Grand Palace Reviews (Bangkok, Thailand)

Intricately Amazing

Hutchinson, Kansas

April 19, 2011

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If you are anywhere near Thailand, this is something you don't want to miss. A few handy tips would include:~ Be skeptical of everyone trying to get you to buy something or go somewhere in a tuk-tuk. They may be official looking or even the official ...Read more

Really worth the visit ...

by Naty_Ellis

Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay

August 31, 2010

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Destination: Bangkok. I had previously read many intersting travellers opinions as to what places where a MUST while visiting Bangkok and the Grand Palace was always ranking top places.In opinion to many travellers, the best way to get there is by ...Read more Destination: Bangkok.
I had previously read many intersting travellers opinions as to what places where a MUST while visiting Bangkok and the Grand Palace was always ranking top places.
In opinion to many travellers, the best way to get there is by boat along the Chao Phraya River ... this was definately a thrilling experience. No traffic congestion and some fascinating views of the city from a different perspective.
We were aware that the entry fee would cost around 250 BHT (a little less than 10 USD), that opening hours were from 830am to 430pm and that the dressing code was pretty strict (long pants and shirt/tshirt with sleeves, no tank tops, no bare feet, no see through clothes nor bare shoulders). If you were told to be incorrectly dressed there would be a booth were you could rent the appropriate dressing (deposit required).
We arrived to the gates of the palace at 9am with no major difficulties. However we did come across some friendly Thai people on the way tried to advise us that the same was closed until the afternoon. This had come up in a few reviews i had read ... it seems to be that their intention is to take you to some other place where they get comission of the things you buy ... but a friendly Thank You and our continued walking pace seemed to be the correct response.
Our dressing code was not completly correct so we were taken to a booth located on the right hand side within the gates of the palace and we payed a deposit of 300BHT per person. I was given a pretty long dress that gave each picture a very Thai style.
The day was cloudy and we could tell that at any moment it would start raining... that was exactly what happened as we finished paying for our entrance fees.
Everybody started running so we followed the crowd ... as soon as we knew it, we were inside the district of the Grand Palace ... each and every detail was beautiful ... painted walls, giant statues and a lot of GOLD, glass and marble!
Near to the entrance there is a temple in which the Golden Buddah resides ... we ran across from one of the halls we had been admiring the amazing paintings on the walls and reached the entrance of the temple.
No words can describe the beauty ... No words could come close to describe how spectacular each and every detail found on the walls of the temple and on the statues standing around the district were. From golden statues to statues made with small pieces of marble/glass/mirrors one next to the other...and the roof tops!!! Magnificent roof tops!
Our cameras could not stop flashing!
Our eyes could not stop wondering up and down each section of these historical grounds.
Shoes were to be taken off to enter the temple where the Golden Buddah is found and no cameras are allowed. The same is around 45cm tall and we were explained that there are 3 sets of Gold garnmets that are used according to Thailands seasons: summer season, rainy season, cool season.
Exiting the temple there are many hall ways around in which unique wall paintings can be found.
The grand palace used to be the official residence of the Kings of Thailand as well as government offices also lying within the district.
Another highlight was the Dusit hall. This spectacular infrastructure lies within the district and was built by King Rama I as a place for his body to lie once he died.
The importance of elephants was very much noticed around the grounds ... statues of elephants are placed at the entrance of most halls. White elephants are considered to be holly animals. Elephant shrines are very common in Thailand as they have played an important role in building much of Thailand.
The option of having guided tours around the district is available but unfortunately we did not opt for this. I believe it would have been very valuable to understand the historical value of each building in more detail.
By 12pm we had overseen most of the palace and parted to Wat Po. Close

From journal 4 busy days in Bangkok

The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho

by garymarsh6

Gravesend, United Kingdom

October 2, 2009

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Best of IgoUgo The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok.The easiest way of getting to the Palace is by using one of the frequent river boats or river taxis along the Chao Phraya River rather than using a taxi or a Tuk Tuk. (Motor cycle taxi rickshaw). Bangkok ...Read more The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Bangkok.

