The Grand Palace is the official residence of the royal family of Thailand. The name of the Palace in Thai is Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang. It’s a complex of buildings located in Rattanakosin Island in the Phra Nakhon District of Bangkok. This has served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand, its history starts from the reign of King Rama I in 1782. During subsequent reigns, many new constructions and buildings were built.
The Grand Palace is split into several blocks::
- the Inner Court with the Siwalai Gardens block.
- the Middle Court, including the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings, the Phra Maha Monthien Buildings.
- the Outer Court, with some public structures.
- the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Although the Palace houses some of the royal offices, several of its rooms are open to the public as a history museum.
MAP OF THE GREAT PALACE
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE GRAND PALACE
- The holy Grand Palace temple is also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha contains some precious remnants of the Buddha.
- In the treasury of the Palace (Phra Viharn Yot) is the 13th-century stone throne of King Ramkhamhaeng, the founder of Thailand, discovered by Rama IV.
- The Great Palace of the Chakri dynasty was built by an English architect. The architecture is made in the Italian Renaissance style.
DRESS CODE
Polite attire is required. NO: sleeveless shirts, vests, short tops, short hot pants or short pants, torn pants, mini skirts.
ENTRANCE FEE
The entrance is 500 baht for foreigners and free for Thais. Free for children under 120 cm. Audio guide 100 THB (deposit 200 THB)
THE GRAND PALACE LOCATION
- Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
- E-mail: ticket@palaces.mail.go.th
- Official website https://www.royalgrandpalace.th
- OPENING HOURS: 8.30 am to 3.30 pm daily
The Royal Pantheon is open only one day a year during the celebration of Chakri Dynasty Day, April 6.
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CONCLUSION
The Grand Palace is the main attraction of its kind in Bangkok. Despite the fact that the entrance fee is rather expensive, this place is always crowded with tourists. You can make a stop here on your way to Suvarnabhumi airport because it’s only 35 km away. Remember to dress appropriately.
Be warned, some visitors report that the toilets throughout the complex might not be operational, use the ones on the right an the entrance. Let us know if this issue is fixed to update the information.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay downtown near The Grand Palace, we recommend Mind Day Hostel Khaosan, only 200 baht per night.