Open daily except on national holidays, the 61 acre Royal Grand Palace Bangkok and adjacent temple Wat Phra Kaew is the top tourist destination in Bangkok. The palace has been the official residence of the ‘Kings of Siam’ and then later ‘Thailand’ since 1782. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) resided at Chitralada Royal Villa and his successor King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) resided at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, with both buildings within Dusit Palace which are on Palace grounds.
With scores of tour companies offering both morning and afternoon tour options, you can easily get there. Taxi’s and tuk-tuks are also an option. Be aware though of the scams happening outside the palace grounds. The most common is that the Tuk Tuk driver will say the palace is closed today and try to take you somewhere else via a gem shop.
The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial occasions, state receptions and for the presentation of ambassadors’ credentials. Only the two main audience halls are open for tourists.
Within Wat Phra Kaew is the revered Emerald Buddha, the Golden Chedi. It is a 66-centimeter high miniature replica of the eight colored towers found in neighboring Cambodia’s Siam Reap Angkor Wat temple complex. The Emerald Buddha is made from nephrite, a type of jade, and is from the 15th century AD.
Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand’s most sacred temple and strict clothing attire is warranted. The Grand Palace Bangkok dress code: No shorts, thongs, t-shirts, tank tops, short skirts or open-toed shoes are allowed. Long pants are available for loan within an office at the entrance if required.
Grand Palace Bangkok Map:
Please note that certain buildings in the Royal Grand Palace Bangkok complex are closed on weekends.
Would I visit here again?
Yes. I would like to take some evening photos around the palace grounds.
Comments (16)
From the name of the place itself. It is really extravagant and well maintained palace.
The language barrier is an issue though. I admit this is very oriental and beautiful on its own way. The only thing I know are the elephants so this was very helpful. Thanks.
This is a good place to unwind..thanks a bunch for the warning..one needs to be careful of the scam perpetrated by Tuk Tuk driver
Wonderful, its good to be informed. Now I know that Grand Palace Bangkok has dress codes e.g No shorts, thongs, t-shirts, tank tops, short skirts or open-toed shoes are allowed. And that Long pants are available for loan within an office at the entrance if required. Information is life, as scammers there can even make you miss your aim. Thanks for this post.
Yea, I will love to visit here too to take some very lovely videos, I just love the serene environment, it really cool for a stay.
I always prefer that shows splendour and extravagance like this palace. Will I visit this place someday, yes I will.
Am ne here, hope it will be fun around here
I have read a lot about the Grand palace but never visited it before. I hope I get to go there some day.
Each of these photos are breath taking. You have quite they eye for good shots!
The gardens right outside the palace look amazing. They have done some really good job with them!
The palace sure looks iconic. Visiting it in person would be a dream come true for me.
Thanks for pointing out the correct dress code when visiting the temple. This will help a lot of prospective visitors 🙂
Dave, longest time! Thanks for this post. The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial occasions, state receptions and for the presentation of ambassadors’ credentials. I will love visiting this place when the ceremony is on.
I am so envious! I wish I can go there with my bff someday. The scenery is just amazing and Wat phra kaew Bangkok is the place to be. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
Oh wow, that palace is really something. I can also understand the strict rules of the temple, it is a sacred place for people who go there to worship and we must totally respect their stand on it.
It looks like Thialand has many interesting places to visit. I must admit that this palace looks imponent, very esthetic, and Is great to know that they allow tourist visits.
Comments are closed.