“If the walls of the Grand Palace could talk, they would tell a story of a kingdom transitioning from an ancient empire to a modern global power. While the Emerald Buddha gets all the fame, the sprawling throne halls behind it are where the real drama of Thai history unfolded—under roofs of gold and inside halls of marble…”
At the Grand Palace, the giant complex consists of multiple throne halls as well as a temple called Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. You can visit both places at the same time and in order to see the throne halls inside, you have to pass the temple of the Emerald Buddha first.
The Grand Palace once served as the royal residence for several kings of the Chakri dynasty and his family. Each building has its own unique architectural style and history. Here are the highlights of each throne hall at the Grand Palace:
Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall
Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall will be the first building you notice once you enter the building complex inside the Grand Palace from its unique blend of Thai and European architectural styles.
The building was commissioned by King Rama V in 1876 and completed in 1882 to serve as a royal residence. It was first designed to be European style for the entire building by British architect John Clunich. However, the plan was changed later to incorporate traditional Thai roofs to blend in with the surrounding buildings and preserve the traditions.
Nowaday, the throne hall has become a ceremonial hall for state functions and royal audiences. You can enjoy walking and sitting on a bench in the garden area in front of the throne hall and taking pictures from the outside.
Royal Hall of Dusit Maha Prasat
The Royal Hall of Dusit Maha Prasat is located on the west side of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall. The building is in Thai architectural style with stunning details on the roof.
The building was commissioned by King Rama I in 1789, shortly after the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty and the founding of Bangkok as the capital of Thailand.
It originally served as the audience hall where King Rama I granted royal audiences and conducted state affairs. After the reign of King Rama I, the building is traditionally used as the lying-in-state hall for deceased monarchs and high-ranking royals, where their bodies are placed before cremation ceremonies.
Phra Maha Monthien
Phra Maha Monthien is a royal residential complex located on the east side of the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall. It was constructed in 1782, the same year as the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty and Bangkok capital city. It is traditionally used as the coronation hall for the coronation ceremonies of every monarch in the Chakri Dynasty.
The frontmost building, visible from the entrance, is the Amarindra Vinijaya Throne Hall. This hall is primarily used as the venue where the king granted royal audiences and conducted state affairs.
Opening Hours
The Grand Palace and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha opens daily from 8:30-16:30.
Ticketing office opens daily from 8:30-15:30.
Entrance Fee
– 0 Baht (Free) for Thai citizens.
– 500 Baht for non-Thai citizens. The entrance fee includes access to 3 areas inside: The Palaces area, The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile. The ticket also includes a session of Khon performance at Sala Chalermkrung as well.
Dresscode
The Grand Palace area is STRICT with the dress code. Please read about the dresscode from this link.
How to get there?
The Grand Palace is located at the heart of Ko Rattanakosin area in which there are many interesting places nearby in a walking distance. Please read about the transportation to this area from this link.
