Royal Grand Palace

December 27, 2012
Bangkok Thailand

How can you miss the Royal Grand Palace in Bangkok? To me it's the most worth seeing landmark in the city. It has an incredible historical value where it served as the royal residence since 1782 and administrative buildings of the government. Other than that, it is a proud symbol of Thai architectural and spiritual culture.

Get ready to be dazzled by the glory of Thai Kingdom. Gold is immensely everywhere.


There are many palaces, towers and halls, each with a different purpose. Some were for the reign of the king, some were religious temples and relic temples, some were meeting place of the government. Each and every palace is unique but still embody the richness and intensity of the Thai culture and craftmenship. Imagine how much work was done to build place. And imagine how glamorous and proud it would be to live in this place.

Bangkok Thailand  Bangkok Thailand Bangkok Thailand

On sunny days like this the buildings reflected the glaring sunlight and made everything more dazzling and blinding.  Talk about majesty and royalty. It's magnificent and grand. 

Bangkok Thailand

These pillars were all covered in tiny pieces of glass, mirrors, ceramics and tiles, with gold details and linings. The relic tower below was covered all over with small squares of gold, reflective tiles. 

Bangkok Thailand

I was truly amazed by its beautiful architecture and intricate designs. Every single building, pillar or statue was carefully designed and painted, and ornamented with small pieces of coloured tiles and ceramics. Some even with gold foil too. 

On my previous visit about 3 years ago a craftman was carefully placing gold foil in one of the painting. He was actually mending a mural that lost its intensity and vibrance of colours. Totally impressed by how they maintained this national treasure.

Bangkok Thailand

If you happen to visit this place, please remember you have to follow a strict dress code. As it was a former royal residence and is still a religious place, we are expected to respect this sacred place by dressing appropriately. Well I don't mean we have to wear formal, you can if you want, but wear decent and covered clothes. I was wearing a pair of tights and the guards did not allow me to get in unless and until I rented a skirt from the entrance. The deposit was 200Baht (200B) which you can totally take back when you return the skirt. I love the fact that it's bright blue and vibrant colour though it would be nicer if my shoes were blue too. =(

Bangkok Thailand
Bangkok Thailand
Bangkok Thailand
Bangkok Thailand

Opening Hours: Daily 08:30 - 15:30 
Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin) 
Admission: Tickets sold from 8:30 - 15:30 and cost 400 baht

Bangkok Thailand
Bangkok Thailand


I was a Thai lady this time. Compared to Korean costume that I had tried, of course this accentuates the body line more and revealing. Of course it was really fun and interesting to try the costume out, but I was rather uneasy as the shirt and skirt were wrapped around toooooooo tight and I could hardly walk. 

By the way this costume is called Chut Thai phra ratcha niyom, literally means Thai royal endorsement and is a national costume worn during formal events. So they don't expect you to work or walk much in this tight dress. 

Wandering through the royal palace and dressing in their royal costumes, I felt so Thai and suddenly I'm craving for Tom Yam. Ehehe.



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