The Grand Palace in Bangkok is Thailand’s most well-known vacationer attraction – and for good motive – 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 complicated 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 should you don’t like busy vacationer points of interest, it’s nonetheless nicely 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 need to miss this out of your Bangkok itinerary.
Nonetheless, there are some issues you might want to know earlier than visiting the Grand Palace and a few widespread scams you want to concentrate on to have an pleasing and stress-free go to. However don’t fear, I’ll clarify the whole lot you might want to learn about visiting the Grand Palace and avoiding the scams on this weblog.
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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 complicated 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 fitting 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. Nonetheless, 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 basic ‘closed as we speak’ 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 imagine anybody who says you might want to have a ticket earlier than coming into the complicated – it’s a rip-off.
- Costume Code: As this can be 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.
- Prime Excursions: The simplest method to make sure you don’t fall for a rip-off and have the absolute 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 a very powerful royal historic and spiritual web site of the fashionable period of Thailand. The monarchy is extraordinarily vital to the Thai folks so visiting the Grand Palace offers a vital perception to Thai tradition.
Development of the Grand Palace started in 1782 in the course of the reign of King Rama I, the primary king of the Chakri dynasty which nonetheless guidelines as we speak, 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 beneath 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. At this time it’s nonetheless used for numerous authorities places of work, royal ceremonies, state capabilities 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, also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This elaborate sacred Buddhist temple complicated is a major royal chapel inside the Grand Palace complicated and homes Thailand’s most treasured 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 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 nearly overwhelmingly dazzling, a mesmerising riot of glittering gold and shimmering mosaics with intricate particulars in every single 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 lot 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 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 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
If you go to the Grand Palace you’ll enter by the outer courtroom 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 just’ll see as you stroll by:
You’ll enter the complicated on the Mani Noppharat Gate and go by the outer courtroom 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 numerous 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 courtroom 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 continues to be in use as we speak.
Behind this lies the mysterious interior courtroom. That is probably the most restricted space of the palace the place the king’s harem of consorts and princesses lived however it’s not open to the general public.
As an alternative you’ll maintain strolling and are available throughout The Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Corridor, constructed by King Rama I, and the tiny as compared Abhorn Bimok Pavilion (a robing pavilion for the king) which is one other beautiful piece of structure.
Then you definitely’ll go again out to the outer courtroom 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 price a go to 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 just actually can’t miss, nevertheless it 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 got probably the most pleasing expertise doable.
Right here’s some extra suggestions that can assist you plan your go to and keep away from the scams:
The right way 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 smart to plan your route to succeed in the proper entrance (Mani Noppharat Gate.) The scams occur exterior so when you’re inside you have 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 some place 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 trip.
By Boat: One of the scenic and inexpensive methods to journey in Bangkok is on the Chao Phraya River. In the event 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 brief stroll from the Grand Palace entrance.
By BTS and Ferry: In the event you’re staying within the extra trendy 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 received’t get caught in site visitors and might 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. Nonetheless, be ready for a crowded and doubtlessly gradual journey because of Bangkok’s site visitors.
By Guided Tour: Some guided excursions (like this one) embrace decide up out of your resort 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: In case you are staying in a resort close by or within the Khao San Highway space you can too 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 trip which might result in being scammed.
Motels 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! If 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 standard 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 accommodations and hostels.
Right here’s a number of the finest accommodations close to the Grand Palace:
Luxe: Riva Arun – Upmarket 4 star resort providing suites boasting balconies with river views and sizzling tubs and a terrace restaurant with beautiful views.
Boutique: Sala Rattanakosin – A contemporary boutique resort positioned on the riverfront with beautiful 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, lately refurbished heritage resort within the coronary heart of previous Bangkok with a swimming pool a roof terrace inside strolling distance to the palace.
Price range: RALPH Bangkok – affords 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 perfect neighbourhoods and areas to remain within the metropolis in additional element and consists of resort suggestions for all budgets.
The Best Time to Go to the Grand Palace
Bangkok’s local weather is usually sizzling and humid, so the cooler and drier months from November to February are the perfect time to go to the Grand Palace because the climate might be extra comfy. Nonetheless, 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 many 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.
Prime Tip: Don’t overlook to test the calendar on the official web site to verify the palace isn’t closed for royal capabilities 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 non secular 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, gentle, and free to remain comfy within the warmth whereas adhering to the gown code – lightweight saggy elephant pants and a T shirt are a preferred selection.
You’ll be doing plenty of strolling round this huge complicated so put on comfy 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 overlook your socks because it’s allowed to go naked foot both.
