It was to mark the founding of the new capital, Bangkok, as the construction of Grand Palace began in 1782. The palace, which is surrounded by a 1,900 meter-long wall, would also be the king’s residence and a place to store the Emerald Buddha, Phra Kaeo, which was brought there from Wat Arun.
Being a visitor of Grand Palace, you will most likely get impressed by the amazing and unique architecture the palace and the connecting chapels offer. The many features include flowers of porcelain in colors ranging from everything between silver and gold to blue, red and green. Other decorative details are birds, snakes and lions. Some of the figures are mixtures between a man and a bird or a man with lion legs and a lion tail (i.e. the mysterious Aponsi-being).
On the palace site is also Wat Phra Kaeo. Wat Phra Kaeo is the holiest sanctuary in Thailand. It is in this temple that the Emerald Buddha is being kept. The idea of Wat Phra Kaeo was to construct a temple that would surpass its predecessors in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. Moreover, Wat Phra Kaeo was to serve as a symbol of the simultaneous establishment of the Chakri Dynasty.
Until 1946 Grand Palace was the official residence of the Thai king. However, the last king who actually lived there was King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Today’s Thai King, H.M. Bhumibol Aduljyadej and his Queen Sirikit, are staying at Chitrlada Palace. Still today, however, the palace serves as an important meeting place for various ceremonies which are held in the Dusit Hall and in the Marin Winichai Hall. Among other rarities, King Rama I’s original teak throne with mother of pearl decoration — considered to be one of the Thai art masterpieces — is being kept here.
Opening Hours: Every day between 08.30 am to 3.30 pm. Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin) Tickets: Tickets can be purchased between 08.30 until 3.30 and cost 200 baht. A ticket includes entry to the Vimanmek Palace, located in the Dusit area, north-east of old town, and entry to the Throne Hall Abhisek Dusit.
Keep in mind: Just outside the palace there are at times people trying to convince tourists that the palace is closed. This is rarely the case. The aim is to get the tourists on a small guided tour of the city — something they in turn can make money on. Investigate on your own whether Grand Palace is closed or not.
Should you come to Grand Palace by foot, it is not unlikely that you will walk through the Sanam Luang Park, which is located just next to the palace. If anyone asks you whether you would like to feed the pigeons, don’t say yes. Instead, just continue walking. If you stop or show your interest you might find yourself with your hands full of seed bags which you will eventually have to pay for.
Finally, remember that the dress code at Grand Palace is rather strict. You will not be let in should you be wearing i.e. shorts or a tank top. Despite being able to borrow pants just at the entrance, this is both time consuming and inconvenient. You must also wear socks, which means you need to leave your flip flops at home. Wearing thin clothes is recommended; however, don’t wear clothes that can be seen through.
