Grand Palace

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Once upon a time, for about 150 years, the Grand Palace was the home of the King and his royal court as well as the administrative seat of the government. The palace served as the center for the kingdom's war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Although the royal family stopped living in the palace around the beginning of the twentieth century, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

The Grand Palace is home to the Emerald Buddha which takes up one corner of the complex next to the outer court. The Emerald Buddha was found in the northern province of Chiang Mai in 1434 A.D. Admission to the temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Central Court of the Palace is 300 Baht, and the admission ticket includes your visit to Vimanmek Mansion, and needs to be used within seven days of your visit to the Grand Palace.

Also be aware that there is a dress code when visiting the Grand Palace. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of Thailand's most sacred sites. Visitors are required to be properly dressed if planning to enter the Temple. Men are required to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves. Women must be modestly dressed (no see through clothes) with their shoulders covered. If you are wearing sandals, you must have socks, as no bear feet are allowed. If you arrive improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance where they will provide clothes to help you properly cover up.

Apart from when there is a government function at The Grand Palace, it is open every day from 8:30 to 3:30. Be careful of hustlers working outside the palace area who tell you its closed, and suggest their own guided tour instead. 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. 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 the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is only open once a year, on April 6th.

Contributed by jason

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