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Bask in Ancient Splendor at the Grand Palace Bangkok
Published by Kristin Cowles, Editor-in-Chief
Country: Thailand 
The Experience
The glistening gold spirals and ornate mirror encrusted statues entrance even the most veteran temple trekkers. The Grand Palace is Bangkok's largest tourist attraction and at the top of the 'must see' list for anyone planning a trip here. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, he ordered the Grand Palace be rebuilt from its original location in Thonburi on the West side of the Chao Phraya river, to the East side, housing monuments, monasteries, ministry offices and his residence.
Built in classic Thai style architecture, the Grand Palace and surrounding monuments offer a landscape not often enjoyed in Western culture, one of lavish murals, skillfully embellished features, and grandiose charm. The most enchanting complex though is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Contradictory to its name the Emerald Buddha is actually carved of jade and sits only 70cm high. Despite its smaller size compared to the Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, it is Thailand's most sacred shrine, visited by hundreds of locals and tourists each day.
The rich alluring palettes and intriguing statues that lead you from the main gates to the Wat Phra Kaew, amaze hordes of visitors with the amount of detail each individual element posses. The Grand Palace is an object of national veneration, all visitors are asked to dress respectfully, no shorts and no bare shoulders. If you happen to dress inappropriately you can rent some pants or tops from the front gate, and once you return the clothes you will receive your deposit back. Some books and other sites overstate the rules around this, stating no bare feet, and that as a term of the clothes rental you must leave your credit card or passport with the office, this is untrue.
Built in classic Thai style architecture, the Grand Palace and surrounding monuments offer a landscape not often enjoyed in Western culture, one of lavish murals, skillfully embellished features, and grandiose charm. The most enchanting complex though is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Contradictory to its name the Emerald Buddha is actually carved of jade and sits only 70cm high. Despite its smaller size compared to the Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, it is Thailand's most sacred shrine, visited by hundreds of locals and tourists each day.
The rich alluring palettes and intriguing statues that lead you from the main gates to the Wat Phra Kaew, amaze hordes of visitors with the amount of detail each individual element posses. The Grand Palace is an object of national veneration, all visitors are asked to dress respectfully, no shorts and no bare shoulders. If you happen to dress inappropriately you can rent some pants or tops from the front gate, and once you return the clothes you will receive your deposit back. Some books and other sites overstate the rules around this, stating no bare feet, and that as a term of the clothes rental you must leave your credit card or passport with the office, this is untrue.
When to Go to Grand Palace Bangkok
The best time to visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok really depends on personal preference, but a large majority agrees that the best time is between November to March, Thai winter. This is the high season for tourists as the climate tends to be more bearable then Thai summer, with average temperatures around 25 °C or 72°F.
Odds n' Ends
The Grand Palace complex is open everyday from 8:30am - 3:30pm, and costs 300 baht, unless you are Thai, in which case it's free. Purchasing this ticket also gives you admission to the Vimanmek Mansion, which was a little underwhelming, but if you have time and like a choppy English history lesson in the form of knick-knacks, then this is for you. Be careful not to fall for scams by locals both in your transportation and as they try to persuade you to other temples, by saying that the Grand Palace is closed. They do this for tea money, and generally end up taking you to the edges of town making many stops at gem stores or tailors. Your best bet is to find metered taxis for transport whenever you can, which in some cases can be difficult, but be persistent.
Want a Guide?
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Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Aurum The River Place is Bangkok 's riverside boutique hotel on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The hotel is located in Rattanakosin Island, ... 0 miles away
$3630 THB+
No swimming pool but suitable for budget travellers. This hotel also promotes environmental concerns ? it is eco friendly by using compact fluorescent bulbs, air ... 1 miles away
$778 THB+
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More Experiences Nearby
- A Golden Glimpse of Heaven at Bangkok's Reclining Buddha
- The vibrant city of Bangkok—a mesh of interlocking canals, brand new skyscrapers, palaces and Buddhist temples—lures tourists from around the world because of its beautiful culture and its sheer exotic attractions. Walking through its chaotic streets, a traveller can pass from a modern restaurant to an ancient “wat” (temple) in a matter of moments. There is perhaps no better example of Bangkok’s exotic magnetism than the heavenly temple of the Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho. Measuring a gargantuan 46 m long and 15 m high, the reclining Buddha of Wat Pho may not be the largest or longest Buddha in ...0 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Khao Yai National Park lies about 108 miles (175 kilometers) northeast of Bangkok and is Thailand's most visited reserve for good reason. Covering 1,347 square ...2.06 miles away via Bangkok.
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The Unesco World Heritage site of Ayutthaya is 53 miles (85 kilometers) north of Bangkok. Ayutthaya was a thriving Siamese kingdom from 1350 until 1767, ...2.06 miles away via Bangkok.
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Elsewhere on the Web
- Palaces of the King - Palaces.thai.net
- The Grand Palace has an area of 218,400 sq. metres and is surrounded by walls built in 1782. The length of the four walls is 1,900 metres.
- The Grand Palace - Into-Asia.com
- The Grand Palace (???????????????) adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound, and is where you will end up after exiting Wat Phra Kaew.
- The Grand Palace - ThailandforVisitors.com
- For just about 150 years, Bangkok's Grand Palace was not only the home of the King and his court, but also the entire administrative seat of government.
- Panorama of Grand Palace - Palaces.thai.net
- 360° view of the Grand Palace.
Media References
- The Grand Palace Bangkok Travel Guide - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- This dauntingly huge complex dates back to 1782 and is home to the royal residence, various chapels and galleries.
- 36 Hours In Bangkok - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- THE heat. The traffic. The crowds. That’s all anyone ever talks about when you say you’re going to Bangkok. All of it’s true, of course — particularly the part about the traffic, as you will discover if you bypass this city’s efficient mass transit system and instead find yourself trapped in a one-hour cab ride covering a distance that, on a map, looked like no more than a 10-minute journey.
- 48 Hours in Bangkok - NationalGeographic.com (magazine)
- Thais know Bangkok as the City of Angels, Krung Thep. There's definitely something heavenly about the Thai capital, especially at sundown when towering skyscrapers glow in soothing greens and blues, and incense from spirit houses curls skyward.
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