which means behind all of it!
Contained in the temple, the intricately detailed, gold embossed murals everywhere in the partitions depict the Buddha’s life and path to enlightenment, and throughout the partitions of the courtyard lovely murals inform the story of the Ramakian, the Thai model of the influential Hindu epic the Ramayana.
The temple is actually dripping with gold, glittering mosaics and superb legendary creatures that create a blinding, mesmerising impact, there’s a lot to soak up – my images don’t do that beautiful sight justice – it actually needs to be seen to be believed!
Exploring the Grand Palace Advanced
Whenever you go to the Grand Palace you’ll enter via the outer court docket and go to Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) first, however that’s only a small a part of this huge advanced that covers over 218,000 sq. meters. There’s an excessive amount of to say on this weblog however right here’s a fast information to the opposite highlights that you simply’ll see as you stroll via:
You’ll enter the advanced on the Mani Noppharat Gate and go via the outer court docket which homes authorities departments and royal places of work and results in the Chapel Royal – Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.)
There are various different unimaginable buildings inside this space too such because the Royal Pantheon, which incorporates life sized statues of all of the Chakri Dynasty kings, the spectacular Phra Mondop, and the shimmering golden stupa of Phra Sri Rattana Chedi.
After visiting the temple you’ll go into the center court docket and go by the Phra Maha Monthien buildings constructed by Rama I. These are vital royal residences and halls in conventional Thai structure used for royal ceremonies however not open to the general public.
Subsequent to those buildings is the spectacular Chakri Maha Prasad Throne Corridor, a grand royal reception corridor constructed by Rama V within the nineteenth century fusing Western and conventional Thai designs which remains to be in use right this moment.
Behind this lies the mysterious interior court docket. That is probably the most restricted space of the palace the place the king’s harem of consorts and princesses lived however it isn’t open to the general public.
As an alternative you’ll preserve strolling and are available throughout The Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Corridor, constructed by King Rama I, and the tiny compared Abhorn Bimok Pavilion (a robing pavilion for the king) which is one other beautiful piece of structure.
You then’ll go again out to the outer court docket the place you’ll discover a cafe and two museums – The Museum of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Admission is included in your ticket value and they’re each value a go to when you’ve got time.
Suggestions For Planning Your Go to and Avoiding the Scams
Bangkok’s Grand Palace is an amazingly intricate, dazzling sight that you simply actually can’t miss, nevertheless it does get scorching, busy, and crowded, and attracts scammers and touts. So it’s value planning your go to and making ready for this so that you’ve probably the most pleasurable expertise potential.
Right here’s some extra ideas that can assist you plan your go to and keep away from the scams:
Methods to Get to The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is positioned near the Chao Phraya River on Rattanakosin island within the previous historic a part of Bangkok. It’s clever to plan your route to achieve the right entrance (Mani Noppharat Gate.) The scams occur outdoors so when you’re inside try to be tremendous.
There’s a number of methods to get there:
By Taxi or Seize: Taxis are the best approach to attain the Grand Palace however watch out – be particular and insistent about which entrance you need to go to and be agency to not get taken someplace else. Guarantee the driving force makes use of the meter or agree on a fare beforehand to keep away from being ripped off. I like to recommend utilizing the Seize app for a safer, cheaper, and hassle-free experience.
By Boat: Probably the most scenic and reasonably priced methods to journey in Bangkok is on the Chao Phraya River. Should you’re staying in Banglamphu or close to Khao San Highway go to Phra Athit pier and take both the Chao Phraya Categorical Boat (orange flag) or the extra spacious Chao Phraya Vacationer Boat (blue flag) to Tha Chang Pier, which is only a quick stroll from the Grand Palace entrance.
By BTS and Ferry: Should you’re staying within the extra fashionable components of Bangkok like Sukhumvit take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station after which board a Chao Phraya Categorical Boat to Tha Chang Pier. This manner you gained’t get caught in visitors and may benefit from the views and refreshing breezes alongside the river too.
By Bus: A number of native buses serve the world across the Grand Palace. Bus numbers 1, 25, 44, 47, and 82, amongst others, can get you near the palace. Nevertheless, be ready for a crowded and probably sluggish journey on account of Bangkok’s visitors.
