My first visit to the Grand Palace was a real ordeal. It was 2012, and as a young, adventurous traveler, I found myself in Bangkok in the middle of the rainy season. The palace's famous stupas towered high into the gray sky, which looked as if it might explode at any moment.

“You can’t wear those,” the guard said, pointing at my shorts, then towards a shop selling unsightly “elephant pants.” After I paid 100 baht for them, he directed me to the queue for farangs, which gave me the privilege of paying 500 baht to enter the palace. My Thai companion didn’t pay a single baht.

The bad news? My experience inside the Grand Palace in Bangkok wasn't much better. The good news? I've grown to love the place a little more over the years, although to be honest, it's still not one of my absolute favorites.

Are the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew the same place?

I thought I'd begin this article by distinguishing between the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, as these two terms are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, the sites are located on the same grounds, with the palace situated further south and Wat Phra Kaew to the north along the Sanam Luang field. The key to understanding the difference lies in their names: while the Grand Palace is the royal residence, Wat Phra Kaew is a temple.

And what does Phra Kaew mean? It means "Emerald Buddha," an image you can see in the temple's central hall. It's quite small, though, so you'll need a keen eye to spot it. One unique aspect of Wat Phra Kaew is that no monks live there. This is understandable, as it was a private chapel of the Thai king for generations before being opened to the public along with the Grand Palace.

5 things I don't like about the Grand Palace.

The entrance fee

As I mentioned in the introduction, the entrance fee for the Grand Palace is exorbitant. The good news? It hasn't increased in the more than ten years I've been visiting the palace. However, the fact is that for the same price you can visit numerous other attractions in Rattanakosin – almost all of them, in fact.

The crowds

It won't surprise you, but the Grand Palace (Bangkok's most popular and well-known tourist attraction) is practically overcrowded all year round. You can minimize the impact on your visit by arriving early in the morning (it opens at 8:30 am), but even then, you should expect to encounter dozens, if not hundreds, of other visitors.

The restriction

Unlike some other tourist attractions in Thailand, all visitors to the Grand Palace – not just women – must cover their knees and shoulders. Anyone not wearing trousers must purchase an unattractive pair of linen trousers at the entrance. Tripods are also officially prohibited in the Grand Palace, although I have managed to use one discreetly so far.

The size

Together with the adjacent Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the Grand Palace is gigantic and covers an area of ​​several city blocks. Given the large number of visitors, even a short visit can easily take up the entire morning or afternoon.

The hype it didn't live up to

I don't want to criticize the Grand Palace too much. It's architecturally impressive and, whether you like it or not, the center of Bangkok's old city and the city's landmark. At the same time, however, it's not so much more beautiful or opulent than the many other sacred and historical sites in Bangkok that all the hype is justified.

Alternatives to the Grand Palace

It may not surprise you after reading this post, but I often advise my private travel clients against visiting the Grand Palace and make other suggestions instead:

  • Although Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) has become significantly less affordable in recent years, I think it offers a better overall experience than the Grand Palace.
  • Likewise, taking the ferry across the river to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is always a good idea, especially in the early morning.
  • Further north, attractions such as Wat Saket (the Golden Mountain) and the Lohas Prasat temple offer interesting alternatives to the Grand Palace. Sao Ching Cha (the Giant Swing) and the marble temple Wat Benjambophit are also worth a visit.

    • Would you like to delve even deeper into the older districts of Bangkok? Then you should consider a trip west to Thonburi, the older part of Bangkok's old city.

    More frequently asked questions about the Grand Palace in Bangkok

    Is a visit to the Grand Palace worthwhile?

    The Grand Palace is definitely worth a visit under the right circumstances, provided you're comfortable with the relatively high entrance fee (500 baht for foreigners) and the expected large crowds. I recommend arriving very early in the morning (it opens at 8:30 am) to make the most of the experience.

    Is the Grand Palace the same as Wat Phra Kaew?

    Although the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are located on the same grounds, they are distinct sites. The Grand Palace is the royal residence, while Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) was the monarch's private temple before it was opened to the public.

    Is it allowed to wear shorts in the Grand Palace in Bangkok?

    You may wear shorts at the main entrance of the Grand Palace, but you will need long trousers or a sarong to enter the paid area. If possible, I recommend wearing trousers of the same length to avoid any inconvenience upon arrival.

    Conclusion

    Reading my guide to the Grand Palace in Bangkok before your visit can save you a lot of trouble. On my first visit, I was completely unprepared – both regarding the time of year and the different standards for foreigners. I also didn't really know why I was there and didn't have enough experience with Bangkok (or Thailand in general) to properly appreciate the place. Do you need personalized help planning your trip to Thailand's City of Angels? Then create your own Thailand itinerary today!