Grand Palace of Bangkok
, Rattanakosin, Bangkok, Thailand
, Bangkok
This tourist attraction is located in Bangkok, Thailand. For information on Chiang Mai, go to Bangkok Travel Guide. To prepare for a trip to Thailand, read also the Thailand Travel Guide. Looking for budget accommodation in Bangkok? Use the Bangkok Budget Accommodation Map to easily locate the perfect place to spend the night.
The Grand Palace of Bangkok is located at Rattanakosin, the Old Royal City, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is bordered by Sanam Luang district on the north, Sanam Chai on the east, Maharaj on the west and Thy Wang on the south. The public enters from the main entrance along Thanon Na Phra Lan, through the Gate of Victory, on the north side.
A tour of the Grand Palace follows a circuit with no turning back. The first stop is the Coins & Decorations Museum. Here, we may view coins of old Siams, royal decorations, costumes, etc.
Dusit Maha Prasat and Arporn Phimok Prasat.
A narrow passage takes us to the entrance to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaeo. Exiting the temple, visitors enters the northern fringe of the royal palace. This is the only section of the palace opened to the public, even though the royal family no longer resides here.
Perhaps the grandest building here is the Chakri Maha Prasat group of buildings. They include audience hall, reception hall, dining hall, a coffee room, royal wardrobe, and throne hall. They were designed by John Clunich, an English architect from Singapore for King Chulalongkorn. It was built on the site of the building where King Chulalongkorn was born and lived as a child.
The Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall
Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall
The Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall is an ecletic mix of European structure with a Thai roof. It consists of three storeys. In the central hall, the upper floor is used for keeping royal ashes, the middle floor is a large hall, and the ground floor is for royal bodyguards.
Arphorn Phimok Prasat Pavilion
Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall
To the west of Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall is the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. It is built in the early Rattanakosin style. It is used for the lying-in-state of deceased royals.
In front of the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall is the Arphorn Phimok Prasat Pavilion. It is a single-storey wooden building, ornately decorated. The roof has four tiers. The purpose of this pavilion, constructed according to the orders of King Mongkut, was for mounting vehicles.
Through the iron gates, visitors may view - but not enter - the Borom Phimarn Throne Hall, located to the east of the Chakri Maha Prasat group of halls. The hall is built in the neoclassic style of the Renaissance period. The Mansard roof is covered with slate tiles. Nowadays, the hall is used as guest house for state visitors.
Visiting the Grand Palace
Admission to Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace is 250 Baht for foreigners. The ticket allows you to visit the Vimanmek Mansion nearby, if used within seven days. Considering Wat Phra Kaeo is Thailand's most sacred temple, there is a strict dress code. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. Women should not wear any see-through clothing, or have bare shoulders. If you show up without proper attire, a booth near the entry can provide you clothes to cover up - but you must leave your passport or credit card as security.
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When you travel to a distant, exotic destination such as Thailand, it is important to use a reputable tour operator. It will save you time, money, and headaches. Here are some local tours of Thailand which you may want to consider. As an independent traveler, you have the freedom to create your own vacation according to your own schedule. The tours are arranged by Viator, a big and reputable tour organisation, so you can peace of mind when placing your booking.
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