A lot of the components that guests can discover are exterior and Bangkok’s solar could 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 which you could hire a sarong to cowl up however I’ve visited twice and by no means seen wherever providing this, plus the official leaflet says that carrying scarves over sleeveless tops isn’t permitted. In the event you’re not dressed appropriately, there are a number of retailers promoting garments exterior the palace, however costs are excessive and it makes you a goal for scammers so it’s finest to only arrive dressed appropriately to make sure a easy 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 arduous to grasp the that means and significance behind all of it.
Having a educated native information will make your go to to the Grand Palace far 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 realizing 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 go away as a deposit. You may also rent a information or take a guided tour.
A information could be invaluable in serving to you to grasp and absolutely recognize this dazzling sight however watch out which information you rent. Individuals 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 web site 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 just’ll see inside!
Group excursions are cheaper but when your finances permits then I’d suggest a non-public tour so you possibly can go at your individual tempo and keep away from the crowds of tour teams.
Frequent Scams Exterior The Grand Palace
As Bangkok’s number one vacationer attraction, The Grand Palace attracts an enormous variety of vacationers which in flip attracts equal numbers of touts and scammers who dangle round exterior hoping to lure vacationers away from the palace and right into a rip-off.
Frequent scams often contain being taken to a different attraction, a tailors, tea or gem store. The tuk tuk drivers and scammers get fee should 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 perform a little research on the best way to get there and the widespread scams that happen exterior to keep away from it occurring to you.
Right here’s some prime suggestions that can assist you keep away from the scams:
Ignore anybody who says the Grand Palace is closed as we speak
Scammers and tuk tuk drivers exterior will attempt to let you know that the palace is closed for a royal operate or occasion. Usually tuk tuk drivers even purposely drop vacationers off a the mistaken entrance so that you just assume the palace is definitely closed when it’s not – it’s simply the mistaken entrance!
Don’t imagine anybody who saws that the Grand Palace is closed as we speak – this can be a widespread rip-off. The intention is to get you to take a tuk tuk tour to another points of interest which regularly results in 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 is usually a enjoyable trip however they’re additionally a vacationer entice – you have to to know the going fee in your journey and haggle arduous earlier than getting in to barter fee otherwise you’ll usually get overcharged and ripped off and even taken to a unique vacation spot.
Tuk tuk drivers usually drop vacationers off on the mistaken entrance to the palace the place the ‘closed as we speak’ rip-off begins, or to take you to an overpriced store or someplace you didn’t need to go. Keep away from this through the use of the Seize app to hail a taxi or taking public transport or a guided tour to get to the palace.
In the event you actually need to expertise a loopy tuk tuk trip guide 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 lined all the way down to nicely beneath your knees.
It’s finest 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. In the event 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 just 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 purchase 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 will possibly extremely rewarding to attach with native folks you do have to train warning round vacationer points of interest 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’s best to be capable of inform if persons are real or not. If one thing doesn’t appear proper otherwise you sense a rip-off approaching it’s finest to politely make excuses that you’ve got someplace to be or somebody to satisfy and calmly get away as a substitute of inflicting a scene and getting indignant with them. You may also name the vacationer police on 1155.
Deliver loads of water and money
In the event you’ve come from colder climates Bangkok’s warmth and humidity could be exhausting and the Grand Palace is a big out of doors complicated. Ensure you 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, retailers, transport and points of interest 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 points of interest like temples, museums, and markets to discover inside strolling distance within the surrounding space.
Right here’s some highlights which you could simply mix with visiting the Grand Palace:
- Wat Pho: Only a brief stroll from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is house to an enormous golden reclining Buddha, towering spires lined in intricate mosaics, and a conventional Thai therapeutic massage college the place you possibly can calm down 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 facet of the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho, Wat Arun is likely one of the most iconic websites in Bangkok which additionally affords beautiful structure and exquisite views. You may 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 ideal place to study 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 talk about ‘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 consists of free entry to a efficiency of the Khon dance and a free shuttle service to the theatre is out there 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. In the event 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 points of interest and actions take a look at my information to all of the finest 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 retailers.
In the event 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 calm down 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 nicely 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’s best to be capable of keep away from the scams and have an pleasing expertise.
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I hope the following pointers assist you to to take pleasure in your go to to the Grand Palace and keep away from the scams. In case your planning a visit to Bangkok you may discover my different Bangkok blogs helpful:
And if Bangkok is simply the beginning of your Thailand adventures then you may also need to take a look at these Thailand blogs for masses extra suggestions: