Grand Palace

Grand Palace, Bangkok Overview

The Grand Palace, a majestic and recognisable landmark in Bangkok, showcases the nation's rich cultural legacy and architectural magnificence. For more than 150 years, the Kings of Siam (now Thailand) had their formal palace in this opulent structure, which was more than 200,000 square metres in size.

The Grand Palace was built beginning in 1782, during the reign of King Rama I. Subsequent kings added their designs, creating a fascinating fusion of architectural styles. The palace features a harmonious fusion of traditional Thai, European, and other Southeast Asian influences, creating a unique and visually stunning masterpiece. One of the highlights of the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This sacred temple enshrines the highly revered Emerald Buddha, a magnificent statue carved from a single piece of jade.

Grand Palace is known for	Its architectural splendour, royal residence, and the temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Timings	Opens at: 8:30 a.m. Closes at: 3:30 p.m.
Entry Fee	500 Baht or INR 1030.
Tips	November through February are the best months to plan your visit to the Grand Palace.
Required Time	3 to 4 Hours (Approx)
Restricted Items	Food and drinks, drones, alcohol, pets, revealing clothes, and weapons.

More About Grand Palace

You will be astounded by the painstaking attention to detail in the architectural components as you tour the Grand Palace's expansive gardens. Within the palace complex, there are several rooms, pavilions, and galleries that are lavishly decorated with gilded details, vibrant murals, shimmering mosaics, and elaborately decorated facades. The inner walls depict scenes from the Thai epic, the Ramakien, showcasing the rich mythology and history of the country.

The Grand Palace also houses other notable structures, such as the Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, which serves as the Royal Throne Hall and is characterised by its distinctive spires. The Borom Phiman Mansion, Amarinda Hall, and the beautifully landscaped gardens are additional attractions that showcase the opulence and grandeur of the palace. A trip to Bangkokwould be lacking without taking in the splendour of the Grand Palace. It is a must-visit location because of its magnificent architecture, cultural relevance, and historical history.

Architecture of Grand Palace

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is an incredible example of Thai workmanship and aesthetic brilliance. The late 18th-century palace complex is an example of a fusion of traditional Thai architectural forms with Southeast Asian and European architecture. The Grand Palace's elaborate workmanship and vivid colour scheme are its most noticeable features. Ornate fa�ades, glittering mosaics, gilded highlights, and delicate stucco work embellish the buildings. The construction has a touch of opulence and grandeur because of the liberal use of the gold leaf. The buildings' tops frequently have multiple levels and are ornately adorned, with gently curving edges and golden spires. These components, together referred to as "Prasat," are distinctive features of Thai architecture and add a sense of calm.

Best Time to Visit Grand Palace

The best months to visit Bangkok's Grand Palace are normally from November to February when the weather is cooler and drier. Without feeling uncomfortable from the severe heat, visitors can fully investigate the elaborate architectural features, stroll through the expansive courtyards, and take in the lovely gardens. By arriving early in the morning or late in the day, you can avoid the busiest parts of the day and enjoy a more relaxing experience.

How to Reach Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is conveniently close to a variety of transport options and is situated in the centre of Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is the primary international airport serving Bangkok. From Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can reach the Grand Palace by several methods. Using the BTS Skytrain is the easiest and fastest way to get to the Grand Palace. Leave the train at the Saphan Taksin Station, then from the Sathorn Pier, take a boat to the Tha Chang Pier, which is close to the Grand Palace's entrance. To get to the Grand Palace, you can either take a cab or a tuk-tuk. Public buses are also an economical option for reaching the Grand Palace.

Tips for Visiting Grand Palace, Bangkok

It's good to keep in mind the following advice while organising a trip to Bangkok's Grand Palace to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

The Grand Palace is a holy and important location in terms of culture. Make sure to dress appropriately to convey respect. Regardless of one's gender when travelling to the Grand Palace, covering the shoulders and knees is compulsory and shows modesty.

Safeguarding oneself against skin damage from sunlight conditions is essential; therefore, applying quality sunscreen, along with augmenting ultraviolet protection gear via hats and sunglasses, ensures optimal health protection.

To comfortably explore the grounds, use comfortable footwear like sandals or walking shoes.

Keep in mind that Bangkok's heat and humidity can be taxing and drink plenty of water.

To avoid missing any key locations, pay attention to the signage and stick to the marked pathways.

Keep your voice low and avoid touching or climbing on any statues or other objects when within the temples.

Nearby Tourist Spots of the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is surrounded by several notable tourist attractions, like:

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Bangkok National Museum
Tha Tien Market
Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat)
Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
Democracy Monument
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
Jim Thompson House

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Palace

How to explore a place by yourself?

"Adventure is out there!" - You just need to know the 'whats' and the 'hows' of it. You need to realize the things that will make exploring a place completely worthwhile and satisfy all of your travel cravings. This can be achieved by -

Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant

Learn The Public Transportation Routes

Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory

Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park

Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour

Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden

Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market

How to choose a destination to travel to?

Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :

Figure out how to travel to a destination, where to stay and what are the things to do amongst other things. Trip Ideas by MakeMyTrip brings you a plethora of knowledge about a destination ranging from images and videos to lists of all the activities

Read posts by travel bloggers who have been there and if needed email them

Watch documentaries and reach out to people who have been there

How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?

To plan the perfect trip, the following will help cover any caveats for your to arrive at the best plan for your vacations :

Where do you want to go? - Your first step in how to plan a vacation is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and travel budget.

Once you have chosen your destination, the next step in planning a trip is to book flights. And learning how to find and book cheap flights will help you reduce one of your biggest expenses when it comes to travelling

Where you stay is your other major travel expense, so choosing the best stay for your needs at a price that suits you will free up more money for activities

Another major thing to consider while planning a trip is to find out the transportation options in your chosen destination, be it public or private and the costs involved

When you plan a trip you should also research about the must-visit attractions and the best free things to do in your destination of choice

Know the visa requirements for visiting the destination

Depending on where you are planning your trip in a particular country, it's important to get the correct advice for any necessary vaccinations that needs to be taken care of before your travel dates

Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy