Dragon Boat Festival Trip to Bangkok's Grand Palace

The Dragon Boat Festival holiday is the perfect time for an overseas trip! The Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang) in Bangkok, completed in 1782, was once a royal residence. Covering an area of 94.5 hectares, this palace complex is part of a larger architectural ensemble that includes the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). It features over 100 buildings, representing 200 years of royal history and architectural experimentation. Most of the structures, whether royal or religious, are classified as Rattanakosin style (Old Bangkok style). Visitors can explore the grounds and four existing palace buildings, which are renowned for their royal grandeur. Spend two to three hours thoroughly exploring this attraction, or add an extra hour if you join a guided tour. The largest palace building open to the public is the three-winged Grand Palace Hall (Chakri Mahaprasat). Completed in 1882, it was designed by British architect John Clunish from Singapore. The exterior showcases a unique blend of Italian Renaissance and traditional Thai architecture. This style is often referred to as "fa·ràng sài chá-dah" (Westerners wearing the headpiece of Thai classical dancers) because each wing is topped with a "mon·dòp" (layered, intricately decorated spire). It is believed that the original plan was to design the palace with a dome, but King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn; reigned 1868–1910) was persuaded to adopt a Thai-style roof. This decision has been interpreted as a subtle defiance against foreign colonial powers in Asia at the time. Many believe the king's choice to adorn the Western-style palace hall with a Thai roof was a demonstration of Thai cultural dominance over European influences. As with many attractions in Bangkok, visitors must dress appropriately to enter the Grand Palace. This means dressing modestly. Visitors should wear long skirts/pants and sleeved shirts. Sleeveless shirts, tank tops, shorts, or sheer tops are prohibited, as are short pants and cropped trousers/skirts. Torn or tight pants, cycling shorts, or mini skirts are also not allowed. If dressed inappropriately at the entrance, visitors will be directed to a changing room to borrow a sarong before being allowed entry, which can increase wait times and cause unnecessary delays. There are no restrictions on footwear inside the palace, but note that you will need to remove your shoes to enter certain buildings. Tickets and Other Practical Information Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM Tickets can be purchased inside the building for 500 THB. You can also visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Queen Sirikit Museum, which are part of the complex. Tickets can also be purchased in advance through the Grand Palace website. Guides can be hired at the ticket booth, or you can rent an audio guide for 200 THB.