Grand Palace, Bangkok

Why go

The palace's official website, published by the Bureau of the Royal Household, says it was built after the capital was moved in 1782 to the left bank of the Chao Phraya River, and that its walled grounds hold halls of residence, throne halls, administrative buildings and a temple serving as the Chapel Royal. That temple, Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), is not the subject of this record. The site's practical-information page says the foreigners' ticket includes access to Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, and its FAQ says tickets are sold online up to a month ahead or at the palace ticket offices on the day of the visit. The FAQ also carries the Bureau's notice that from 10 January 2024 the visitor entrance moved from Viset Chaisri Gate to Mani Noppharat Gate. The practical-information page says visitors must dress appropriately because the palace is a place of reverence for Thai people, lists clothing that is not allowed (among it sleeveless shirts, short trousers and mini skirts) and says drones may not be flown over the palace.