Grand Palace, an icon in Bangkok (video)
De Grand Palacee, the former royal palace, is a must see. This riverside beacon in the center of the city consists of buildings from different times. The Wat Phra Kaeo is located in the same complex. The Emerald Buddha is the most revered image in Thailand.
The Royal Palace in Bangkok is a walled building complex that served as a royal residence from the late 18th century to the mid 20th century. King Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty, initiated the construction of the palace in 1782, marking the beginning of the Rattanakosin period in Thailand's history.
The palace is located on Rattanakosin Island on the west bank of the Menam. Within the 1900 meter long walls of the complex is also the important temple Wat Phra Kaew with the Emerald Buddha.
How do I get there?
Take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, take a taxi boat upstream to the pier at Tha Chang and you will see the complex on your right. Get off at the pier. The entrance to Wat Phra Kaeo and the Royal Palace is located on Thanon Na Phra Lan.
Chakkri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Grand palace
Guides
Guides are available at the complex from 10:00 AM to 14:00 PM. A so-called personal audio guide (PAG) is available in English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish.
Dress code
There is a strict dress code for Thailand's most sacred temple. No short skirts or shorts. Women should keep their shoulders covered. Optionally you can rent covering clothing.
Scams
There is a chance that you will be approached by a helpful Thai around The Grand Palace. He then says that the palace is closed and proposes an alternative, for example a visit to the Golden Mount temple with a Tuk-Tuk. Don't fall for it, it's a very common form of cheating. Just ignore.
Location, opening hours and entrance fee
Location: Na Phralan, Phra Nakorn (Grand Palace complex), Old City (Rattanakosin) Bangkok. Opening hours: 08:30 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 15:30.
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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Been there few times. In the beginning the complex was completely open. Large park with several beautiful buildings. Was very worth it.
I don't know the current situation, but the last time (few years ago, pre-Corona) the complex was closed for the most part. Only a small portion was open to the public.
The result: far too many visitors in a space that is much too small. Like herrings in a barrel.
Waste of money. Felt like a scam.
Quickly left and caught the bus boat to some alternatives such as Chinatown, flower market, Wat Arun, IconSiam. Less overflow there, but from quiet to pleasantly busy.
If the entire complex is now fully open again, I would like to hear about it.
Been there few times too. Only once several buildings were open, such as the throne rooms to the right and left of the palace and the museum on the ground floor of the palace itself. The entrance fee is now 500 baht!