By Guided Tour: Some guided excursions (like this one) embody decide up out of your lodge and transport to the Grand Palace – however not all, a number of the cheaper group excursions require you to make your individual approach to a gathering level.
Strolling: If you’re staying in a lodge close by or within the Khao San Highway space it’s also possible to stroll to the Grand Palace. It’s about 1.5 km which takes about 20 minutes – simply be ready to fend off tuk tuk drivers who will need to take you for a experience which might result in being scammed.
Accommodations Close to The Grand Palace
There are many motels positioned close to the Grand Palace that cater to all budgets, some even provide views of the river and iconic temples! Whenever you keep on this space you’ll be immersed within the coronary heart of previous Bangkok and near different historic sights like Wat Arun and Wat Pho.
One other fashionable space to remain close by is Banglamphu which is simply 20 minutes stroll away from the Grand Palace. That is the place you’ll discover the legendary Khao San Highway which I don’t suggest staying on as a result of it’s too noisy to sleep however the surrounding streets are tremendous and residential to some good boutique motels and hostels.
Right here’s a number of the greatest motels close to the Grand Palace:
Luxe: Riva Arun – Upmarket 4 star lodge providing suites boasting balconies with river views and scorching tubs and a terrace restaurant with beautiful views.
Boutique: Sala Rattanakosin – A contemporary boutique lodge positioned on the riverfront with beautiful views of Wat Arun – it’s value getting a river view room to benefit from the views out of your mattress!
Mid Vary: Siri Heritage Bangkok Lodge – A spacious, not too long ago refurbished heritage lodge within the coronary heart of previous Bangkok with a swimming pool a roof terrace inside strolling distance to the palace.
Price range: RALPH Bangkok – presents dorm beds, personal rooms and terrace with a view over the palace simply 200 meters from Wat Pho.
For extra ideas see my information to the place to remain in Bangkok which covers all the very best neighbourhoods and areas to remain within the metropolis in additional element and consists of lodge suggestions for all budgets.
The Best Time to Go to the Grand Palace
Bangkok’s local weather is mostly scorching and humid, so the cooler and drier months from November to February are the very best time to go to the Grand Palace because the climate might be extra comfy. Nevertheless, as that is the height vacationer season count on greater crowds.
I like to recommend planning your go to to the Grand Palace early within the morning on a weekday to keep away from the worst of crowds and luxuriate in cooler temperatures. The palace opens at 8.30 am and a lot of the tour teams flip up after 9.30 am so the sooner you arrive the higher. If potential, keep away from visiting throughout weekends or public holidays when the palace is extra crowded.
High Tip: Don’t overlook to test the calendar on the official web site to verify the palace just isn’t closed for royal features on the day you intend to go to!
The Costume Code for the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace has the strictest gown code of any royal or spiritual web site in Thailand. Each women and men have to cowl up and gown modestly. This implies no shorts or three quarter size pants, no mini skirts, no sleeveless tops, no ripped or revealing clothes, and even tight pants.
It’s a good suggestion to put on one thing lengthy, mild, and free to remain comfy within the warmth whereas adhering to the gown code – lightweight dishevelled elephant pants and a T shirt are a preferred selection.
You’ll be doing plenty of strolling round this huge advanced so put on comfy sneakers. Bear in mind that you’ll have to take away your footwear to enter the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, so put on one thing that’s simple to take off however don’t overlook your socks because it’s allowed to go naked foot both.
Many of the components that guests can discover are outdoors and Bangkok’s solar will be intense, so put on sunscreen, sun shades and a hat and convey water, umbrella and fan to remain protected, cool, and hydrated.
I’ve learn you could lease a sarong to cowl up however I’ve visited twice and by no means seen wherever providing this, plus the official leaflet says that sporting scarves over sleeveless tops just isn’t permitted. Should you’re not dressed appropriately, there are a number of outlets promoting garments outdoors the palace, however costs are excessive and it makes you a goal for scammers so it’s greatest to only arrive dressed appropriately to make sure a easy go to.
Additionally bear in mind that selfie sticks, drones, tripods, gimbals, reside streaming, skilled picture pictures, baggage/ massive luggage and smoking are additionally not permitted within the palace.
Guides and Excursions
There’s a lot to see within the palace advanced that it may be overwhelming and onerous to know the which means and significance behind all of it.
