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The Grand Palace Overview

The brilliant, majestic Grand Palace is one of the most sought after monuments and heritage sites in Bangkok. Served as the Thai King's residence for about 150 years in the past, the monument stands as a testament to the brilliant creativity and skill of the Thai people and it still happens to be the spiritual core of Thailand.

The Grand Palace Bangkok happens to be one of the most sought after landmarks that attracts zillions of visitors year over year. The palace was constructed in the year 1782 and it has been used as the home of the Thai King, administrative seat of government and the Royal Court for about 150 years. The centre of attraction of this age old marvel in Bangkok is its beautiful architectural designs and intricate detailings. You will truly be captivated by the sheer creativity and craftsmanship of the Thai People of the bygone times. If you are planning a visit to Thailand, make sure to explore the enchanting offerings of Thailand packages that often include the mesmerizing Grand Palace as a must-visit destination.

Apart from being the home to the Royal Residence and Royal Court, this architectural marvel has also served as home to many government and administrative departments like the Thai war ministry, The treasury or Phra Viharn Yot, Civil Administration, and the most fascinating Temple of Emerald Buddha, which contains small and greatly Emerald Buddha dating back to almost 14th century. The Thai kings stopped living in the palace around the 20th century but it is still used for all ceremonial and auspicious happenings. 

The Palace Complex has got a similar style of architecture as that of the paces of Ayutthaya which happened to be the glorious capital of Siam. The palace has an outer court close to the main entrance housing many government departments in which the Thai kings are involved directly. The outer court has civil administration, treasury, and army departments. The famous temple of Emerald Buddha is also located in one of the corners of the Outer Court. 

The Central Court serves as the residence of the Thai Kings and has halls that are used for conducting state business. Out of many, only two throne halls are open for public exhibition where tourists can marvel at the exquisite work of art on the impressive structures. 

The Inner Court of The Grand Palace is meant for royal consorts and the place where the daughter lived. The inner courts are just like a small city that is entirely populated by women and boys under the puberty age. At the present times, no one lives in the inner court but it is still not open for public exhibition. 

Heading over to the Grand Palace, you will come across many contrasting styles of architecture with designs inspired from various European architectural styles. Some of the major highlights of The Grand Palace are the Boromabiman hall and the Amarinda Hall which has served as the primary residence of King Rama I and the Hall of Justice.

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Highlights

• Home to some of the impressive Buddhist structures including Wat Phra Kaew which is the temple of Emerald Buddha.
• Built in Ayutthaya style of architecture and has got a lot of similarities with the palaces of Ayutthaya.
• Used to house various government departments including army, treasury, and civil administration.
• Known for its majestic architecture and intricate design elements that stand as a testimony to the rich traditional craftsmanship.
• This antique throne gets ornamented in an impressive interior decor during ceremonial occasions allowing visitors to enjoy the European style reception room.

How To Reach

BTS & Riverboat

Travelling to Grand Palace Bangkok would be the easiest by taking BTS and Riverboat. You can take the skytrain from your location to Saphan Taksin Station (S6 Station) and take exit 2. Then you can take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Ta Chang Pier (No.9). You would need to cover the rest of the distance walking for about 10 minutes. 

Hop-on-Hop-off Riverboat

If you want minimal hassle commuting from your location to The Grand Palace, then you can take a ride on the hop on hop off tourist boat on Chao Phraya

By Taxi: You can also book a local taxi or a hop on hop off tuk tuk to reach The Grand Palace from your location. It would not only save your time but will also save loads of money.

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit The Grand Palace Bangkok would be in the morning hours as the place will be less crowded during this time and you will get a chance to get the true essence of the heritage site in a calm and peaceful surroundings.

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Other Essential Information

Tips to Visit The Grand Palace Bangkok

-While visiting The Grand Palace in Bangkok, you should make sure that you put on appropriate clothes as it is considered to be a sacred site. As per the guidelines, you will only be allowed if you are wearing proper dress code. 

-Men can put on long pants and shirts with sleeves. Women should properly cover their body with no see through apparels and bare shoulders. 

