The Grand Palace in Bangkok is Thailand’s most well-known vacationer attraction – and for good purpose – it’s a mind-blowing, spectacular sight that gives 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 complicated of royal residences, temples, pavilions, courtyards, and workplaces. 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 in case you don’t like busy vacationer sights, it’s nonetheless effectively price 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 wish to miss this out of your Bangkok itinerary.
Nevertheless, there are some issues you want to know earlier than visiting the Grand Palace and a few widespread scams you want to pay attention to to have an gratifying and stress-free go to. However don’t fear, I’ll clarify every little thing you want to learn about visiting the Grand Palace and avoiding the scams on this weblog.
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Important Data 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 complicated it may be complicated discovering the doorway which has modified from Viset Chaisri gate to Mani Noppharat Gate. It’s necessary to go to the fitting entrance to keep away from getting scammed.
- Opening Hours: The Grand Palace is open day by day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the final entrance at 3:30 pm. Nevertheless, it’s necessary 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 (carry your ID card). For foreigners the value 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 you want to have a ticket earlier than coming into the complicated – it’s a rip-off.
- Gown Code: As this can be a royal palace and sacred website there’s a strict gown code for the Grand Palace. Each women and men are required to decorate modestly with shoulders and legs coated. 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 high rated Grand Palace excursions:
The Grand Palace – A Fast Historical past
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is an important royal historic and spiritual website of the trendy period of Thailand. The monarchy is extraordinarily necessary to the Thai folks so visiting the Grand Palace supplies a vital perception to Thai tradition.
Building of the Grand Palace started in 1782 throughout 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 workplaces 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 as a result of 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 really residing right here in 1925. At the moment it’s nonetheless used for numerous authorities workplaces, royal ceremonies, state features and is Thailand’s hottest vacationer attraction attracting over 8 million guests annually.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
Whereas the Grand Palace may be very spectacular, the actual spotlight is Wat Phra Kaew, also referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This elaborate sacred Buddhist temple complicated is a big royal chapel inside the Grand Palace complicated 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 mentioned to have been made in India in 43 BC and has modified fingers many instances, 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 Common 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 constructed from jade or jasper however nonetheless seems spectacular sitting excessive up on a golden altar adorned with golden robes that get modified by the King himself in a ceremony in the beginning 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 big 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 that means behind all of it!
Contained in the temple, the intricately detailed, gold embossed murals all around 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 may be a lot to absorb – my pictures don’t do that gorgeous sight justice – it actually needs to be seen to be believed!
Exploring the Grand Palace Advanced
Once you go to the Grand Palace you’ll enter by way of 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 complicated 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 by way of:
You’ll enter the complicated on the Mani Noppharat Gate and move by way of the outer court docket which homes authorities departments and royal workplaces and results in the Chapel Royal – Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.)
There are numerous different unbelievable buildings inside this space too such because the Royal Pantheon, which accommodates 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 move into the center court docket and move by the Phra Maha Monthien buildings constructed by Rama I. These are necessary 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 continues to be in use right this moment.
Behind this lies the mysterious inside 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 hold 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 gorgeous piece of structure.
Then you definately’ll move 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 worth and they’re each price a go to if in case you have 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, but it surely does get sizzling, busy, and crowded, and attracts scammers and touts. So it’s price planning your go to and getting ready for this so that you’ve probably the most gratifying expertise doable.
Right here’s some extra suggestions that will help you plan your go to and keep away from the scams:
Tips on how to Get to The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is positioned near the Chao Phraya River on Rattanakosin island within the outdated historic a part of Bangkok. It’s clever to plan your route to achieve the right entrance (Mani Noppharat Gate.) The scams occur exterior so when you’re inside you ought to be advantageous.
There’s a number of methods to get there:
By Taxi or Seize: Taxis are the simplest solution to attain the Grand Palace however watch out – be particular and insistent about which entrance you wish to go to and be agency to not get taken some other place. 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 trip.
