We were so excited to try the Chao Phraya Express boats that we left our hotel early immediately after having our fill at the breakfast buffet.  It was a blessing that our hotel was highly accessible to both the BTS Skytrain and the river express routes.  Since we have already tried traveling via the BTS, we decided that it was about time to explore Bangkok onboard one of the popular Chao Phraya Express Boats.

After buying our “Ride All You Can” tickets, we boarded the regular sized public boats and checked out the map and brochures that were handed over to us at the customer service counters.  We had our hearts set on exploring the Grand Palace of Thailand so we automatically searched the map for landmarks.  After a few minutes of leaving the pier, an English speaking tour guide spoke over the intercom and explained each pier stop along the Chao Phraya River. Wow, that was very helpful! After the guide explained the entire map, we realized that we had to get off at the Maharaj Pier if we wanted to visit the Grand Palace.

The Grand Palace is one of the famous tourist attractions in Thailand. No trip to Bangkok would be complete without paying a visit to this grandiose place. The Grand Palace is actually made up of several buildings.  For about 150 years, this palace served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand, members of his entire court and the entire administrative seat of the government.  It was in 1782, exactly during the reign of King Rama I, when the construction of the Palace started.  The Grand Palace is considered by the locals as a work in progress.  This is mainly because the royal grounds have undergone several renovations and expansions over the years.  But at the turn of the twentieth century, the Kings of Thailand have stopped living in the palace.  Even if this is the case, this palace is still considered the seat of power and lovingly considered as the spiritual heart of the Kingdom of Thailand.

It is said the whole palace complex was constructed following the general look and design of the different palaces that can be found in the former capital city of Ayutthaya.  Anyone’s visit to the Grand Palace would have to start from the Outer Court. This area of the palace housed the different departments of the government including but not limited to the army, treasury and civil administration.  Another part of the palace is the Central Court.  This is the exact area where the residence of the King can be found as well as the halls where state businesses were conducted.  At the back of the Central Court one can find the Inner Court.  This Inner Court was where the daughters of the King and his royal consorts lived.  It was also said that this part of the Palace was mostly populated by young men and women. Understandably not all parts of the palace are open to the public.

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

Admission Fee:  The admission Fee to the Grand Palace is about US$10.  This fee already includes entrance to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Central Court of the Grand Palace.  One should also remember that the entrance ticket to the Grand Palace will also entitle the ticket holder a free entrance to the Vimanmek Mansion as long as it is used within seven days of the visit to the Grand Palace.

Operating Hours: One can visit the Grand Palace every day anytime between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.  The audience halls of the Palace are closed to the public during weekends.  The royal thrones can only be viewed during weekdays.  The Royal Pantheon that can be found at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is only open once a year, April 6.

Guided Tours: Free English guided tours of the Grand Palace can be availed everyday at 10:00 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:00 pm.

Dress Codes: It is very important to remember that the Grand Palace imposes a very strict dress code for all visitors.  Visitors must remember to wear proper attire.  Men must wear long pants, shirts with sleeves and closed shoes.  Women must wear long pants or a long skirt, blouse with sleeves and closed shoes. Those who are not properly dressed must rent clothes at the visitors’ counter for only Baht 100 per item of clothing.

Tour Time: Touring the entire grounds of the Grand Palace can last anywhere from one hour to three hours depending on the depth of immersion preferred by the visitor.

Hotels: Make sure to book a room in any of the reputable hotels in Bangkok like the Conrad Hotel Bangkok.

Posted in Attractions, Thailand

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