The Royal Palace is the main attraction of Bangkok. The building complex was used as a royal residence from the late 18th century until the mid-20th century. Inside the walls you will find several government buildings, royal residences, a chapel and the famous Emerald Buddha. The complex is more than 218,000 square meters in size and is surrounded by a wall of about 1900 meters long.
You view different buildings from the inside, but just walking around the complex is already interesting. Gold-coloured temples and towers, mythological figures, gardens with bonsai trees, chedi, towers and temple guards; they are all equally impressive.
Most impressive is the What Prakeaw; the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the most famous temple in Thailand. This is because what Prakeaw houses the highly revered statue of the Emerald Buddha.
Practical information:
- The palace can be visited between 8:00 to 15:30 pm.
- Tip: Plan your visit in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Do not believe anyone who tells you that the attraction ‘closed’.
- Most buildings can be photographed and filmed, but not all. Take an information pamphlet at the entrance.
- You can hire a guide at the entrance, but also walk around on your own.
- Wear appropriate clothing, otherwise you will not be allowed into the complex: cover your legs and shoulders and no open shoes or slippers. This applies to both men and women.
- Did you forget a part of the dress code? At the entrance you can borrow some covering clothes, which allow you to still enter the complex.