Bangkok grand palace

The Grand Palace is located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The palace complex is situated on Rattanakosin Island, in the Phra Nakhon District. The area is rich in history, with the palace being a symbol of the Thai monarchy since its construction in 1782 by King Rama I. The palace grounds cover an area of 218,000 square meters, enclosed by walls measuring 19,000 meters. The location was strategically chosen for its defense capabilities and easy access for trade. Today, the palace is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year with its stunning architecture and historical significance. Despite no longer being the royal residence, it continues to be used for official events and ceremonies, preserving its historical importance and cultural value.

Open daily from 08:30 to 16:30 (The last entry is at 15:30)
Entrance fee for adults is 500 baht

1. Subway: The most recommended option is to take the subway from MRT Sukhumvit to MRT Sanam Chai. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and tickets cost around $1. The subway operates every 10 minutes. From MRT Sanam Chai, the Grand Palace is within walking distance.
2. Night Bus: Another option is to take the night bus from Sukhumvit Soi 12, Robinson to Territorial Defense Command. The journey takes about 30 minutes and tickets also cost around $1. The bus operates every 5 minutes. From the Territorial Defense Command, the Grand Palace is a short walk away.
3. Taxi: If you prefer a more direct route, you can take a taxi from Asoke BTS Station to the Grand Palace. The journey takes about 9 minutes and costs between $3 and $4.

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 when King Rama I founded Bangkok as Siam’s capital city. The location was strategically chosen on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River for its defense capabilities and easy access for trade. The palace grounds currently cover an area of 218,000 square meters, enclosed by crenallated walls measuring 19,000 meters.

The palace was continuously expanded and improved by subsequent monarchs. Most notable enhancements were made during the reigns of Rama IV and Rama V (King Chulalongkorn). The palace complex is made up of numerous buildings, halls, and pavilions set around open lawns, gardens, and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, is located within the palace grounds. King Rama I installed the Emerald Buddha in the Chapel Royal and conferred the temple name as Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram, which can be translated as the Temple of the Auspicious Buddha image that is crafted from a precious stone. The temple is also colloquially called Wat Phra Kaew as ‘Rattana’ is Sanskrit for precious stone in reference to the Emerald Buddha.

By 1925, the king, the Royal Family, and the government were no longer permanently settled at the palace, and had moved to other residences. After the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932, all government agencies completely moved out of the palace. However, the Grand Palace is still used for official events and ceremonies, preserving its historical importance and cultural value. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand, with over eight million people visiting each year.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaeo, is one of the most important attractions within the Grand Palace complex. This holy site is easily recognizable by the two imposing demon figures guarding the entrance. Inside the temple, the exquisite statue of a meditating Buddha, made completely out of the semi-precious stone jade and dressed in gold robes, stands just 66 centimeters high and rests on a tall plinth beneath a nine-tiered canopy.

The Royal Pantheon is another significant attraction within the Grand Palace. It is a unique building that houses statues of past monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty. The Royal Pantheon is only open one day a year, on Chakri Day (April 6), but its impressive architecture can be admired from the outside on any day.

Boromabiman Hall and the Great Chakri Palace are two of the most notable buildings within the palace complex. Boromabiman Hall was used for the coronation of King Rama VI, and it’s one of the few buildings that is not open to the public. The Great Chakri Palace, on the other hand, is a beautiful building that showcases the grandeur of the Thai monarchy. It houses the Chakri Mahaprasat Hall, which is a blend of Italian Renaissance and Traditional Thai architecture, making it a must-see for visitors.