Being considered to be the most sacred place in Thailand, visitors to the Grand Palace will have to pay strict attention to the dress code. In this article, we will introduce you to the remarkable areas in the Grand Palace and the dress code for each area.
I. Wat Phra Kaew Temple
Inside the Grand Palace, there are several impressive architectures such as Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), where the famous Emerald Buddha since the 14th century was worshiped. Wat Phra Kaew (also called Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram), the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand is located in the historic center of Bangkok. The Grand Palace area holds Phra Kaew Morakot, the image of Buddhists meticulously carved on a monolithic jade.
Dress code in Wat Phra Kaew Temple
Remember that 'Wat' (temple) is a sanctuary, so you need to dress appropriately. Do not wear shorts, slippers, sandals or casual wear otherwise you will be not allowed to go to the temple. However, you can rent a sarong in case you do not wear appropriately.
Notes: Ticket price is 400 Baht (12$). You should remember that Wat Phra Keaw closes very early (at about 15:30), so do not go too late.
Grand Palace dress code
II. The Palace
The palace looks like the palace of Ayutthaya in Rattanakosin Island, the ancient capital of Siam, where Burma swooped. The outer ring of the palace, near the entrance, was used as the government offices where the king was directly involved, such as the people's government, the military, and the treasury. Jade Buddha Temple is located in a corner of the outer ring. The Palace is where the king lived and the state economic management agencies worked. Only 2 rooms containing the thrones are opened to visit but it is enough for tourists to feel the sophistication of each pearl on the surface of the impressive architecture.
The inner chamber was where the royal family lived. It was like a small city with female residents and children under the age of puberty. Although it was no longer used for royal purposes anymore, this place is still closed to the public. In spite of many similarities between the Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, it is easy to find the differences between them. For example, the temple is built based on the style of the Thai architecture, while the Palace is blended the West features (except the roof).
Grand Palace dress code
Important note about the dress code in the Palace
This place is strictly regulated because the Grand Palace of Thailand, as well as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most sacred place in Thailand. Visitors must dress properly before being allowed to enter the temple. Male tourists must wear trousers and shirts, not vest tops. If you wear sandals or slippers, you must wear socks (in other words, do not go barefoot). Women must dress appropriately. Do not wear thin clothes and short sleeves which show shoulders. If you do not wear properly, there is a room near the entrance providing temporary clothes to cover outside (requires a deposit).
Royal Reception Halls
Grand Palace dress code
Dress code in Royal Reception Halls
To visit this area, visitors are not allowed to smoke cigarettes and have to dress politely. Do not wear tank tops or short skirts. You should wear sandals or shoes, not slippers. Visitors are not allowed to speak loudly, point at the statues or take pictures... These are the rules required by visitors to remember.
In general, travelers are recommended to wear long pants. This is considered the required dress code when visiting all temples and Thai Grand Palace. In addition, in some areas of the temple and palace, visitors will be asked to remove their shoes so it is best not to wear expensive shoes in case of theft.
Hopefully remembering the dress code above will be helpful for your visit. Have a fun trip!
