How to Visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Without a doubt, the Grand Palace in Bangkok can be considered the epicentre of tourism in the city. Regardless of the day, it is jam-packed with visitors, both foreign and local, trying to feast their eyes on the splendour that is this relic of Thai history.

With over 2 million square feet of the area comprising of all the complexes and gardens of the Grand Palace, it still does not seem to suffice when it comes to fitting in those hoping to see this attraction!

How to get to the Grand Palace

With so much to experience, its stunning architectural design, the many complexes from ancient times and even the Emerald Buddha, it is no wonder there is such enthusiasm to visit this site. What can be expected is the massive crows, however with some calm timing and pre-planning, you will be able to take in the wonders of this palace without too much hassle.

There are several ways in which you can give yourself a good experience in trying to get to the Grand Palace. While many will spend time and energy haggling with persistent taxi drivers, you should aim to work smart. Choose to take the scenic route. Step away from the busy roads and enjoy a ride on the rive taxis of Bangkok. As they are quite inexpensive, it is a great choice, particularly when you get to see the Chao Phraya River along the way as well!

If you happen to be staying in a boutique hotel in Bangkok such as the Maitria Rama 9 Hotel then you can also choose to simply take your time and enjoy a 20-25-minute walk to the palace.

Know the opening hours and fees!

The best way to avoid any disappointment is to ensure you have budgeted for the visit to the Grand Palace and you are well aware of the opening hours of this attraction. The Grand Palace is generally open every day from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm. Be sure to allocate enough time for your visit as you will not be able to enjoy the time there in just 30 minutes!

The cost for entry into the palace is about USD 16, which is typically considered to be quite expensive for a Thai attraction but it is well worth the effort.

Additionally, you can also hire yourself a guide to take you through the history and significance of the Grand Palace, although you will have to negotiate a price. It is also, luckily, possible to rent an audio tour of the site so that you may take your time to understand the long-standing cultural reverence of this palace.

Keep in mind the dress code for the Grand Palace

This status of the Grand Palace is such that is essentially treated with the highest cultural and religious reverence. This means that there is a particular attire to be mindful of when planning a visit to this site.

To show respect, it is stated that you cannot wear shorts or sleeveless shirts during your visit. Please keep in mind that though this rule may not be strictly enforced in other religious and cultural sites in Thailand, it is upheld at the Grand Palace!

Men are directed to wear long pants while women are asked to wear clothing that covers just below the knee. It is also recommended to avoid wearing tight-fitting stretch pants like yoga pants. Keep in mind to avoid wearing clothing that showcases religious themes or symbolism of death.

If you by any chance are told that your attire is inappropriate then you will be directed to the sarong booth, which is open, will provide you with a sarong for rent with a small deposit.