Highlights / General details

The Grand Palace:

Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style.

Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.

The main buildings within the Grand Palace compound were built for King Rama V, who was the first Thai King to travel to Europe.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, built in 1877 by King Rama V as his Royal Residence, is the most highly recognized architectural landmark of the Nation. The central Throne Hall, which was formerly used for the reception of foreign envoys, is flanked by reception areas decorated with galleries of portraiture. The central room on the second floor is used as a shrine for the reliquary ashes of Kings Rama IV, Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama VIII.

Borom Phiman Mansion was also constructed during the reign of King Rama V. When his son, King Rama VI ascended to the throne, he had it improved for use as his residence. The three succeeding Kings also resided here at one time or another.

The Siwalai Gardens, where the office of The Royal Household Bureau is located, were used for receptions as well as a recreation area for the royal women and children.

Maha Monthien Prasat houses The Audience Hall of Amarin Winitchai where ceremonies of the Court usually take place in front of the throne surmounted by its canopy of nine tiers of white cloth.

How to go there: The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. It is a short walk from the pier to the entrance to The Grand Palace public entrance.

Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday, except during special Royal Ceremonies, 8:30am-3:30pm.

Admission Fee: Baht 250. Includes admission to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road. Baht 100 to rent personal audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin.

Wat Trai Mit:

Have you ever seen five and a half tons of gold? Wat Trai Mit, near the Bangkok Railway Station at Hua Lamphong, is home to the famous Golden Buddha which is 3 meters high.

The Golden Buddha is believed to be 700 to 800 years old as it is in the Mara attitude, typical of the Sukhothai era. It was installed at Wat Phrayakrai in the Yannawa area of Bangkok during the reign of King Rama III where it stayed until 1931.

The temple had fallen out of use and was abandoned so the Ecclesiastical Commission had it relocated at Wat Trai Mit. At this time, no one seemed to know that it was made of pure gold.

Then in 1955, Reverend Phra Visutha-thibordee, the presiding abbot at the temple had supervised the construction of the temple building to house the Buddha. When it was being moved into its new position, the covering plaster was damaged revealing what was inside - Buddha image cast in 18 carat gold.

It is believed that the original Golden Buddha was disguised under the plaster covering to hide it from enemies during the Ayutthaya period. Photographs of different stages of the plaster removal are displayed in the Wihan.

Wat Pho:

This is possibly the most interesting temple in Thailand as it combines history, medical science and is a center for meditation and traditional massage training. Its official name is Wat Phrachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam Ratchaworamahawihan, although it is commonly called Wat Po.

Founded during the 16th century, Wat Pho is most famous for the golden reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters and has feet inlaid with mother-of pearl. This is the main attraction that draws visitors to the temple. In more modern times, Wat Pho has gained international recognition as a meditation center and for the traditional Thai massage that is both practiced and taught here.

Visit The Chapel of The Emerald Buddha, the coronation hall, funeral hall and Reception of Chakkri which was built in the form if Italian Renascence with the roof in pure Thai style and served as the reception hall that used by the King to entertain The Royal Visitors.

The Marble Temple, known in Thai as Wat Benchama Bopit which means the temple built by King Rama The fifth. The Chapel was built of marble from Italy in modern Thai style. In the chapel containing the beautiful principle Buddha casted of bronze.

Inclusion

Transportation; Local Licensed Guide (Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese on request); Entrance Fee; Lunch.

Exclusion

Beverages; Personal Expense; Gratuity.

Hours of operation

Available daily; Closed during special Royal Ceremonies.

Additional Information

The following dress code, applicable to both ladies and gentlemen, is requested:

Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, as well as tights cannot be worn as outer garments.

See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers cannot be worn.

Sleeveless shirts or vests cannot be worn as outer garments.

Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) cannot be worn.

All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, cannot be rolled up.

Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers cannot be worn.

Policies

Requires minimum of 2 passengers to confirm booking. Maximum 6 passengers.

Cancellation: 7 days prior 30% penalty, 4 days prior 100% penalty. No show always 100% penalty.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**