The highlight of any visit to Bangkok is a trip to the Grand Palace, which is the “jewel in the crown” of the Bangkok and represents the finest flowering of Rattanakosin art and culture. Begun by King Rama I, the Grand Palace has been extensively modified and remodeled during subsequent reigns and is thus a storehouse of Thai architectural and decorative styles over the last two hundred years.

During the period of Absolute Monarchy which lasted until 1932, the Grand Palace was both the administrative and religious centre of the kingdom, as well as the residence of the king and the royal family, and, accordingly, required the construction of many magnificent throne halls, residential palaces and administrative offices, while the Emerald Buddha Temple complex was built to enshrine the venerated Emerald Buddha, the Palladium of State.

Every aspect of its architecture is laden with religious and royal symbolism, all with the aim of conveying the sacred nature and power of the king. The special architectural vocabulary and iconography employed since the time of Ayutthaya to enhance royal buildings was continued and developed here, and expensive materials were used throughout. The buildings are resplendent with glittering gold which adorns the soaring spires of the palaces and the chedi (stupas housing relics), while the brightly-colored porcelain tiles of the roofs, the abundant use of glass mosaic of differing colors and the carved and gilded pediment contribute to the impression of richness and vibrancy. Around the principal buildings are many small shrines, Chinese statues, small gardens and other unusual figures to intrigue the visitor and enhance the beauty of the whole.

Admission Fee
Admission to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Central Court of the Grand Palace is 350 Baht (11.52 USD). Note that the admission fee also includes an admission ticket to Vimanmek Mansion and several other sights around Bangkok that can be used within seven days of your Grand Palace visit.

NOTE: There is a strict dress code for visiting the Grand Palace. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Thailand's most sacred site. Visitors must be properly dressed before being allowed entry to the temple. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves -- no tank tops. If you're wearing sandals or flip-flops you must wear socks (in other words, no bare feet.) Women must be similarly modestly dressed. No see-through clothes, bare shoulders, etc. If you show up at the front gate improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entry that can provide clothes to cover you up properly. You must leave your passport or credit card as security.

Hours: The Grand Palace is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., unless it's being used for a state function, which is quite rare. Be careful of touts working outside the palace area who tell you it's closed, and suggest their own guided tour instead. They're most likely lying, and their 'tour' will be to several shops where they get commissions on your purchases. Free guided tours in English are available at 10:00, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:00. You can also rent an audio guide for 100 Baht (3.29 USD) plus passport or credit card to secure return.

While the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace grounds are open every day when not being used for state functions, the audience halls in the Grand Palace are closed on weekends. You can only gain entrance to see the magnificent thrones on weekdays. The Royal Pantheon in Temple of the Emerald Buddha is only open one day a year, on 6 April.