Introduction
The Grand Palace in Bangkok, with its cultural importance and great architecture is a must-see attraction in Bangkok. It was the official residence of the Kings in the past. Many people from all over the world visit this place every year.
The Grand Palace, which is mostly in rectangular area of 218,000 square meters, comprises of buildings, halls of residence, throne halls, lawns, gardens, courtyards, pavilions etc. The layout of the Palace is such that there is a Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) in the northeast, an outer court in the northwest, the middle court and the inner court.
The founder of Chakri dynasty, King Rama I (Phutthayotfa Chulalok) built the Palace in 1782 when he moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. The style of architecture is both Thai and European. The successors added new buildings and structures.
Best time to visit Grand Palace
November to March. Temperatures between 29C (85F) and 34C (93F)
How to get there
The best way to reach Grand Palace in Bangkok is to walk from Wat Pho. It is about 7-minute walk from Wat Pho. Wat Pho is about 7-minute walk from MRT Sanam Chai station (blue line). The interchange station between MRT blue line and Sukhumvit line is Asok and between MRT blue line and the Silom line is at Saladaeng.
Open timings and tickets of Grand Palace in Bangkok
These may change over time.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is open from 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM and costs 500 baht. This is inclusive of Wat Phra Kaew and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile
The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is open from 9 AM to 4.30 PM
Personal audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin, Thai costs 200 baht
Dress Code in Grand Palace
The dress code requires the body to be covered including legs till knees and arms till elbows. If your dress doesn’t fit the requirement, you can rent or buy the required clothing there.
Time required to see Grand Palace
About 2 to 3 hours
Things to do at Grand Palace in Bangkok
- Tour Grand Palace and the Temple of Emerald Buddha
- The Temple of Emerald Buddha is surrounded by walls on all sides with 7 gates but separating it from the royal residence. It doesn’t have living quarters for monks. It has Ubosot, Phra Mondop, Model of Angkor Wat and Ramakien.
- Ubosot is an ordination hall surrounded by low wall with pavilions. The 66 cm (26 in) tall Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaeo Morakot) made of green stone is seated in lotus position here. The pediments on roof depict Hindu God “Vishnu” and his vehicle “Garuda” (half-man and half-bird). Garuda is the national emblem of Thailand. The exterior wall of has traditional Thailand decorations. The interior has murals depicting stories about the Buddha. The stories of previous lives of the Buddha (Jataka tales) are also there. Surrounding the pedestal are other Buddha images. There are Buddha images halls. Surrounding the Ubosot are 12 open sala rai (pavilions). The stone image of Chao Mae Kuan Im is in front of Ubosot. The image of the hermit Jivaka Komarabhacca is at the back of Ubosot.
- Thanphaithi elevates several structures. The important ones are Prasat Phra Thep Bidon (Royal Pantheon) located on the east is opened to public only on 6 April every year, Phra Mondop (place for sacred texts) is located in the middle, Phra Si Rattana Chedi (Golden Stupa) located on the west, houses relics of Buddha from Sri Lanka, the Model of Angkor Wat located on the north is a replica of Angkor Wat of Cambodia
- Bell Tower is on the south
- The murals on the gallery walls depict the Ramakien epic that is based on Indian Ramayana.
Outer Court
- The outer court of the Grand Palace in Bangkok starts at Wiset Chai Si Gate, which is the main entrance to the Grand Palace. It has the Bureau of the Royal Household, Office of the Royal Institute of Thailand and other buildings. It also has Pavilion of Regalia, Royal decorations and coins.
- The Phiman Chai Si Gate leads into the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall in middle court.
Middle Court
- The middle court of the Grand Palace in Bangkok has important residential and state buildings. Royal ceremonies are held here.
- The Chakri Maha Prasat buildings have nine major and minor halls. The throne has been used by the King on important occasions, but now it is used for receiving foreign delegates and for ceremonies.
- The Phra Maha Prasat buildings have some oldest buildings. The buildings form north to south axis. The public throne hall is in the front and the residential halls are behind.
- The Phra Maha Monthien buildings are at the center of the middle court. Royal coronations took place here. This was the residence of Kings. All the buildings face north. The ceremonial halls are in the middle, residential halls at the back and public reception hall in front.
- The Sanam Ratchakit Gate leads into the inner court.
Inner Court
- This is at the south of Grand Palace in Bangkok. King and the Queens use the inner court. It was like a small-town having streets, schools, shops and other establishments. The southern part of inner court after Thaew Teng is female-only zone.
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is located in the Ratsadakhorn-bhibhathana Building of the Grand Palace which was built by King Rama V in 1870.
Facilities
- Information point
- Toilets and Baby changing facilities
- Apart from Wheelchairs, Wheelchair accessible toilets are also available
- Doi Kham Shop for snacks, drinks etc. near the Srisuntara Gate and the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. It is open from 7.30 AM to 4 PM
- Cloak room or locker area is available
Address
Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200
Website
https://www.royalgrandpalace.th/en/home
Other tourist attractions near Grand Palace in Bangkok
- Wat Pho (10-minute walk from Grand Palace)
- Wat Arun (15-minute ferry ride from Grand Palace)
- Wat Ratchabophit (15-minute walk from Grand Palace)
- National Museum (10-minute walk from Grand Palace)
- Mahanakhon Skywalk