Having a educated native information will make your go to to the Grand Palace way more attention-grabbing as you’ll perceive what the murals and legendary creatures imply and can have a better appreciation for what you’re seeing by figuring out extra about it.
Audio guides can be found in a number of languages contained in the palace for a further 200 baht. Deliver your passport to depart as a deposit. You too can rent a information or take a guided tour.
A information will be invaluable in serving to you to know and totally recognize this dazzling sight however watch out which information you rent. Individuals will strategy you outdoors the palace providing to be your information however I like to recommend reserving a guided tour or hiring a information earlier than hand on a good web site like Get Your Information or Viator the place you’ll be able to learn evaluations.
Arriving on the palace already with a information additionally has the added bonus of serving to you get there and keep away from the scams outdoors, in addition to bringing to life all of the superb sights that you simply’ll see inside!
Group excursions are cheaper but when your finances permits then I’d suggest a non-public tour so you’ll be able to go at your individual tempo and keep away from the crowds of tour teams.
Widespread Scams Exterior The Grand Palace
As Bangkok’s #1 vacationer attraction, The Grand Palace attracts an enormous variety of vacationers which in flip attracts equal numbers of touts and scammers who dangle round outdoors hoping to lure vacationers away from the palace and right into a rip-off.
Widespread scams often contain being taken to a different attraction, a tailors, tea or gem store. The tuk tuk drivers and scammers get fee if you happen to go to their good friend’s store or take an overpriced boat or tuk tuk tour.
If it’s your first time visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok then it’s a good suggestion to perform a little research on the best way to get there and the frequent scams that happen outdoors to keep away from it occurring to you.
Right here’s some prime ideas that can assist you keep away from the scams:
Ignore anybody who says the Grand Palace is closed right this moment
Scammers and tuk tuk drivers outdoors will attempt to let you know that the palace is closed for a royal perform or occasion. Usually tuk tuk drivers even purposely drop vacationers off a the unsuitable entrance so that you simply assume the palace is definitely closed when it’s not – it’s simply the unsuitable entrance!
Don’t consider anybody who saws that the Grand Palace is closed right this moment – it is a frequent rip-off. The intention is to get you to take a tuk tuk tour to another sights which regularly leads to being taken to an overpriced store, tailor or may even be the beginning of a gem rip-off.
Examine the calendar on-line to verify the palace is open earlier than you go to and politely ignore these scammers and proceed confidently in direction of to Grand Palace.
Keep away from taking a tuk tuk
These iconic 3 wheelers could be a enjoyable experience however they’re additionally a vacationer entice – you have to to know the going fee on your journey and haggle onerous earlier than getting in to barter an excellent fee otherwise you’ll usually get overcharged and ripped off and even taken to a distinct vacation spot.
Tuk tuk drivers usually drop vacationers off on the unsuitable entrance to the palace the place the ‘closed right this moment’ rip-off begins, or to take you to an overpriced store or someplace you didn’t need to go. Keep away from this by utilizing the Seize app to hail a taxi or taking public transport or a guided tour to get to the palace.
Should you actually need to expertise a loopy tuk tuk experience e book a respectable tuk tuk tour on-line and test the evaluations first!
Arrive dressed appropriately and purchase your ticket on-line
The Grand Palace has a strict gown code for each women and men (like many temples, spiritual websites and locations related to the Thai royal household.) that require all guests to be dressed modestly with shoulders and legs lined right down to nicely beneath your knees.
It’s greatest to learn up on the palace’s gown code and arrive appropriately dressed to keep away from being the goal of scammers or being hassled to go to an over-priced store to purchase garments to cowl up. Should you’re not dressed appropriately it’s like a beacon for scammers that you’re clueless vacationer who might fall for a rip-off.
Additionally, some scammers might let you know that you simply can not go inside with out pre buying a ticket. This isn’t true – the ticket desk is positioned simply contained in the gate and you should buy tickets on the door or on-line. Don’t fall for a rip-off and purchase a ticket outdoors.
Be cautious of overly pleasant locals outdoors
While most Thai individuals are very well mannered and real and it will probably extremely rewarding to attach with native folks you do have to train warning round vacationer sights just like the Grand Palace. If individuals are overally pleasant or providing assist with out being requested it could possibly be a part of a rip-off.
