The Grand Palace Bangkok (พระบรมมหาราชวัง - Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) > Bangkok ~ Thailand < 2013 August 12 (1) > (Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Kuala Lumpur)

Today, our first visit place is The Grand Palace.

The Grand Palace (พระบรมมหาราชวัง - Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Palace

The Grand Palace is divided into three main zones:
- The Outer Court, home to royal offices, public buildings and the Temple of Emerald Buddha;
- the Middle Court, which is where the most important residential and state buildings are;
- the Inner Court, which is exclusively reserved for the king, his queen and his consorts.

Getting there?
One of the easiest, and most pleasurable, ways is taking the BTS skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, located a top Sathorn “Central” Pier. From there, take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Chang Pier, and then it’s a short walk to the Grand Palace’s main entrance.

Opening hours: daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm except during special royal ceremonies.

Entrance fee is 500 Baht.
It's inclusive of access to :
> Wat Phra Kaeo,
> The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, which are located within the Grand Palace compound,
> Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.
Additional 100 Baht for a rental personal audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin.

So this is why I suggest you came here first then the other's palace. Because the ticket is inclusive. Don't forget to take a brochure about grand palace based on your language.

Visitors are required to dress appropriately. These following clothes are strictly not allowed as outer garments for both ladies and gentlemen:
>>> Shorts
>>> Mini-Skirts
>>> Short Skirts
>>> Tight Fitting Trousers
>>> See-Through Shirts and Blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers
>>> Sleeveless Shirts or Vests
>>> Sandals (without ankle or heel straps)
>>> Rolled-up-sleeved shirts
>>> Sweatshirts and Sweatpants
>>> Wind-Cheaters
>>> Pajamas
>>> Fisherman Trousers

Credit:
- http://www.tourismthailand.org/See-and-Do/Sights-and-Attractions-Detail/The-Grand-Palace--52
- http://www.grandpalacebangkok.com/

We parked the car a little far from Grand Palace, and the usual Parking Car already full. So we parked the car at a building car parking. It's near Khao Shan Road. Then we ride Tuk-Tuk. It cost 50-60 Baht from there to Grand Palace.

When I came here, it's Queen's Birthday. So there's a ceremony party inside the Grand Palace. But the tourists still can enter the site.

And when I came here, there's so many people. Just imagine, only when you want to entering the entrance, you have to queue almost 45 minutes. Too many people come here. And we can't took a good picture with many people surround.

The Grand Palace, view from Wat Arun

Outer Court of Grand Palace

Chakri Mahaprasat Throne Hall, middle court of Grand Palace

When I visit this palace, There's a ceremony party for Queen's Birthday in this building. So many important people come to celebrate.

Chakri Mahaprasat Throne Halll