The Grand Palace is Bangkok's Number One attraction boasting a famous complex of magnificent buildings with an area of 218,400 square metres. The construction work began in 1782 and the buildings are surrounded by a defensive wall of 1,900 metres in length. Further out from the wall is a canal, which was also created for defensive purposes, making the area surrounding the palace an island, known as Rattanakosin.

The Grand Palace is served as the official residence of the King of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. After the death of King Ananda Mahidol in the Grand Palace, King Bhumibol moved the official royal residence to Chitralada Palace.

The Grand Palace complex lies on the East bank of the Chao Phraya River. Prominent parts of the Grand Palace feature Wat Phra Kaew, the temple containing the Emerald Buddha and Chakri Mahaprasad Hall, a building in a style influenced by the Italian Renaissance.

Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a highlight of Bangkok for both tourists and locals. Located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, this Thailand's most sacred Buddhist temple features the magnificent Emerald Buddha that dates back to 14^th century. The construction of the temple started when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other temples it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it comprises highly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas.

Opening Hours:

The Grand Palace grounds open every day from 8:30 to 15.30, when not being used for state functions. Only the audience halls are closed on weekends. Free guided tours in English are available at 10:00, 10:30, 13:30 and 14:00. An audio guide for 100 Baht (3.00 USD) is available for rent.

Dress Code:

Visitors must dress appropriately before being allowed entry to the Grand Palace grounds. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. Women must be similarly appropriately dressed. No see-through clothes, bare shoulders, tank-tops. If your clothes do not meet the dress code requirement, there is a booth near the entrance that can provide clothes or sarong to cover you up properly.

Getting There:

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are located in the Banglampu area of Bangkok or the "Old City". Taxi from central Bangkok will cost about 80 Baht. Or, take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the Chang Pier (Tha Chang) and walk through the market around the pier to see the old shophouses right in front. The long white wall of the Grand Palace will be visible across the street on your right.

The following buses will also take you to the Grand Palace:

Bus Number: 1, 35, 44, 47, 123, 201

Air-conditioned Bus Number: 2, 3, 7, 8, 12, 25, 39, 44, 82

Contact:
Tel: 0-2224-3328, 0-2226-0255
Fax: 0-2225-9158