Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok - Thailand

The Grand Palace may be one of the main tourist attractions in Bangkok. Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.

The main buildings within the Grand Palace compound were built for King Rama V, who was the first Thai King to travel to Europe.

Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace together are probably the number one tourist attraction in Bangkok. The Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. The temple containing the Emerald Buddha.

The grounds of Wat Phra Kaew actually comprises of many ‘wats’ (Buddhist temples), all of which are superb examples of classical Thai Buddhist temples from the current Rattanakosin style era. Polished gold stupas rise up among ornate pillars and roofs which are studded with small mirrors and cut glass, which on close inspection has the appearance of an intricate mosaic, but from afar simply glitters and sparkles.

The chief attraction here is the Wat Phra Kaew itself, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which was erected in 1782. This is the most sacred temple in the complex and Buddhist ceremonies are often held here. Adjacent to it is the Grand Palace – one of several Royal residences.


Grand Palace and Wat Phra Entrance Admission
Admission to the Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace compound is 200 Baht for foreigners, and free for Thais. The temple is open from 08:30 until 15:30. In order to enter you need to be wearing a long sleeved t-shirt and shorts or skirts also are not permitted, nor are flip-flop style sandals. However, any of these items of clothing are available for hire at the entrance if you are not dressed correctly when you arrive.


How to access Grand Palace and Wat Phra
To get to The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, ask any taxi driver or alternatively you can get an express boat from the pier at Saphan Thaksin (by BTS station of the same name) and alight at Tha Chang, from where you can walk to the main road and then you’ll see the temple grounds in front of you. If you are staying in Khao San Road or nearby, the temple is reachable on foot – you’ll need a map though.

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Photos and Pictures :

Grand Palace, a square mile complex of buildings begun in 1782 as a royal residence and home to the Emerald Buddha


Wat Phra Kaew Temple or Temple of the Emerald Buddha



Construction of the Royal Palace began in 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of Rama I.



A view of Grand Palace Bangkok at night



The Emerald Buddha, The Emerald Buddha is perhaps the most revered and valued Buddhist icon in all of Thailand and attracts thousands of tourists and Thai pilgrims every day.