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Wat SuthatvsThe Grand Palace
The Grand Palace and Wat Suthat are both endorsed by professional reviewers writing for major publications. On balance, The Grand Palace is the choice of most professionals compared to Wat Suthat. The Grand Palace scores 88 with accolades from 6 sources such as Time Out, Fodor's and Travel + Leisure.
Wat Suthat
Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
Time Out
Michelin Guide
Afar Magazine
Frommer's Fodor's
Bamrung Mueang Road, Bangkok, Thailand
From $0/night
Fodor's "Wat Suthat is known for the 19th-century murals in the main chapel, but the numerous statues around the spacious tiled grounds are quite striking, too."
Travel + Leisure "One of Bangkok's most serene temples, a 26-foot-high Buddha sits snugly within Bangkok's tallest vihara, or assembly hall, surrounded by murals that depict his life." Full review
Time Out "Looming behind the Giant Swing, Bangkok's tallest vihaan houses the awe-inducing 8m (26ft) Phra Sri Sakyamuni Buddha." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"The 19C Wat Sathut houses the largest wihan (main chapel) in the Thai capital, which is home to an imposing 8m-high gilded bronze Buddha." Full review
Afar Magazine "It is Thailand's biggest wi-hahn (main chapel) and its Buddha image is the country's largest surviving Sukhothai-period bronze, cast in the former capital in the 14th century. " Full review
Frommer's "This temple is among the oldest and largest in Bangkok, and Somerset Maugham declared its roofline the most beautiful." Full review
i
The huge teak arch -- also carved by Rama II -- in front is all that remains of an original giant swing, which was used until 1932 to celebrate and thank Shiva for a bountiful rice harvest, and to ask for the god's blessing on the next.
Fodor's "Built between the reigns of kings Rama I and Rama III, this highly venerated royal temple houses Thailand's largest surviving Sukhothai-period bronze Buddha, along with intensely colored murals depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology" Full review
The Grand Palace Travel + Leisure Time Out Fodor's Afar Magazine Michelin Guide Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
Independent
Lonely Planet
Na Phra Lan Rd, Maharaj Pier, next to Wat Phra Kaeo Temple Complex, Bangkok, Thailand
From $0/night
Travel + Leisure "Located on the Chao Phraya River, the gold-spired Grand Palace is one of Thailand’s most important sacred sites." Full review
Time Out "Bangkok's paramount must-see sight is this architectural and spiritual treasure, which is twice as dazzling if you see it on a sunny day." Full review
Fodor's "This is Thailand's most revered spot and one of its most visited." Full review
i
Proper attire (no flip-flops, shorts, or bare shoulders or midriffs) is required
Afar Magazine "No trip to Bangkok is complete without a visit to the Grand Palace, which sits smack in the middle of the city, while resting elegantly on the banks of the Chao Phraya River." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"The former royal residence of the kings of Siam... the Grand Palace now hosts official ceremonies." Full review
i
In addition to Chakri Mahaprasat palace, where the king lived, don't miss Aphon Phimok Prasat, a beautifully proportioned wooden pavilion, and Dusit Mahat Prasat, built in 1789, recognisable by its gilded spire.
Travel + Leisure "Come early in the morning and grab a guide (or find a local tour group) to help you navigate the ornately decorated halls, pavilions and inner palaces that were once home to Thailand’s monarchy" Full review
Travel + Leisure "Give yourself between 60 and 90 minutes to enjoy the grounds and the stunning shrines—the Emerald Buddha is a must see."
Bangkok Travel Guide
July 14, 2021
i
Make sure to go early to beat the heat.
Independent "The ornate structures include the royal quarters (which are only viewable from the outside but are nonetheless very impressive) and a stunning wat (temple)...there’s also a swish textiles museum"
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Adjoining Wat Phra Kaew is the Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang), a former royal residence that is today only used on ceremonial occasions." Full review