The easiest way of getting to the Palace is by using one of the frequent river boats or river taxis along the Chao Phraya River rather than using a taxi or a Tuk Tuk. (Motor cycle taxi rickshaw). Bangkok is notorious for its traffic congestion and the pollution from the traffic fumes is abominable.
The palace is a massive complex surrounded by a very large wall enclosing approximately 218,400 square meters of palace buildings and temples. The largest temple in the palace complex is called Prasat Phra Debidorn which is adorned with thousands of glittering and shimmering tiles and pieces of glass and gold leaf. In front of the temple is the golden Phra Sri Ratana Chedi which is one of the most famous sights of Bangkok and can be seen for miles around. This area is on a raised terrace and there is also a miniature model of Angkor Wat here too.
Within the complex one of the temples Wat Phra Kaew, houses the Jade Buddha which is the most significant and revered Buddha in Thailand. It is tiny in comparison to other Buddha’s and is said to have been carved out of a single piece of Jade originally from India but has travelled to many places after being pillaged by invaders including Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos and finally back to Thailand. It is only 45cm in height and is adorned with golden cloths which the King Changes three times a year in a special ceremony.
The King and other members of Thai royal family no longer live in the palace but do visit for religious and state ceremonies from time to time. State events and receptions do take place within certain buildings but these are usually off bounds to the public. The present King Bhumibol (Rama IX) lives in Chitralada Palace which is near by. The King is revered in Thailand, the people love and worship him and it is a criminal offence to insult the King in any way or form. I believe a Swiss tourist was jailed a few years ago for insulting the King. There are pictures of him all over Thailand.
Phra Maha Monthian is a small complex of three buildings including Paisal Taksin Hall where the coronation ceremony takes place and another building to the side where the newly crowned monarch must sleep for his first night as King. There are various reception buildings dotted around the complex smaller temples housing the cremated remains of past royalty and statues of Naga’s(Snakes) mythical giants and smaller posing dancers all covered with gold leaf.
To do a visit to the palace any justice you should aim for about two to three hours to tour the complex as there are many statues and temples and courtyards to explore. There is always some restoration work going on at some place within the grounds. It is a very colourful and ornate place and there is a lot of ground to cover. Make sure you have drinking water with you as the humidity and heat in Bangkok can be terrible and it is very oppressive. A sun hat and sun block would be essential too.
Outside the palace there are hoards of touts trying to get you to go to other temples or Palaces telling you that the Palace is closed because it’s the Kings Birthday or that of the Queen, the Kings sister, one of the princess’s or Prince’s birthday and there are services going on and you can not enter till later in the afternoon. Even official tourist guides will tell you the same. What they actually do is take you in a tuk tuk to Jewellery shops where you will be ripped off unmercilessly. Never trust anyone around this site and just tell them no thanks and they will eventually leave you alone.

Visitors should be respectful and wear trousers and the shoulders should be covered and should you not adhere to the dress code then clothing can be hired at the entrance gates. Expect to do a lot of walking and make sure you have plenty of room on your camera chip.

Admission is 300 Bhats ( Approximately £5)
Opening times 08:30 to 16:30

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From journal Thailand

Sightseeing in Bangkok

by addman

Ireland, Europe

November 7, 2008

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We visited the Grand Palace and the experience was okay. The temples that we saw were very pretty. However, after awhile you get the sense that it's temples temples and more temples.I guess if you have a low attention span or tolerance for ...Read more

From journal Thailand 2008

Grand Palace - A Must-See in Bangkok!

by SCUBAfanatic

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

July 9, 2008

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Best of IgoUgo First off, the Grand Palace has a dress code that prohibits sandals, flip-flops, tank tops, shorts, and short skirts. All of these guideline are strictly enforces except for the sandals... I actually saw many people walking around in sandals and ...Read more First off, the Grand Palace has a dress code that prohibits sandals, flip-flops, tank tops, shorts, and short skirts. All of these guideline are strictly enforces except for the sandals... I actually saw many people walking around in sandals and would choose to wear them if I ever make it back again.

My girlfriend and I walked to the Grand Palace from our B&B (The Four Inn) in about 10-15minutes. As we drew near, we were approached by many people trying to sell us long pants, but we were already prepared (see tip#2 below), thanks to the advice of our guide books. We arrived at 9.30AM on a weekday, and there were quite a lot of people there already. However, it was not overly crowded and we were able to make our way through the complex unhampered. There is a lot to see here, so be prepared to spend at least two hours at the Grand Palace. There are so many distinct buildings, temples, and statues, I feel we could have spent the greater part of a day just walking around had it not been for the hot summer sun beating down on us. The architecture is very detailed and unique, with lots of bright colors (especially gold). Make sure your camera has plenty of memory and battery power, as it will undoubtedly get quite a workout here.

