The Grand Palace, Bangkok

It is a huge complex and it is so much crowded that we struggled to just enter inside. After 15 minutes of standing in queue we were finally able to make our way. Just near the entry there is a "Textiles museum" and it was stunning to see how the dressing of Thai royalty evolved. It was not that crowded. Next the best thing was the "Emerald Buddha temple". The entry again took time as we had to leave our shoes and queue. The statue was so beautiful but photography inside the temple was not allowed so we could not take any pictures. There are many statues and multiple colored structures which were astonishing but the weather was so hot and so seeing every thing is impossible. Finally the "Throne building" is so elegant. The entry is only on weekdays and this is the palace which has a Throne in the center of the Hall and king sits here while giving public audience. Near the exit there is a food and refreshment center where we bought some drinks, snacks and ice creams. It is better to go as early as possible and carry a water bottle for sure and do not forget to wear your sunglasses. It's a must see attraction in Bangkok despite all the scams you hear about it.

This place is well known for a strict dress code. Their country, their rules. But when I visited, I ended up acting as an impromptu interpreter between one of the guards and a prospective visitor. She was turned away for wearing full length jeans. The guard stated that jeans are fine for men, but not for women who should wear a skirt. Not cool, Thailand. I'm calling you out. Respect for your culture does not extend to tolerating sexism. While I was engaged in this conversation, many white women wearing jeans were allowed to enter. Not cool, Thailand. I'm calling you out. Respect for your culture does not extend to tolerating racism. In further discussion with the guard, she admitted to me that the reason she was turning away women in full length jeans was that she got a kick back from the skirt vendors outside. She seemed quite proud of this. Not cool, Thailand. I'm calling you out. Respect for your culture does not extend to tolerating corruption. So there you have it. Sexism, racism and corruption. And an extortionate entry fee, but only for foreigners. I suggest you skip this "attraction".

If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom

An amazing place but completely overrun with Chinese mainland tourists. Tour buses sending waves of thousands of them. Be prepared to be pushed, shoved, hit with selfie sticks and constant budging in line. While waiting in line to pay a ticket i even saw a woman skip the entire queue and push everyone out of the way and shove her money and hands into the ticket booth demanding she goes first. Completely barbaric behavior. Also 500 baht a person to come in which is a little steep. Make sure your legs are covered otherwise rent them when you get past the security check. You pay 100 baht deposit (which gets returned) and 50 Baht per legging. Make sure you buy a few waters before you enter as well as it gets extremely hot and didn't see any stands that sell any in palace. Warning, when you leave cabs will not use their meter and charge atrocious fares. Walk out of the palace area, then get a cab. All in all it's an amazing palace and very beautiful but just way too overcrowded for my liking.

Absolutely beautiful but attracts crowds. Much like all tourist trap destinations - this should be a must see. If you are planning to visit The Grand Palace in Bangkok then be prepared for the following: 1. The price is unreasonable. It costs 1000B to enter the The Grand Palace which you would think you get to walk in the interior of the palace. Nope. This is only access to the temples, museum and inner sanctum. 2. The crowds. When we visited early in the morning the crowds were already overwhelming. You will struggle to take pictures. 3. Getting there is no easy feat. Make sure you do you planning before hand. There is a pier nearby. Whilst The Grand Palace is a must see destination I didn't leave it feeling like I would recommend it. It is beautiful and a one of a kind but for the price and the annoyances of tourist locations I would suggest people on tighter budgets to avoid.