The Grand Palace in Bangkok

By alantvuong on April 12, 2020

Looking back on my Thailand trip back in March 2013, the day after me and my buddy spent at Khao San Road, we wanted to visit The Grand Palace which is also home to Wat Phra Kaew (or in English, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which is located within one another. Both these attractions are about a 15 minute walk/stroll from Khao San road and just steps away from Wat Pho, home of the reclining Buddha.

the Outer Court of the Grand Palace

Getting There

We talked to the concierge at our W Hotel before we decided to plan our visit to The Grand Palace. We were told that there is a strict dress code to the Grand Palace since it is a place of worship, so we had to dress accordingly. Not allowed items includes tank tops, shorts, and anything that is too revealing. It is open everyday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM and while it is free admission for Thais, it costs 500 baht ($15 USD) for foreigners. We got a taxi to come pick us up and my buddy just transferred me into the car for the 15 minute ride to the Grand Palace.

strict dress code or you will be refused entry

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a cluster of building within a fenced area. It has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since it opened in 1782. By 1925, the Royal Family and the government have permanently moved out and today it is still used as a center of ceremony and of the monarchy, in addition to being a museum and a tourist attraction.

so many stairs to Phra Siratana Chedi

When we went inside, lots of locals are looking to be hired as our tour guide but we politely declined because we wanted to do our own thing and visit at our own pace. Audio guide headsets could also be rented for 200 baht ($6 USD). Even though there is a lot of visitors everyday, the whole area is quite large that everyone is spread out. There are many neat and interesting buildings and structures to see here including the beautiful lush Siwalai Garden and Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat which blends traditional architecture and 19th century European styles.

Siwalai Garden

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat

Accessibility

Getting around The Grand Palace complex was not too bad if we follow the main pathway. We sometimes have to maneuver around crowds but overall it was a breeze. Most buildings did not allow visitors inside, but we can marvel at the structures from the outside of it. Getting up to some of the buildings or just to the area of it ranged from 1 step to over 10 steps. Lucky I always bring strong buddies to help me up a few steps to get around. If a place has more than a few steps to get to, I either get my buddy to leave me for a bit so he can go check it out himself and take pictures for me or we just skip it completely.

easy pathway to see a replica of Angkor Wat

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is the main star of this attraction. With many steps to get to the door and too many people crowding it, I opted to wait by the bottom of the steps, while my buddy went to see the Emerald Buddha. This temple allowed visitors but no photos are to be taken. My buddy had to remove his shoes when he went in and just described what he saw and the experience to me.

about 10 steps to Wat Phra Kaew

Apparently, the image of Emerald Buddha dates back to Indian roots and that only Thailand’s King is allowed to touch the statue. He also changes the cloak around the Emerald Buddha three times a year to match the summer, winter and rainy seasons.

there are 2 of these at entrance of Wat Phra Kaew

Spending a few hours at The Grand Palace was definitely worth the price. They only charged my buddy the admission price and either thought I was Thai so I got in free or because I am in a wheelchair. Even though most buildings were off limits to tourists and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha was not accessible or allowed photos, we enjoyed looking and learning about the temples and Thai culture and spending time in the beautiful sunny weather.