Explore the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: Thailand's Cultural Heart A Fusion of Royalty and Religion

A trip to Bangkok is incomplete without visiting the Grand Palace, which was commissioned in 1782 by King Rama I, modeled after the palace of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The most convenient way to reach the palace is by taking a ferry along the Chao Phraya River. Visitors can take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station, then walk to Sathorn Pier and catch an orange flag boat to N9 Pier from Exit 2 , where the Grand Palace is located.

The Grand Palace is Thailand's most significant cultural and historical site. The white walls symbolize purity and holiness, intertwining the essence of religion and politics.

The Emerald Buddha: A Symbol of Thai Sovereignty

Upon entering the Grand Palace, visitors are greeted by the majestic Wat Phra Kaew , which occupies about a quarter of the palace grounds. At its center lies the revered Emerald Buddha , a 66 cm tall statue carved from jade, discovered in 1464. The Emerald Buddha is dressed in seasonal attire, changed personally by the king, symbolizing the monarch’s connection to the country’s spiritual well-being.

Besides the main Emerald Buddha statue, Wat Phra Kaew is also famous for its large platform, which features a circular golden stupa called the Phra Siratana Chedi. Next to it is the Phra Mondop （ scripture hall ） built during the reign of King Rama I. On the platform, there is also the magnificent Prasat Phra Dhepbiorn, which is shaped like a cross.

The grand platform within Wat Phra Kaew features a golden stupa and a scripture hall, showcasing the influence of various cultures on Thai architecture. The opulent Prasat Phra Dhepbiorn attracts numerous visitors, eager to capture its stunning exterior. The opulent Prasat Phra Dhepbiorn attracts numerous visitors, eager to capture its stunning exterior.

The temple complex also features the grand Chedi (stupa) and the Ramakien Gallery , a hall of scriptures dating back to the reign of the first king. Surrounding the temple are beautifully painted murals depicting Thai mythology and history, guarded by twelve fierce Yaksha (demon) statues, whose role is to protect the Emerald Buddha.

Inside Wat Phra Kaew, twelve Yaksha statues guard the Emerald Buddha, creating a striking visual. The lengthy mural corridors depict Thailand's myths and history, illustrating the journey towards enlightenment.

Visitors to Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace must adhere to a strict dress code. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and flip-flops are prohibited. Attendants at the entrance check attire, and visitors must remove their shoes before entering the main hall.

Visitors must remove their shoes to enter the temple, where photography is prohibited, allowing guests to absorb the solemnity of the space. The Emerald Buddha, crafted from a single piece of jade, stands at 66 cm tall. It is a national treasure, adorned in seasonal royal garments. The main hall of Wat Phra Kaew features a tiered roof adorned with dragon motifs and colorful tiles, creating a mesmerizing façade. A model of Angkor Wat, commissioned by King Rama IV, highlights the historical connections between Thailand and its neighbors.

The Architectural Marvel of the Grand Palace

After exploring Wat Phra Kaew, visitors can wander through the various buildings of the Grand Palace. The most striking is Chakri Maha Prasat , which showcases a blend of Thai and Western architectural styles. Its design reflects Victorian-era influences, while the three spires represent traditional Thai architecture, complemented by a Western-style garden.

Chakri Maha Prasat is the largest building in the Grand Palace, blending Victorian architecture with traditional Thai elements.

To the right of Chakri Maha Prasat is the Dusit Maha Prasat , a throne hall built during the reign of King Rama I, where the king would conduct important state affairs. To the left is the Dusit Hall , a traditional Thai building that played a significant role in royal ceremonies and funerals, including the recent ceremonies for the late King Rama IX.

The Dusit Hall is crucial for royal ceremonies; it housed the late king’s coffin during the state funeral in 2016. Visitors can also witness the ceremonial changing of the guard outside the Grand Palace.

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Phone: +66 2 623 5500

Opening Hours: Daily, 08:30 - 16:30 （ Ticketing office to 15:30 ）

Ticket Price: 500 THB (includes access to the Wat Phra Kaew ,the Grand Palace and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile)

Transportation: Visitors can take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station, then walk to Sathorn Pier and catch an orange flag boat to N9 Pier from Exit 2 .

Website: https://www.royalgrandpalace.th/en/home