The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace features some of the most spectacular architectures in Asia. Entering the palace with the magnificent Royal Chapel, golden domes and fluted spires.

กรุณาแต่งกายสุภาพ ห้ามใส่กางเกงขาสั้น, กระโปรงสั้น, เสื้อแขนกุด Please show respect by dressing properly

Dress code for Grand Palace : No shorts, no sleeveless tops/vests, no sandals/open shoes. Shoes must be removed before entering the temples

Proper attire required - very strict!

This is a huge complex of buildings that has served kings since the 18th century. Don't miss the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew and the impressive architecture of the Chakri Mahaprasad Hall.

Beautiful Architecture, well worth a visit, will take a day to view the whole complex of buildings and exhibits. Can get very hot in the afternoon, remember not to wear too short shorts as you will be asked to rent some long trousers to cover your legs.

This is a stunning place but despite arriving early (9am) the place was already packed with millions of Chinese/Korean/Japanese tourists. The women all had umbrellas so eye protection was essential! The noise was diabolical and it was a seemingly endless stream of humanity moving from one building to another. Photos without a posse of tourists in view was impossible and every good shot was spoilt by some asian women gurning to camera or holding aloft a self-stick. - dissapointing! You have to do it but it is a chore not a pleasure.

The Grand Palace is fascinating if you want to learn the basics about Buddhism, Thai culture and the King. It is beautiful but chaotic so here are my top tips on surviving:1. Expect many tourists and do not be in a rush.2. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and your knees otherwise you will not be allowed entry - men AND women.3. Take water, there is little shelter and it is hot.4. Be aware when taking taxis to the area that it is rip-off central so learn your currency and know what a reasonable price is. You will generally have to barter.5. Do not believe anyone who tells you the Grand Palace is shut - it is never shut, they are working on a way to scam you!!Enjoy!!

The Grand Palace features some of the most spectacular architectures in Asia. Entering the palace with the magnificent Royal Chapel, golden domes and fluted spires.

Its a magnificent attraction with lots to see and click. I would recommend you visit during the first half of the day to enjoy the full essence of the place. You have to be dressed properly. No shorts and sleeveless t-shirts /tank tops allowed. Before you decide to visit the Palace, make sure there is no ceremony taking place in it from a reliable source. The day I visited, the palace was closed for a ceremony and no one was allowed to enter. I confirmed this news from the security guards guarding the palace. Don't get fooled by the scammers outside the palace. Once you enter the boundaries of grand Palace, the ticket counter is at a little distance. The ticket cost is bhat 500/person, which includes the museum entry / Grand palace entry and the Emerald Buddha .The emerald Buddha is within the boundaries of the Palace. I made a mistake of going at 1500hrs to see the palace and as a result had to rush through as most of the attractions inside the palace closes either by 1530hrs or by 1600hrs. Hence, I was not able to see all and could not justify the visit. If you don't have enough time, you can miss out on lot of sites as its not well marked and you could go in circles. Incase you do happen to visit towards the fag end of the day, make sure you rush through the museum ( or give it a miss. The museum has on display jewellery and artifacts of the royalty) and go straight to see the Emerald Buddha as it closes at 1600hrs sharp. After Emerald Buddha ask someone where the Grand Palace is and go there straight. The Kings room closes at 1600hrs. The palace is really grand and beautifully kept. Its a must visit to get the feel of what grandeur and architecture is all about and marvel over the beauty and shine.