-If at all you are not wearing as per the dress code, you can get in touch with the booth located at the entrance where you will be provided with a proper dress with a security deposit. 

-You should not wear sandals and flip flops. It is mandatory to keep your feet covered. 

-You can get tickets to The Grand Palace only from 8:30 AM in the morning to 3:30 PM in the afternoon. 

-The cost of the ticket includes entry to Vimanmek Palace as well as Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall. 

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Point of Interest for The Grand Palace
The Temple of The Emerald Buddha
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The Temple of The Emerald Buddha

Wat phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is a magnificent display of Thai art. The Emerald Buddha Temple is wonderfully designed and has a tremendous sense of tranquility about it. It is located in the historic center of Bangkok and within the grounds of the Grand Palace. Hundreds of visitors and pilgrims queue every day to see the figurine, which the Thai people think will bring wealth to their country. If you're in Thailand, don't miss out on this opportunity to see the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in all its glory. 

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Phra Ubosot or The Chapel of The Emerald Buddha
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Phra Ubosot or The Chapel of The Emerald Buddha

The Ubosot containing the Emerald Buddha is the temple's only original structure, having been constructed at the same time as the temple. The ubosot's facade is decorated with tinted mirror tiles and gilded sculpture, and bronze bells line the eaves. The Phra Ubosot is encircled by a multitude of structures, including 12 pavilions and a bell tower that is only rung on auspicious occasions. The Emerald Buddha sits high up on a golden altar inside the chapel, and because of his royal rank, he is ceremoniously clothed in monastic garb. The roof is covered in bright orange and green tiles, the pillars are mosaic-inlaid, and the domes are made up of marble. As this is a very sacred area, you must strictly adhere to the dressing code while visiting.

The  Emerald Buddha
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The Emerald Buddha

In Thai, the figurine is known as Phra Kaew Morakot. It depicts the philosopher and spiritual teacher Siddharta Gautama, also known as the Buddha, meditating in the virasana yogic pose while dressed in beautiful gold linen and jewels and precisely carved from a single block of jade. Because it is a symbol of respect, the Buddha picture is raised above the heads of tourists. Furthermore, the figurine is so revered that politicians convicted of corruption swear their innocence in front of it, and the reigning monarch swears the oath of loyalty in front of it. The Emerald Buddha's fable-like origins are one of the reasons why it is supposed to have spiritual power and is regarded as a sacred emblem by the Thai people.

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The Demon Guardians
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The Demon Guardians

The Demon Guardians are Buddhist gods who protect and shield the temple from evil spirits. They are known as yaksha or simply yak (giant) in Thai. All gates to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha are guarded by six pairs of enormous demon guardians. During the time of King Rama III, these demon guardians were erected, each one depicting a key figure in the Ramakien mythology.

The hermit figure
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The hermit figure

When you enter Wat Phra Kaew's compound, you'll be met by an intimidating bronze sculpture depicting a hermit with extensive knowledge of traditional medicine. The statue is revered as a patron of medicine and is said to possess healing abilities. Every day, relatives of the sick and infirm pay their respects and send incense sticks, fruit, lotus flowers, and candles as offerings. 

Hor Phra Rajkoramanusorn and Hor Phra Rajphongsanusorn
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Hor Phra Rajkoramanusorn and Hor Phra Rajphongsanusorn

The chapel with several Buddha images is housed in a twin building in Thai style behind the Emerald Buddha chapel. Hor Phra Rajkoramanusorn, to the north, houses 34 tiny Buddha images dedicated to 33 Ayudhaya Kings and one Thonburi King. Hor Phra Rajphongsanusorn, the building to the south, houses 8 tiny Buddha images devoted to the King of Bangkok period.

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Phra Siratana Chedi
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Phra Siratana Chedi

This Sri Lankan-style golden stupa, built in the 19th century, is believed to store the Buddha's ashes and is revered by people from all over the world. This golden, bell-shaped stupa at Wat Phra Kaew's upper terrace is the Grand Palace complex's tallest structure, visible from the Chao Phraya River.

Phra Mondop
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Phra Mondop

The Buddhist library, known in Thai as Phra Mondop, is housed in this edifice. It was constructed during the time of King Rama I to keep the Buddhist scripture in a vast exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay book cabinet.

Phra Busabok
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Phra Busabok

Four little pillars encircle the library, which are ringed by elephant statues. The royal emblems of all the Kings of Bangkok are depicted on the pillars of gilded pavilions. Bronze models of auspicious white elephants can be found at the base of the gilded pavilion. Because of the quantity of white elephants in each reign, their numbers vary.

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Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn
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Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn

The Royal Pantheon, or Prasat Phra Dhepbidorn in Thai, is a Thai-Khmer style pavilion with a prang pinnacle. Initially, the King intended to move the Emerald Buddha from the main chapel to this structure. However, after it was completed, it was discovered that it was too small to hold any ceremony. After several years of repair, the edifice was renamed the Royal Pantheon of All Kings during the reign of King Rama VI, and it became the Royal Pantheon of All Kings during the Bangkok period. Currently, eight sculptures of prior Kings are housed within this structure.

Model of Angkor Wat
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Model of Angkor Wat

During your visit to The Grand Palace, you will truly be amazed by the planning and the execution of the buildings in the ancient times. You will come across the stone hewn model of the real design that has been used from the actual planning of the Angkor Wat which lies in Cambodia. You can draw insights that the then Siam Kingdom had Cambodia in its territories as an acceding state. 

Phra Asadha Maha Chedi
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Phra Asadha Maha Chedi

The eight prang, or structures, that stand to the east of the temple were built during King Rama I's reign. A prang performs the same role as a chedi, which is a sacred monument. They come in a variety of colours and are each dedicated to a distinct Buddhist theme.

Hor Phra Naga
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Hor Phra Naga

Phra Naga is a freestanding Buddha image made of copper alloy that was created by King Rama I, but during King Rama III's reign, the need arose for a relatively huge structure to house the ashes of the current dynasty's deceased members.

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Phra Viharn Yod
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Phra Viharn Yod

It was established by King Rama III and serves as a chapel for several Buddha images, including the Phra Naga image, which was moved from Hor Phra Naga. The superstructure is designed in the shape of a Thai crown and is embellished with Chinese colour porcelain mosaics. 

Hor Phra Monthian Dharma
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Hor Phra Monthian Dharma

The ancillary library, Hor Phra Monthian Dharma, was created by the prince of Front Palace. You can find many mother-of-pearl inlay book cabinets for keeping various Buddhist scriptures inside this edifice.

Hor Phra Gandhararat
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Hor Phra Gandhararat

Hor Phra Gandhararat happens to be a golden and emerald pagoda building in Wat Phra that attracts the majority of the tourists visiting Bangkok. You will find a majestic statue of Lord Buddha in the grand temple. The intricate work of art is a show stopper and you must capture the beautiful architectural designs in your lenses to cherish those moments all through your life.

Belfry
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Belfry

The Belfry tower in The Grand Palace was added by the King which he seized from another temple. The tower was added to the palace complex by the king during the construction of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. At the present times, the original tower no longer exists, but a green and blue mosaic bell tower known as Ho Rakhang took its place during the reign of King Rama IV. 

The gallery and Ramakien Story
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The gallery and Ramakien Story

Murals illustrating the epic of Ramakien (Ramayana), which is about the protracted struggle between Rama and the demon king Tossakan, may be found on the walls of the gallery that marks the Temple of the Emerald Buddha's perimeter. Even if you are unfamiliar with the story, these paintings will fascinate and astonish you. 

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Phra Maha Monthian Group
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Phra Maha Monthian Group

Every Buddhist Holy Day, a chapter of Ramana Sect monks utilise Hor Sastrakom as a chapel for the ceremony of creating holy water for the King's daily bath and sprinkling over the Phra Maha Montian's courtyard.

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Hor Sastrakom
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Hor Sastrakom

Hor Sastrakom, built by King Rama IV happens to be a replacement for the one that was constructed earlier by King Rama I. This structure was used as a chapel by some of the monks of Ramana Sect every Buddhist Holy Day. They used to sprinkle the holy water used in the everyday ablution of the King on the compound of the Phra Maha Montian.

Dusita Phirom Hall
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Dusita Phirom Hall

Dusita Phirom Hall, which was encompassed by a stone curtain wall, was used as a changing chamber for the King to change his attire before walking out to a platform to mount on a chariot or the elephant. 

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall
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Chakri Maha Prasat Hall

After leaving the Emerald Buddha Temple, all tourists are treated to a tour of the Grand Palace, which includes significant throne rooms such as Amarin Winitchai, Chakri Maha Prasat, and Dusit Maha Prasat. The Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, which depicts a beautiful blend of Thai and Western design and was created by King Rama V, appears to be the Grand Palace's most well-known structure. The annual Conservation Day Ceremony is also held in this venue. 

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Tourism Board Alliances

The Grand Palace FAQs

What is the Grand Palace famous for?

The Grand Palace happens to be a complex of buildings as well as the official residence of the King of Siam. Built in the year 1782, it has also been the administrative seat of government for a period of 150 years, home to the Thai King, and the Royal Court. You will truly be amazed by the majestic architectural designs of the palace as well as the royalty.

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Is it worth going to Grand Palace Bangkok?

Yes, it is definitely worth going to Grand Palace Bangkok, as it gives you awe-inspiring views of the majestic royalty. Heading over to this place, you will get to witness beautiful architecture as well as intricate work of art. You will also come across Thai War Ministry and many other state departments. At the present time, it is considered to be the spiritual heart of Thai Kingdom.

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What is inside the Grand Palace?

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha The Outer Court The Middle Court The Phra Maha Monthien Buildings The Phra Maha Prasat Buildings The Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings The Inner Court The Siwalai Gardens quarter.

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What to wear in the Grand Palace?

When you are visiting the Grand Palace, men must put on long pants while women must cover their dress till their knees. It is at all times suggested not to wear tight fitting dresses or revealing clothes. You should also make sure that you don't put on a sleeveless shirt to show your shoulders.

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What are the other activities and attractions in Bangkok that I can book via Thrillophilia?

The Grand Palace Reviews

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Niro Mukhopadhyay
Reviewed: 23 Jul 2022
5.0/5
Visiting the Wat Phra Kaew left us amazed with its stunning architecture, lovely surroundings, unmatched spiritual aura and awe-striking statue of emerald Buddha. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and kept us entertained and informed the entire time. A fantastic tour organised by the Thrill... Read More
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Vihari Maringanti
Reviewed: 09 Aug 2022
4.0/5
I booked the Grand Palace tour with Thrillophilia during my last tour to Bangkok with my family. As transport was included, we had a very convenient visit. The friendly local guide was kind enough to help us with some valuable insights of the place.
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Tejas Ananthram
Reviewed: 11 Oct 2021
5.0/5
This attraction was one of the most beautiful structures we saw during our trip to Bangkok. We went there on one of our last days in the city, and were received by our guide, who helped us explore the entire place and also gave us a lot of information about it. The tour also included a ride in a lon... Read More
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Rohan Goel
Reviewed: 09 Jan 2022
4.0/5
What an incredible structure right in the center of the city! The Grand Palace in Bangkok is one you cannot miss during your trip here. Our guide was a wonderful man who took great care to explain each aspect of the palace in detail to all of us.
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Heema Ganaka
Reviewed: 18 Oct 2019
4.0/5
My history obsessed pals raved about the tour. Among all the things, the Grand Palace of the King of Siam was my favourite. It was a fantastic little adventure.
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Harsha Bhatt
Reviewed: 19 Feb 2019
5.0/5
The Grand Palace was by far the most magnificent attraction we visited when in Bangkok. We booked our tour package from Thrillophilia. Our guide met us at the palace entrance and took us through the grounds and the temple. Our tour package included a canal tour as well. A good tour package for those... Read More

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