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Every visitor to Bangkok should see the
magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling
of the grandeur architectural style.
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.
Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, built in 1877
by King Rama V as his Royal Residence, is the most highly recognized
architectural landmark of the Nation. The central Throne Hall, which
was formerly used for the reception of foreign envoys, is flanked by
reception areas decorated with galleries of portraiture. The central
room on the second floor is used as a shrine for the reliquary ashes of
Kings Rama IV, Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama VIII.
Borom Phiman Mansion was also constructed during
the reign of King Rama V. When his son, King Rama VI ascended to the
throne, he had it improved for use as his residence. The three succeeding Kings also resided here at one time or another.
The Siwalai Gardens, where the office of The
Royal Household Bureau is located, were used for receptions as well as
a recreation area for the royal women and children.
Maha Monthien Prasat houses The Audience Hall of
Amarin Winitchai where ceremonies of the Court usually take place in
front of the throne surmounted by its canopy of nine tiers of white
cloth.
THINGS TO KNOW:
How to go there: The most
enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From
here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang
Pier. It is a short walk from the pier to the entrance to The Grand
Palace public entrance.
Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday, except during special Royal Ceremonies, from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
Admission Fee: Baht 350. This also includes admission to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai
Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek
Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road. Baht 100. for rental personal audio
guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or
Mandarin.
Contacts: Tel : 0 2623 5500 ext.3100, 0 2224 3273
Website: www.palaces.thai.net
Nearby Attractions: Tha Chang Pier , Wat Pho, Wat Arun, National Museum
Dress Code: Visitors are required
to dress appropriately. Thus the following dress - code (applicable to
both ladies and gentlemen) is requested:
1. Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, as well as tights can not be worn as outer garments.
2. See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers can not be worn.
3. Sleeveless shirts or vests can not be worn as outer garments.
4. Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) can not be worn.
5. All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, can not be rolled up.
6. Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers can not be worn.
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