Guide to Visiting The Grand Palace in Bangkok – The Royal Residence

The Grand Palace Bangkok is located in the heart of Bangkok on the banks of Chao Phraya and has numerous buildings, halls, pavilions, temples set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards.

On May 6, 1782, the construction of the palace began at the order of the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I and moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. The temple is divided into several quarters: The Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the outer court, middle court, inner court and the gardens quarter. The Grand Palace currently, is open to the public as a museum, with several functioning and working Royal offices still situated inside.

The intricate detailing and impeccable architecture of this grand old palace that makes it special and is a tribute to the Thai craftsmen. The Grand Palace is considered the spiritual heart of the Kingdom of Thailand and the palace complex features a number of impressive buildings including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) which houses the small but famous and widely revered Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century. Considered Thailand’s most important Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Kaew enshrines the meticulously carved jade Buddha in the Lanna school meditating position.

History of Grand Palace in Bangkok

The temple’s asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development. Additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning Kings over 230 years of history, especially during the reign of King Rama V. 1853 -1910.

The materials for the fort and walls were taken from Bangkok. Ultimately the old Royal palaces were completely levelled. The bricks for the wall were ferried over the Chao Phraya River. Since 1782, the palace has been officially resided by the king. Until 1925, the royal family, the court and the royal government were based on the grounds of the palace. Every year the Grand Palace is still used for official events, with several Royal ceremonies and state functions held. By 1925, the King, the Royal Family and the government were no longer permanently resided in the palace and moved to other residences, later reflecting the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932.

How to Reach The Grand Palace in Bangkok?

The Grand Palace can be reached via local train links or you can rent a car with a guide to have the complete tour experience.

Entry Fees

Grand Palace Bangkok entry fee is about 500 baht (1030 INR) per person. The entry fees also include entry to Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall.

Best Time to visit Grand Palace In Bangkok

The Palace can be visited anytime between 8:30 am 3:30 pm on all days. Although Thailand is an all year round destination the best time to visit would be anytime between November and April.

The Grand Palace is an iconic historical place to visit on all Bangkok packages. Get to know the thrilling stories of how Thailand was ruled and experience a history more than two centuries old by booking Thailand trip package at Pickyourtrail.