Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok
This beautiful photo of the Grand Palace in Bangkok I don't want to keep you from. When darkness falls, the complex is beautifully lit and the whole thing looks like a fairytale.
By visiting the Grand Palace you can kill two birds with one stone. The entire walled complex covers approximately 2,5 square kilometers of land. It consists of several buildings such as the Summer Palace, the main temple Wat Phra Kaeo (also called Phra Kaew) and the most sacred Buddha statue in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha. The enormous golden Phra Si Rattana Chedi on the grounds contains relics that belonged to Buddha. This sacred Chedi is also said to house a piece of Buddha's breastbone. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a must see for tourists.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok are well-known sights, but there are some lesser-known facts that make these places even more fascinating:
- Historical significance: The Grand Palace was built in 1782, when King Rama I moved the capital of Thailand from Thonburi to Bangkok. The palace was not only the home of the king and his court, but also the center of government. The Wat Phra Kaeo within the palace complex houses the highly revered Emerald Buddha, who plays a crucial role in Thai royal and religious ceremonies.
- Architectural diversity: The architecture of the Grand Palace is a striking mix of Thai and European styles. This is a reflection of the 19th century Thai kings' desire to modernize Thailand and strengthen relations with Western nations. This resulted in a unique architectural symbiosis that is still visible today.
- The Emerald Buddha: Although the statue is known as the Emerald Buddha, it is actually made of jade or jasper. The Buddha is given new clothes three times a year in a ceremony performed by the King of Thailand. This symbolizes the changing of the seasons.
- Hidden details: Many tourists miss the detailed murals at Wat Phra Kaeo, which tell the Ramakien story – the Thai version of the Hindu epic Ramayana. These paintings are not only works of art, but also important cultural artifacts that provide insight into Thai mythology and history.
- Strict dress code: The Grand Palace has strict dress codes. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees, and it is advisable to wear respectful clothing out of respect for Thai culture and the religious significance of the site.
- The Temple of the Emerald Buddha was once completely gilded: In the past, the entire temple was covered in gold. However, over the years the gold has faded and been replaced by colored glass mosaics, giving the temple its current stunning appearance.
- No monks: Remarkably, unlike other important temples in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaeo does not house an order of monks. It is purely a ceremonial temple for royal and state rituals.
These lesser-known details add to the richness and mystery of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, making them not only important tourist destinations, but also profound symbols of Thai culture and history.
How do you get there?
One of the cheapest ways to get to the Grand Palace from central Bangkok is via the BTS Skytrain and then by boat. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station, Exit 2, then hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Sathorn Pier, and get off at Tha Chang Pier. The entrance to Wat Phra Kaeo and the Royal Palace is located on Thanon Na Phra Lan.
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 are strict dress codes at Thailand's most sacred temple. No short skirts or shorts. Women must keep their shoulders covered. You can also rent covering clothing there.
Place
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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How do you get there?
Take the MRT to Sanam Chai station. Then walk a few hundred meters north along Sanam Chai Road. Nice route and you will automatically pass the complex.
Entrance is nowadays 500 baht for foreigners. Most buildings in the area accessible to tourists, such as the throne rooms, are almost always closed.
Been there four times, when the entrance fee was still 150 baht. On only one of those occasions was almost everything open. I don't know if it was a special day or if I was just unlucky the other three times...
Does anyone know if you can park near the Grand Palace? I'll be having friends over soon and one of them isn't really walking easily with two crutches.
Hello Rob,
There is now a parking garage next to/under the complex
We will travel to Bangkok at the beginning of July 2024 and a visit to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo, as well as the temple with the Reclining Buddha is on our program. I would like to hear your experience regarding purchasing “skip the line” tickets (do such tickets exist?) to avoid long waiting times at the entrance to these temples as much as possible. Which website do you recommend to purchase such online tickets?