By Boat: Probably the most scenic and inexpensive 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 Specific 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 elements of Bangkok like Sukhumvit take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station after which board a Chao Phraya Specific Boat to Tha Chang Pier. This fashion you gained’t get caught in visitors and might benefit from the views and refreshing breezes alongside the river too.
By Bus: A number of native buses serve the realm 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 doubtlessly sluggish journey as a result of Bangkok’s visitors.
By Guided Tour: Some guided excursions (like this one) embrace choose up out of your lodge and transport to the Grand Palace – however not all, a few of the cheaper group excursions require you to make your personal solution to a gathering level.
Strolling: In case you are 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 wish to take you for a trip which may result in being scammed.
Accommodations Close to The Grand Palace
There are many accommodations positioned close to the Grand Palace that cater to all budgets, some even supply views of the river and iconic temples! Once you keep on this space you’ll be immersed within the coronary heart of outdated Bangkok and near different historic sights like Wat Arun and Wat Pho.
One other well-liked space to remain close by is Banglamphu which is barely 20 minutes stroll away from the Grand Palace. That is the place you’ll discover the legendary Khao San Highway which I don’t advocate staying on as a result of it’s too noisy to sleep however the surrounding streets are advantageous and residential to some good boutique accommodations and hostels.
Right here’s a few of the greatest accommodations close to the Grand Palace:
Luxe: Riva Arun – Upmarket 4 star lodge providing suites boasting balconies with river views and sizzling tubs and a terrace restaurant with gorgeous views.
Boutique: Sala Rattanakosin – A contemporary boutique lodge positioned on the riverfront with gorgeous views of Wat Arun – it’s price getting a river view room to benefit from the views out of your mattress!
Mid Vary: Siri Heritage Bangkok Resort – A spacious, not too long ago refurbished heritage lodge within the coronary heart of outdated Bangkok with a swimming pool a roof terrace inside strolling distance to the palace.
Finances: RALPH Bangkok – presents dorm beds, non-public rooms and terrace with a view over the palace simply 200 meters from Wat Pho.
For extra suggestions 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 contains lodge suggestions for all budgets.
The Best Time to Go to the Grand Palace
Bangkok’s local weather is mostly sizzling 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 shall be extra snug. 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 revel 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 doable, keep away from visiting throughout weekends or public holidays when the palace is extra crowded.
High Tip: Don’t neglect to test the calendar on the official web site to ensure the palace is just not closed for royal features on the day you intend to go to!
The Gown Code for the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace has the strictest gown code of any royal or non secular website 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 unfastened to remain snug within the warmth whereas adhering to the gown code – lightweight saggy elephant pants and a T shirt are a preferred alternative.
You’ll be doing loads of strolling round this huge complicated so put on snug footwear. 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 straightforward to take off however don’t neglect your socks because it’s allowed to go naked foot both.
A lot of the elements that guests can discover are exterior and Bangkok’s solar may be intense, so put on sunscreen, sun shades and a hat and produce water, umbrella and fan to remain protected, cool, and hydrated.
I’ve learn you can lease a sarong to cowl up however I’ve visited twice and by no means seen anyplace providing this, plus the official leaflet says that sporting scarves over sleeveless tops is just not permitted. Should you’re not dressed appropriately, there are a number of outlets promoting garments exterior the palace, however costs are excessive and it makes you a goal for scammers so it’s greatest to simply arrive dressed appropriately to make sure a clean go to.
Additionally remember that selfie sticks, drones, tripods, gimbals, reside streaming, skilled photograph pictures, baggage/ giant luggage and smoking are additionally not permitted within the palace.
Guides and Excursions
There’s a lot to see within the palace complicated that it may be overwhelming and laborious to know the that means and significance behind all of it.
Having a educated native information will make your go to to the Grand Palace rather more attention-grabbing as you’ll perceive what the murals and legendary creatures imply and could have a larger appreciation for what you’re seeing by understanding extra about it.
Audio guides can be found in a number of languages contained in the palace for an extra 200 baht. Convey your passport to depart as a deposit. You can even rent a information or take a guided tour.
A information may be invaluable in serving to you to know and totally admire this dazzling sight however watch out which information you rent. Folks will method you exterior 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 website like Get Your Information or Viator the place you possibly can learn critiques.