Tips for the Grand Palace:
1) Beware of "tour guides" telling you that the palace is closed. They're only trying to get you to jump on their Tuk Tuk so that they can take you somewhere else for a commission.
2) You must wear long pants or dresses when visiting the Grand Palace. I brought a lightweight pair of pants that allow me to zip off the legs and convert into shorts. These were perfect, as I walked to/from the palace in shorts, then explored inside with the pants.
3) I wore tennis shoes because of Lonely Planet's advice to "dress conservatively", although I saw LOTS of people wearing sandals. I would advise all visiotrs to also wear sandals, as the tennis shoes were extremely hot...
4) Lonely Planet also advises visitors to wear long sleaves, which I did. THIS IS NOT NECESSARY. Short sleaves, and even t-shirts, are fine. Tank tops, however, are a no-no.
5) Go early, as the area fills up rather quickly. Also, the heat is a big concern as you will be outside in the sun for the majority of the time.
6) Bring LOTS of water... although you can buy bottled water at the palace if you're in a pinch. Close

From journal Post-Grad Celebration - Bangkok

The Grand Palace - Wow!

by bettybetty10

Dallas, Texas

July 8, 2008

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Best of IgoUgo This is a must see tourist attraction in Bangkok. Despite the crowds of people and tour buses, it really took my breath away when I walked in. All the monuments, statues, and architecture were very well kept and displayed in vibrant colors – gold ...Read more

From journal Hot Hot Hot Bangkok

The Grand Palace

by LenR

Townsville, Queensland, Australia

May 2, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo The Grand Palace and the adjacent Temple of the Emerald Buddha must be on every visitor’s itinerary. This complex rivals the very best European palaces and cathedrals in interest and architectural attraction. From certain angles, this represents all ...Read more The Grand Palace and the adjacent Temple of the Emerald Buddha must be on every visitor’s itinerary. This complex rivals the very best European palaces and cathedrals in interest and architectural attraction. From certain angles, this represents all that is best about Thailand and Thai culture. It is a sight guaranteed to impress the most blasé traveler.

The huge white walled complex is in the center of ‘historic Bangkok’. The palace was originally built in 1782 by the first king who ruled from Bangkok. Since then almost every other king has added to it so that today the complex is an amazing mixture of architectural styles that somehow work together to create a very impressive feature. The Grand Palace is no longer used as a royal residence but it is used for state functions, the presentation of ambassador credentials and some other ceremonies.

The best part of the original palace building is known as the Dusit Group and the Phra Maha Montien Group. The main building is a splendid example of classic Thai architecture with its four-tiered roof and nine-tiered spire. Near the main building is a beautiful pavilion where the king alighted before entering the main audience hall. Please take a close look – it really is exquisite. You can see the reception rooms of what was once a royal residence.

The Chakri Group of halls was built by King Chulalongkorn (Rama 5) in 1882 in a style incorporating both Thai and Western architectural elements. The central throne room with its four canvases is a highlight. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha adjoins the palace and serves as the royal temple. (See a separate entry for this.)

Admission to both the temple and Grand Palace is 250 Baht. Opening hours are from 8.30am to 3.30pm. There is a strict dress code which my wife, in calf-length pants, did not meet. It appeared that about 25% of foreign female visitors (and a few males) were also pulled up. You need a shirt with sleeves, fully-covered legs and covered feet. T-shirts, see-through clothing, bare shoulders, etc. are not permitted.

My wife had to borrow a sarong from the booth near the entrance gate and had to leave a credit card as security. The sarong was pretty and clean but was extremely hot over other clothing as we walked the complex. There appeared to be no water for sale anywhere inside. To avoid this problem, dress conservatively and try to visit early in the morning when crowds are less. Close

From journal Bangkok Sightseeing

Grand Palace (The)

by Jim Rosenberg

Wausau, Wisconsin

July 10, 2006

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Best of IgoUgo If a person could only visit one site in Bangkok, then the Grand Palace would be the place to choose. It is a large complex of ornate temples, pagadas, pavilions, statues, gardens, and government buildings that has to be the city's number-one ...Read more

From journal Bangkok: A Safe & Economical Intro to Asia!

Grand Palace

by eunoshishi

Singapore, Singapore

December 6, 2005

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Best of IgoUgo A must-visit for all travellers to Bangkok, the Grand Palace is located next to Phra Keow Temple. This glorious art of building is a feast to your eyes. Visitors pay 250 baht to gain access to three parts of the compound. For the uninitiated, Grand ...Read more

From journal Bangkok - Cultural & Shopping Melting Pot

Wat Phra Kaew and GRAND PALACE (or ROYAL PALACE)

by HiramAbif

Corfu, Greece

September 11, 2005

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The whole complex is a vast area of several acres and more than 100 buildings. They represent Thai architectural concepts and the elaborate designs and ornaments will both challenge and impress the Western eyes and minds. In order to fully ...Read more

From journal Bangkok - The Heart of Southeast Asia

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Intricately Amazing

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The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho

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Grand Palace - A Must-See in Bangkok!

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Intricately Amazing

Really worth the visit ...

The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho

Sightseeing in Bangkok

Grand Palace - A Must-See in Bangkok!

The Grand Palace - Wow!

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Grand Palace (The)

Grand Palace

Wat Phra Kaew and GRAND PALACE (or ROYAL PALACE)

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