The Grand Palace is the former residence of the King of Thailand. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bangkok. The palace was built on behalf of King Rama I, who moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok.
The palace is full of breathtaking buildings, great statues and beautiful gardens. It’s a lot of gold that glitters.
Because it is a tourist attraction, many people at the entrance of the street tell you all kinds of nonsense stories. For example, they say that in the street towards the palace it is not allowed to walk in shorts and that you can buy long trousers from them, in addition they say that the palace is closed and will open in a few hours. Of course they immediately offer alternatives. Judge for yourself what time the palace opens so that you don’t fall for these talk.
The ticket price is THB500 (EUR 13.50) per person for tourist and free for Thai. Be sure to wear long trousers or buy/rent one from the stalls opposite the entrance. You can’t get in with shorts. Although there is no longer a mask requirement, we had to wear a facemask to enter, although as soon as you are inside, these masks can be taken off immediately.
The buildings are ‘guarded’ by yaksha. These are giant guards that keep the evil spirits out.
Inside the Grand Palace is Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temple with the Emerald Buddha. It is not allowed to take pictures here because many people are praying.
The complex consists of several buildings that can almost all be visited. Allow an hour or more for a visit to Grand Palace.
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