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 exterior, in addition to bringing to life all of the superb sights that you simply’ll see inside!
Group excursions are cheaper but when your price range permits then I’d advocate a non-public tour so you possibly can go at your personal tempo and keep away from the crowds of tour teams.
Frequent 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 cling round exterior hoping to lure vacationers away from the palace and right into a rip-off.
Frequent scams normally contain being taken to a different attraction, a tailors, tea or gem store. The tuk tuk drivers and scammers get fee in case you 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 do a little analysis on the right way to get there and the widespread scams that happen exterior to keep away from it taking place to you.
Right here’s some high suggestions that will help you keep away from the scams:
Ignore anybody who says the Grand Palace is closed right this moment
Scammers and tuk tuk drivers exterior will attempt to let you know that the palace is closed for a royal operate or occasion. Typically tuk tuk drivers even purposely drop vacationers off a the incorrect entrance so that you simply assume the palace is definitely closed when it’s not – it’s simply the incorrect entrance!
Don’t consider anybody who saws that the Grand Palace is closed right this moment – this can be a widespread rip-off. The goal is to get you to take a tuk tuk tour to another sights which frequently results in being taken to an overpriced store, tailor or may even be the beginning of a gem rip-off.
Test the calendar on-line to ensure 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 generally is a enjoyable trip however they’re additionally a vacationer lure – you’ll need to know the going price on your journey and haggle laborious earlier than getting in to barter an excellent price otherwise you’ll usually get overcharged and ripped off and even taken to a special vacation spot.
Tuk tuk drivers usually drop vacationers off on the incorrect 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 wish 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 wish to expertise a loopy tuk tuk trip ebook a reliable tuk tuk tour on-line and test the critiques 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, non secular websites and locations related to the Thai royal household.) that require all guests to be dressed modestly with shoulders and legs coated right down to effectively under 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’t 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 exterior.
Be cautious of overly pleasant locals exterior
While most Thai persons are very well mannered and real and it might probably extremely rewarding to attach with native folks you do have to train warning round vacationer sights just like the Grand Palace. If persons are overally pleasant or providing assist with out being requested it might be a part of a rip-off.
Use your widespread sense and belief your instinct and it is best to be capable to inform if persons 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 indignant with them. You can even name the vacationer police on 1155.
Convey loads of water and money
Should you’ve come from colder climates Bangkok’s warmth and humidity may be exhausting and the Grand Palace is a big outside complicated. Be sure to drink sufficient water to maintain hydrated because it’s straightforward 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 with the ability to pay by card in Thailand – at all times carry sufficient money!
Close by Points of interest
The Grand Palace is positioned within the coronary heart of Outdated 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 can 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 coated in intricate mosaics, and a conventional Thai therapeutic massage college the place you possibly can 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: Situated on the opposite facet of the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho, Wat Arun is among the most iconic websites in Bangkok which additionally presents gorgeous structure and delightful views. You possibly can absorb the views from a few 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 intensive assortment of historical Buddhist and Thai artifacts and royal antiques displayed in 18th-century palace halls. It’s an excellent 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 look at a conventional Thai dance efficiency or cultural present. Your ticket to the Grand Palace contains free entry to a efficiency of the Khon dance and a free shuttle service to the theatre is obtainable exterior 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 recommendations on different sights and actions try my information to all of the greatest issues to see and do in Bangkok.
Close by Eating places
There are many locations to eat simply exterior the palace and Tha Maharaj, a brand new riverside complicated 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 gorgeous views over the river to Wat Arun.
For upmarket Asian fusion meals with gorgeous views try The Deck by Arun Residence for upmarket Asian fusion meals with gorgeous views, or chill out with a espresso within the riverside backyard at ViVi the espresso place.
So is the Grand Palace in Bangkok price visiting?
Regardless of the warmth, crowds, and scammers, the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are effectively price 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 is best to be capable to keep away from the scams and have an gratifying expertise.
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I hope the following pointers enable you 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 wish to try these Thailand blogs for masses extra suggestions: