Grand Palace and Wat Pho
A vacation in Bangkok is never complete if you never set foot on the majestic grounds of the Grand Palace or explored the nook and crannies of Wat Pho, where one of the largest reclining Buddha rest. Visiting these two significantly cultural and historical sights will put you right in the heart of the Old City of Bangkok. Since both are so close together with a few other noteworthy attractions like Wat Arun across the river in the area, it would be ideal to combine the two for a 1 day visit.
It's also worthwhile to explore life around the piers near the area. You'll find many street side vendors selling all manors of good from sunglasses to amulets and everything else in between.
It's also worthwhile to explore life around the piers near the area. You'll find many street side vendors selling all manors of good from sunglasses to amulets and everything else in between.
Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha)
The Grand Palace was built by King Rama I in 1782 and since then have been remodeled and extended by the royal family until 1946, when the current King Bhumibol Adulyadej moved his court up north to the Dusit District in Chitralada Palace. But today the Grand Palace is still used for memorial ceremonies and royal functions for visiting dignitaries.
Today The grounds of the Grand Palace are massive at 61 acres. It's white medieval protective walls measuring 1,900 meters surround and protect government buildings, sacred ashes of royal members, Buddhist libraries and traditional Thai architecture that were once widely used by the royal court guarded by imposing mystical figures of Thai lore. The complex is not filled with meaningless temples and spires. Each structure play or still plays an important role in Thai history and culture. However, visitors are not allowed to visit most parts of the complex first hand.
At it's center and perhaps the most sacred site to Thai locals is Wat Pha Kaew, a mural filled chapel with illustrated images of the life of Buddha. In the center of Wat Phra Kaew is the enigmatic Emerald Buddha with it's spectacular history since it was first discovered in 1434 after a lightening bolt struck a chedi in Chiang Rai. The Emerald Buddha is much revered as you can see dozens of Thais kneeling and praying before it's image.
Getting to Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew:
The best way to get to Grand Palace is by taking the River Express Boat. Get off at Tha Chang Pier and follow the crowd through many stalls selling water, food and snacks. It's not advisable to get there with a taxi, especially when you're staying in the commercial zones of Bangkok.
Today The grounds of the Grand Palace are massive at 61 acres. It's white medieval protective walls measuring 1,900 meters surround and protect government buildings, sacred ashes of royal members, Buddhist libraries and traditional Thai architecture that were once widely used by the royal court guarded by imposing mystical figures of Thai lore. The complex is not filled with meaningless temples and spires. Each structure play or still plays an important role in Thai history and culture. However, visitors are not allowed to visit most parts of the complex first hand.
At it's center and perhaps the most sacred site to Thai locals is Wat Pha Kaew, a mural filled chapel with illustrated images of the life of Buddha. In the center of Wat Phra Kaew is the enigmatic Emerald Buddha with it's spectacular history since it was first discovered in 1434 after a lightening bolt struck a chedi in Chiang Rai. The Emerald Buddha is much revered as you can see dozens of Thais kneeling and praying before it's image.
Getting to Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew:
The best way to get to Grand Palace is by taking the River Express Boat. Get off at Tha Chang Pier and follow the crowd through many stalls selling water, food and snacks. It's not advisable to get there with a taxi, especially when you're staying in the commercial zones of Bangkok.
Exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew:
Ticket Price: B350
It's free to roam around the outer compounds and take pictures. A ticket to enter the inner compounds of the Grand Palace cost B350. It includes admission to Wat Pra Kaew and the Royal Thai Decorations & Coin Pavilion, all located in the palace grounds. The ticket also includes free admission to Vimanmek Mansion Museaum but must be used within 7 days.
The Grand Palace is open everyday to the public from 8:30am to 3:30pm and only closed for royal functions and ceremonies. It's best to visit the grounds on a weekday. Hundreds of locals visit Wat Pra Kaew on weekends so it can get quite crowded. Plus some halls are closed on weekends.
You might come across touts who insist the Grand Palace is closed for a special holiday. They will instead try to sell you a special tour which usually includes a stop at a gem shop. Gently decline their offer. You can easily tell if the Grand Palace is closed by checking the entrance gate or if you don't see a constant stream of tour groups then it probably is closed.
There is a strict dress code; no shorts and sleeveless shirts. Simply put dress respectfully. If by chance you are under dressed you can borrow proper attire a building near the entrance gate. You will have to leave a credit card or passport as a deposit.
Free guided tours in English starting at 10:00, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:00. There are also personal audio guides available for rent B100 in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin. It even comes with a special guide pin pointing special areas of interest. English signs with directions are visible so you can go on your own tour with a good history book about the Grand Palace.
Wat Pra Kaew and the Emerald Buddha it houses is particularly one of the most significant and sacred relic in Thailand. Though it bears the name emerald it is in fact sculpted from a massive piece of jade. The monk who first discovered the Buddha initially thought it was made from emerald so the name stuck because of the deep green color. And just like almost any important Thai relic the Emerald Buddha was also once covered in plaster for reasons unknown.
Ticket Price: B350
It's free to roam around the outer compounds and take pictures. A ticket to enter the inner compounds of the Grand Palace cost B350. It includes admission to Wat Pra Kaew and the Royal Thai Decorations & Coin Pavilion, all located in the palace grounds. The ticket also includes free admission to Vimanmek Mansion Museaum but must be used within 7 days.
The Grand Palace is open everyday to the public from 8:30am to 3:30pm and only closed for royal functions and ceremonies. It's best to visit the grounds on a weekday. Hundreds of locals visit Wat Pra Kaew on weekends so it can get quite crowded. Plus some halls are closed on weekends.
You might come across touts who insist the Grand Palace is closed for a special holiday. They will instead try to sell you a special tour which usually includes a stop at a gem shop. Gently decline their offer. You can easily tell if the Grand Palace is closed by checking the entrance gate or if you don't see a constant stream of tour groups then it probably is closed.
There is a strict dress code; no shorts and sleeveless shirts. Simply put dress respectfully. If by chance you are under dressed you can borrow proper attire a building near the entrance gate. You will have to leave a credit card or passport as a deposit.
Free guided tours in English starting at 10:00, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:00. There are also personal audio guides available for rent B100 in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin. It even comes with a special guide pin pointing special areas of interest. English signs with directions are visible so you can go on your own tour with a good history book about the Grand Palace.
Wat Pra Kaew and the Emerald Buddha it houses is particularly one of the most significant and sacred relic in Thailand. Though it bears the name emerald it is in fact sculpted from a massive piece of jade. The monk who first discovered the Buddha initially thought it was made from emerald so the name stuck because of the deep green color. And just like almost any important Thai relic the Emerald Buddha was also once covered in plaster for reasons unknown.
Map of Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew
Just 31 inches tall the Emerald Buddha looks tiny compared to the structures surrounding it. It is so holy and revered that the only pair of hands that can touch it belongs to the King. The King performs a ritual 3 times a year corresponding with the 3 seasons by changing the Emerald Buddha's robes; one for hot season, rainy season and cool season. You can find the robes that are not worn in season at the Wat Pra Kaew museum including the plaster that once hid the Emerald Buddha for centuries.
It's shoes off when entering this ceremonial temple. When you're inside you will be directed to sit in reverence. Mind the signs posted, no picture taking and keep your feet pointed away from the Emerald Buddha.
Outside the doors of Wat Pra Kaew you'll find Thais lining up to bless themselves with lotus flowers dipped in water among incense and burning candles. Thais perform this ritual for reverence in hopes of a better next life.
The Grand Palace is full of ornate images depicting epic battles between demons and demi-gods, the good versus the bad. Death and rebirth. All of it gives deep insight to Thai beliefs and traditions. Everything you see was put in place with purpose and even the colors and number of chedi and structures have symbolic meanings. It's quite safe to say that a lot of thought and planning as well as time was spent on creating such an awe inspiring sight for future Thai generations and travelers to enjoy.
It's shoes off when entering this ceremonial temple. When you're inside you will be directed to sit in reverence. Mind the signs posted, no picture taking and keep your feet pointed away from the Emerald Buddha.
Outside the doors of Wat Pra Kaew you'll find Thais lining up to bless themselves with lotus flowers dipped in water among incense and burning candles. Thais perform this ritual for reverence in hopes of a better next life.
The Grand Palace is full of ornate images depicting epic battles between demons and demi-gods, the good versus the bad. Death and rebirth. All of it gives deep insight to Thai beliefs and traditions. Everything you see was put in place with purpose and even the colors and number of chedi and structures have symbolic meanings. It's quite safe to say that a lot of thought and planning as well as time was spent on creating such an awe inspiring sight for future Thai generations and travelers to enjoy.
Wat Pho - The Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho is just a 10 minute walk directly south of the Grand Palace. It's a shame that there is no exit at the south end of the Grand Palace because the only public exit is the same as the public entrance, which is at the north end. During hot season that 10 minute walk will feel like 20. You can either walk around or take a tuk tuk which the driver will probably quote you B50, depending on your negotiation skills but worth the price if you're not traveling alone. A taxi ride will cost you about B35 to Wat Pho but the driver may refuse you since it's such as short distance. But if you can snag one the temporary relief from the air conditioning from the short taxi ride is well worth.
Getting to Wat Pho:
Take the Express Ferry Boat to Tha Thien Pier and follow the crowd due east, past food and drink stalls. Cross the main road called Thanon Mahathat. Walk straight ahead. You'll see the white walls of the Grand Palace to your left and to your right are the walls of Wat Pho and the entrance is just a few minutes walk from there.
Right next to Tha Thien Pier is the cross river ferry boat pier that will take you to Wat Arun for only B3.
Exploring Wat Pho:
Ticket Price: B50
Wat Po started off as a traditional medical university of sorts a century before Bangkok was established as a capital. Evidence of medical techniques through massage and herbal cures abound throughout the temple complex.
But one of the most spectacular sights on the temple grounds, the main attraction, is the gold covered 45 meter long Reclining Buddha statue. Mother of pearl is used to cover its eyes and it's also used to illustrate and explain the 108 signs of a genuine Buddha on the soles of the its feet. Go ahead and ring the bells surrounding the Buddha for good luck.
Getting to Wat Pho:
Take the Express Ferry Boat to Tha Thien Pier and follow the crowd due east, past food and drink stalls. Cross the main road called Thanon Mahathat. Walk straight ahead. You'll see the white walls of the Grand Palace to your left and to your right are the walls of Wat Pho and the entrance is just a few minutes walk from there.
Right next to Tha Thien Pier is the cross river ferry boat pier that will take you to Wat Arun for only B3.
Exploring Wat Pho:
Ticket Price: B50
Wat Po started off as a traditional medical university of sorts a century before Bangkok was established as a capital. Evidence of medical techniques through massage and herbal cures abound throughout the temple complex.
But one of the most spectacular sights on the temple grounds, the main attraction, is the gold covered 45 meter long Reclining Buddha statue. Mother of pearl is used to cover its eyes and it's also used to illustrate and explain the 108 signs of a genuine Buddha on the soles of the its feet. Go ahead and ring the bells surrounding the Buddha for good luck.
Map of Wat Pho
Another Buddha of interest is found in Phra Ubosot. Covered in gold as well with unique crystal adornments this Buddha is propped on a spectacular ornate altar which illuminates the entire chapel in an ethereal light.
Eventually Wat Pho became the center of traditional Thai massage and scores of Thais go to the famous massage school to get training and certification. The school also provides a lessons for foreigners who are interested in the art of traditional Thai massage either as a hobby or as a profession to take back home.
You'll see curious figurines of hermits next to small model mountains spread around the Phra Ubosot depicting different positions of healing massage techniques. There's even a medical pavilion where you can find illustrations showing key massage points on the human body for pain relief.
Monks studying at Wat Pho still learn and practice ancient cures with a hint of spiritual mysticism as evidence of plaques instructing formulas for treating ailments are spread throughout the temple grounds. Wat Pho is essentially like the Harvard Medical School of Thailand for massage and alternative herbal remedies.
And of course the school offers massage services for weary travelers after long day of sight seeing, albeit a bit expensive by Thai standards:
Eventually Wat Pho became the center of traditional Thai massage and scores of Thais go to the famous massage school to get training and certification. The school also provides a lessons for foreigners who are interested in the art of traditional Thai massage either as a hobby or as a profession to take back home.
You'll see curious figurines of hermits next to small model mountains spread around the Phra Ubosot depicting different positions of healing massage techniques. There's even a medical pavilion where you can find illustrations showing key massage points on the human body for pain relief.
Monks studying at Wat Pho still learn and practice ancient cures with a hint of spiritual mysticism as evidence of plaques instructing formulas for treating ailments are spread throughout the temple grounds. Wat Pho is essentially like the Harvard Medical School of Thailand for massage and alternative herbal remedies.
And of course the school offers massage services for weary travelers after long day of sight seeing, albeit a bit expensive by Thai standards:
- B220 for 30 minutes
- B360 for 1 hour herbal massage
- B360 for 45 minute foot massage
Hotels near Grand Palace and Wat Pho:
The district of Rattanakosin has been thankfully spared from the creeping crawling sign of modern progress called skyscrapers. And the old city has retained it's old world charm and all the ancient shophouses remain. Which means there are no hotels in the immediate area.
However, the good old backpackers district of Khao San road to the north Rattanakosin borders Chinatown southeast. Both areas offer comfortable choices for all traveler's budgets.
The district of Rattanakosin has been thankfully spared from the creeping crawling sign of modern progress called skyscrapers. And the old city has retained it's old world charm and all the ancient shophouses remain. Which means there are no hotels in the immediate area.
However, the good old backpackers district of Khao San road to the north Rattanakosin borders Chinatown southeast. Both areas offer comfortable choices for all traveler's budgets.
Hotels in Bangkok's Chinatown
Hotels in Bangkok's Khao San Road