Things to do in Bangkok - Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Our morning visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok

A popular thing to do in Bangkok, The Grand Palace is a magnet for Thai’s and tourists alike. It is the most visited sight in Thailand and as you are swept into the entrance among the sea of bodies, you really feel it.
With the palace being used still for official Royal events and the countries love for the King and his family it’s no wonder where the palace’s popularity comes from.

The huge compound covers 25 hectares, houses more than 100 buildings and dates back to the late 17th century when Bangkok was founded.

Grand Palace

At 9am on the day we visited, hundreds of people had already descended into and around the Palace grounds making it impossible to find a quiet spot to gather yourself, joining what you only imagine is the ‘queue’ or rather the simmering crowd of people tightly crammed around a small window, heads craned to see what’s going on in front, people pop in from the sides as the crowd within a crowd slowly inches forwards.

Tourists all ready to part with 400 baht each for the pleasure of entry whilst the Thai’s go through for free. Couldn’t help but feel a tad ripped off. The most expensive attraction I have been to in Thailand so far and the least enjoyable.

Grand Palace tickets

There is no denying that the Grand Palace is in fact incredibly grand.
Imposing buildings and architecture, shimmering gold structures and lavish grounds.

Inside the Grand Palace

Yet I couldn’t truly enjoy the surroundings due to the sheer number of people everywhere. Every patch of shade was taken and home to people shielding themselves from the heat while studying their maps working out the next move.
I seemed to spend more time ducking down to avoid getting in the way of peoples photos or taking pictures for others than I did anything else.

Crowds in the Grand Palace

Even though we had paid the full price to get in, Wat Phra Kaew, the Royal temple and the holiest site in all of Thailand, home to the highly regarded Emerald Buddha, was closed for tourism.
As we walked around the Grand Palace I heard murmurs from other disgruntled visitors, ‘I can’t believe we’re not allowed to go into the temple’.
No knowledge of this closure was given to us, until we were on its door step, a rope across the steps with a guard turning people away.

Exterior of Wat Phra Kaew

With this being a sacred site, you are required to wear the right clothes, men have to wear full length trousers, no vests or skirts for the ladies, knees and shoulders covered. If you are not in possession of the right attire, wraps and items can be hired on arrival.
The guards are very strict on this, expect to have your clothing scrutinised, one man in front of us had rolled his t.shirt sleeve up by a single fold, only to have it yanked forcefully down to its proper length by an eagle eyed Palace guard.

Audio guides, maps and books are available to help navigate and understand the impressive grounds.

Address: Thanon Na Phra Lan, Bangkok
Opening Times: Open 7 days a week, 8:30am – 4:00pm
Admission: 400 Baht for tourists, Children are free.

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