Use your frequent sense and belief your instinct and it’s best to be capable to inform if individuals are real or not. If one thing doesn’t appear proper otherwise you sense a rip-off approaching it’s greatest to politely make excuses that you’ve someplace to be or somebody to fulfill and calmly get away as an alternative of inflicting a scene and getting offended with them. You too can name the vacationer police on 1155.
Deliver loads of water and money
Should you’ve come from colder climates Bangkok’s warmth and humidity will be exhausting and the Grand Palace is a big out of doors advanced. Be sure you drink sufficient water to maintain hydrated because it’s simple to get dehydrated within the solar whereas exploring the palace and money for bills.
Whereas the palace does now settle for playing cards many locations in Bangkok, together with eating places, outlets, transport and sights close by don’t and in the event that they do they usually cost an additional 3 – 5 % for card funds. So don’t depend on having the ability to pay by card in Thailand – at all times carry sufficient money!
Close by Sights
The Grand Palace is positioned within the coronary heart of Previous Bangkok so there are a number of different sights like temples, museums, and markets to discover inside strolling distance within the surrounding space.
Right here’s some highlights you could simply mix with visiting the Grand Palace:
- Wat Pho: Only a quick stroll from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is residence to an enormous golden reclining Buddha, towering spires lined in intricate mosaics, and a standard Thai therapeutic massage faculty the place you’ll be able to chill out after all of the strolling with a therapeutic massage (albeit at a lot larger costs than different Bangkok therapeutic massage parlours.)
- Wat Arun: Positioned on the opposite aspect of the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho, Wat Arun is likely one of the most iconic websites in Bangkok which additionally presents beautiful structure and exquisite views. You’ll be able to take in the views from a number of the waterside cafes and eating places or hop on a ferry at Tha Tian to cross over the river and go to Wat Arun. It’s most atmospheric at sundown.
- Bangkok Nationwide Museum: A brief stroll from the Grand Palace, this museum has an in depth assortment of historic Buddhist and Thai artifacts and royal antiques displayed in 18th-century palace halls. It’s an awesome place to find out about Thai historical past in air conditioned consolation!
- Museum of Siam: A brief stroll from Wat Pho, this attention-grabbing museum in a nineteenth century constructing options enjoyable and interactive exhibitions that discover the nation’s historical past and focus on ‘what’s Thainess.’
- Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre: This historic theater is positioned close by and is a good place to observe a standard Thai dance efficiency or cultural present. Your ticket to the Grand Palace consists of free entry to a efficiency of the Khon dance and a free shuttle service to the theatre is accessible outdoors the palace.
- Amulet Market and Flower Market: Additionally inside strolling distance of the palace, the distinctive Amulet market specialises in sacred Buddhist charms whereas the colourful flower market is a expertise for all of the senses.
I like to recommend visiting these locations after you’ve visited the palace within the morning. Should you’re taking a guided tour, most will mix visiting the Grand Palace with Wat Pho and Wat Arun too.
For extra inspiration and tips about different sights and actions take a look at my decide of the greatest issues to see and do in Bangkokand these close by locations good for day journeys from Bangkok.
Close by Eating places
There are many locations to eat simply outdoors the palace and Tha Maharaj, a brand new riverside advanced with eating places and outlets.
Should you’re after one thing particular I like to recommend heading to the riverfront space close to Wat Pho the place you’ll discover a number of eating places with beautiful views over the river to Wat Arun.
For upmarket Asian fusion meals with beautiful views take a look at The Deck by Arun Residence for upmarket Asian fusion meals with beautiful views, or chill out with a espresso within the riverside backyard at ViVi the espresso place.
So is the Grand Palace in Bangkok value visiting?
Regardless of the warmth, crowds, and scammers, the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are nicely value visiting so don’t let something put you off seeing probably the most dazzling sight in Thailand – with a little analysis and ahead planning it’s best to be capable to keep away from the scams and have an pleasurable expertise.
Pin this and put it aside for later!
I hope the following tips enable you to to get pleasure from your go to to the Grand Palace and keep away from the scams. In case your planning a visit to Bangkok you would possibly discover my different Bangkok blogs helpful:
And if Bangkok is simply the beginning of your Thailand adventures then you may additionally need to take a look at these Thailand blogs for masses extra ideas: