A wise proverb once said: one cannot truly see Bangkok without seeing the Grand Palace of Thailand. Okay, maybe not quite a real proverb — but with its eye-catching architecture, vibrant temples, and intricate carvings, this huge complex will definitely leave you in awe that you will likely agree!
Built in 1782, after King Rama I ascended the throne, the complex served as the king’s residence and center for his administration and has become one of the top landmarks of Thailand and a must see for many visitors. Of course, it is also one of the most popular places to visit in Bangkok — so read on below to get some tips and tricks to beat the crowds!
How do I get to the Grand Palace?
The cheapest and most scenic way to get to the Grand Palace from Bangkok city center is by BTS Skytrain and then boat. Walk off the boat and enter the palace like a king or queen! Simply take the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station, Exit 2. Then take the Chao Phraya Express Boat (around USD 0.44) to Sathorn Pier, to then get off at Tha Chang Pier. It's a 3-minute walk from the pier to the entry of the palace — voila!
You can also take the Bangkok MRT. The nearest station to the palace is Sanam Chai Station, Exit 1 and it will take you about 15 minutes to walk from there.
How much time should I spend at the Grand Palace?
With more than 218,000 square meters to cover, we recommend spending a whole morning or afternoon (whatever you fancy!) at the Grand Palace to take in all the gold and royalty.
Does the Grand Palace have a dress code?
Yes, the Grand Palace has a dress code like many sites in Bangkok! It is recommended for visitors to wear long skirts or pants and long-sleeved shirts to cover their arms and legs. If you have come unprepared (don't worry, it's very humid at times in Thailand!) there will be scarves or sarongs given at the Grand Palace to cover up! But this may extend your queue time, so it is recommended to come as prepared as possible. No restrictions on shoes, but you may be asked to remove your footwear when entering some of the temples.
The best way to see the Grand Palace
One of the best ways to see the Grand Palace is to join a guided tour! The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha half day tour on Klook is a great option as it includes both English and Chinese speaking tour guides, and you can book the tour privately or within a group.
The tour guide picks you up close to the Grand Palace (at the Navy Wives Association Shop) and will explain all the intricate details of this historical place, which you may miss if you are self-guided. You can also decide to include entry to the Grand Palace (around USD 14.66) to avoid waiting in queue and skip the lines at entry!
Alternatively, if you would like to jazz up your visit a bit more, you can also book the Bangkok Grand Palace Guided Tour that comes with Thai Massage — this tour includes a lovely, relaxing massage after a hard day's work walking around the Grand Palace!
Credits: Ynah Gabrielle - review on Klook
What to do and see at the Grand Palace
1. Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
The first spot to tick off your list is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as it is among one of the most renowned temples in Thailand. Also known as Wat Phra Kaew, this important Buddhist temple is located right within the Grand Palace complex. It features the Emerald Buddha, which is said to be the most sacred Buddha in the country. You'll no doubt be standing in awe as you gaze up at the great image of Buddha in the meditating position carved from a single jade stone!
2. Marvel at the stunning Buddhist scripture at the Phra Mondop
Credits: Pexels
You may not see a library much fancier than this. The Phra Mondop is a masterfully-designed Buddhist library located within the Grand Palace grounds. It houses the sacred Buddhist scripture that is being kept safe in a majestic Mother of Pearl Inlay bookshelf and is definitely one to add to your list for your time at the Grand Palace!
3. See a piece of Cambodia in Bangkok via the Model of Angkor Wat
You'll feel as if you've traveled all the way to Cambodia to see the glorious Angkor Wat when you visit its model replica at the Grand Palace. The Model of Angkor Wat has become a symbol of Thailand's long and interesting history with the Khmer Empire, now known to be Cambodia! The replica was built during the time of King Rama IV, Thailand's monarch, during the 1800s.
4. Learn about Thai literature through The Gallery and Ramakien Story
Credits: Pexels
The Ramakien Story is an important literary piece in Thailand. It is said to be the Thai version of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana of India. See the story unfold before your eyes at the gallery at the Grand Palace, where paintings depicting this interesting piece of history are displayed!
5. Appreciate the beauty of textiles and clothing at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
Credits: Queen Sirikit Thailand Website
A gift from Thailand's queen mother Queen Sirikit, this Museum of Textiles is found at the Rassakorn Phipat Hall in the northern part of the Grand Palace complex. The museum is filled with unique Thai fabrics, textiles, and handicrafts of various designs. Spend some time in this museum to learn about the art and history of the Thai weaving culture.
6. Cool down with drinks and snacks at the Doi Kham Shop
Credits: Doi Kham Website
Open daily from 7:30am in the morning until 4:00pm in the afternoon, take a break and enjoy a hot or cold drink at the Doi Kham Shop. Grab a snack while looking through their products! Some local offerings include tomato products and dried fruits like dehydrated strawberry, mango, santol, and peach.
7. Watch the Khon Performance at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theater
Credits: Tourism Thailand Government Website
Be sure to also see the masked dance drama "Khon Performance" at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theater! Located inside the Grand Palace, you will quickly appreciate the performing arts that Thailand has to offer through cultural shows that depict the country's history and identity. You can get here by riding a shuttle bus from the Phiman Deves Gate in the north wall of the Grand Palace.
8. See national treasures at The Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins
Credits: Museum Thailand Website
If you are visiting the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, you might spot this museum near the entrance! The Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins museum contains old Thai money, as well as former decorations that have been used by royalty many years ago. Among the displays include the different Thai coins and how they evolved through the years, as well as royal emblems like attires and paraphernalia.
Secret extra tip!
If you're after somewhere to have a cold drink and rest your feet after sightseeing, the Eagle Nest Bar — about a 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace — is the perfect spot! The bar has amazing views over the river and onlooking Wat Arun. Try to get there for the sunset as you'll have a stunning outlook!
