In a city rife with magnificent temples and royal palaces, Bangkok’s Grand Palace still manages to glitter above the rest.
Built in 1782 and located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it housed the King, his court and royal government until 1925. And while the magnificent grounds are still used for state functions and royal ceremonies today, for most visitors, the Grand Palace is the one must-see sight on their Bangkok travel itinerary.
And it’s no wonder. A huge complex full of dazzling architecture, intricate yellows, blues and greens, as well as statues both witty and threatening, a walk through the Grand Palace left us in total awe.
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- Bangkok’s Grand Palace
Visiting Bangkok’s Grand Palace
There’s a strict dress code to enter the grounds, because the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within the complex is considered Thailand’s most sacred site. Modest dress is required. No tank tops, see-through clothes or bare shoulders are accepted.
It you don’t have appropriate clothing, it’s still possible to visit, by borrowing clothes (sarong and shirt) at the booth near the entrance, free of charge. You’ll have to leave a deposit.
Be careful of the touts that linger around the area. It’s a common scam for them to tell you that the Grand Palace is closed for the day. Ignore them and continue onto the entrance to see for yourself.
Have you been to Bangkok? What was your favourite experience there?
Soumya Gayatri
I love the yellows of the palace. I am visiting Bangkok this December. Will make sure to check this out.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
It’s def worth seeing…don’t get fooled by any guys near the entrance telling you it’s closed… it’s a common scam there (though I’m not sure what they hope to gain from doing that) ?
J. S. Kim
Reblogged this on redmarine754.
rommel
How I wish there’s a Bangkok- kind of place here in California. Such sights to see.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Bangkok is definitely unique in the world…such a crazy mix of opulent temples and palaces, delicious street food, crazy traffic, smiling people and out of control malls. You def have to visit one day. 😀
anotherday2paradise
Yes, I’ve also been to this amazing palace, Shelley. The gold decoration is magnificent. 🙂
Shelley @Travel-Stained
It’s out of this world, isn’t it? 🙂 Definitely a must visit for a trip to Bangkok!
Holly Beddome
Wow!! I can imagine this is a place that needs to be experienced first-hand.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Definitely! it’s like complete sensory overload, not just because of the architecture and design, but also the crazy heat, humidity and smells of Thailand. 🙂
mjcolbert
Gorgeous photos! I’ve never been, but I’ll have to go one day now. The Newport Mansions are also very heavily gilded, but there’s no photography allowed inside.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thanks Michael. Lol….the list of places you have to go one day is growing day by day. 😉 The Grand Palace is well worth a visit. It’s huge and there’s so much to discover there.
sustainabilitea
So ornate!
janet
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Hi Janet. 🙂 It really was incredibly detailed, and so bright when we visited. It felt like the whole palace has just been shined.
asnappshot
A wonderful arrangement.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Thank you! There were so many wonderful photo taking opportunities there. 🙂
Fine Stay Slovenia
The Asian architecture looks really neat.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
I’d say it’s one of the most magnificent sites in all of Bangkok 🙂
Agri @ Travel-Stained
And beware of anyone being curious about seeing foreign bills. They want you to take out your wallet and while the husband distracts you pretending to be interested in the bills you’re just showing them, the wife snatches the rest of the money.
Shelley @Travel-Stained
Why are you always worrying about the wife snatching the money? 😉