The grand palace in Bangkok is undoubtedly one of the most historic places in Thailand. His palace welcomes innumerable people from different parts of the world every year. Considering its cultural importance, you may be wondering whether there is a particular dress code for anyone that wants to enter the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Yes, there is a dress code for Bangkok’s Grand Palace. In other words, some rules and regulations specify what everyone must wear before entering the Grand Palace. If you don’t follow the dress code, you will not be allowed to enter the palace regardless of your status.
However, you may be wondering what the dress code for Grand Palace Bangkok is. Don’t get worked up as this article will describe what you can wear and what you cannot wear when going to the Grand Palace. So, join us as we check out the dress code for Grand Palace Bangkok.
What you cannot wear at the Grand Palace
Here are the things you must never wear at the Grand Palace:
- Don’t wear sleeveless shirts or anything that shows your shoulder
- Don’t wear tight-fitting stretch or revealing pants such as leggings
- Don’t wear any short top or pants such as bike pants, mini-skirts, vests, or anything that may not cover your body appropriately. Avoid anything that will show your knees.
- Don’t wear low-cut clothing (females)
- Don’t wear backless tops
- No bare chests
- Don’t wear anything with symbols of death or religious logos or themes. So, if you have a shirt with heavy metal designs, the face of a religious leader, cross or crescent, etc., you shouldn’t wear it to the Grand Palace.
- Don’t wear torn pants
You may also be advised to avoid flip-flops to the palace. However, this may not be necessary since you will need to put off your shoes when getting into the sacred places in the palace. Unlike some temples around the country, these rules are strictly enforced, so you must obey them or be prevented from entering the Grand Palace.
What you can wear at the Grand Palace
Some of the things you can wear to the palace are:
- Comfortable T-shirt with sleeves and long pants
- Tops with collar
- Long convertible pants (for females)
- A skirt that extends below the knees
- A dress that covers knees
You may want to learn more about the dress code for the Grand Palace in Bangkok by reading this piece.
As you are entering the palace, you will see an image of the prohibited outfits for the palace. You are advised to carefully read them and understand everything before proceeding to enter the main area of the palace.
Why is there a dress code for Bangkok Grand Palace?
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a highly important part of Thai culture and religion. In addition, the place is still sometimes used by the Royal family of Thailand for some state functions and ceremonial events. Therefore, to ensure that some decorum is maintained in the place, the Grand Palace in Bangkok has a dress code that everyone must follow. Anyone who doesn’t follow the dress code will be denied entry into the palace.
What happens if your outfit doesn’t fit the dress at the palace?
As stated earlier, it is compulsory to wear outfits that suit the dress code for the Grand Palace. However, if your outfit is unsuitable, you can either leave the palace or cover yourself with a sarong. It should be noted that a sarong refers to a particular lengthy fabric usually wrapped around the waist or, sometimes, worn as a garment.
If the booth inside the Grand Palace is operational at the time, you can borrow a sarong for free. However, you will be required to pay a refundable deposit of 200 baht. If you don’t or cannot borrow a sarong, you will likely find traders selling sarongs or t-shirts close to the palace. Of course, the sarongs or t-shirts will be overpriced as they are targeted at desperate people that want to enter the Grand Palace despite their unsuitable outfits.
Meanwhile, you must not forget that Thais are respectful people and, as such, also want foreigners to respect them. So, as you are handling all these issues, you shouldn’t forget to be respectful. You must understand that the officials are doing their jobs; hence, respect their decisions.
When can you visit the Grand Palace?
An inappropriate outfit is not the only thing that can stop you from entering the Grand Palace. Going at the wrong time can also prevent you from getting into the palace. As stated on the official website of the Royal Grand Palace, the site is open for a visit between 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day. As long as you get into the palace during this period, no one will stop you from exploring the place.
However, you should note that the Grand Palace may be closed if there is a state function, official visit, or ceremonial occasion. But this rarely happens. Even if there is such closure, many people would have heard about the occasion or function that warrants it. So, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask the receptionists at the hotel or other locals about it.
In addition, you should bear in mind that you will be required to pay 500 Thai baht to enter the Grand Palace. The entrance fee allows you to check out the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, the Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavilion, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Considering the various attractions inside the palace, the entrance is worth it. Notably, Thais are not expected to pay any fee to enter the iconic palace.
For extra 200 baht, you can get an audio tour of the Grand Palace. But you can also go for a human guide – an official Palace guide or a third-party guide. There is no fixed rate for a human, so you consider negotiating for the best bargain.
In a nutshell, the Grand Palace has a dress code. So, master the code and dress appropriately when entering the palace.
