This is a beautiful setting. Very busy. A freelancing Thai tour guide approached us at the gate and gave us a tour...for some bahts, not too much! She was very business like, but pleasant. She spoke good english, but I had a hard time understanding her. My husband had better luck. She didn't add much to our experience, except that she efficiently guided us through the entrance gates and brought umbrellas.

I would suggest just wandering on your own with a guide book and taking time to admire the architecture and the statues, etc. Bring an umbrella for shade, and water of course.

It went by very fast. We didn't spend more than an hour or so, would have stayed longer, but it was just too hot!

An 1/2 day tour of the Grand Palace with Tour East Thailand was included with our airfare/hotel package. The Palace grounds are easy enough to get to without being part of a tour. However, the easy van transportation to and from our hotel and our wonderful guide "Kit" made the grounds come alive for our family of four. The buildings are each of varying significance and architecture and held rich stories and beautiful photo opportunities.

We encountered very few crowds/tourists on a Monday a.m. It was hot, even at the end of December, but there was a little concession building selling water, sodas & snacks close to the King's residence.

Respectful attire is required. While the front ticket guards allowed school girls in with dresses, all tourists were required to have shirt sleeves and covered ankles. My senior citizen Mother had capri style pants on and was required to borrow a sarong to cover her lower legs. It was pretty & clean. She was a good sport about it, however, more obnoxious visitors were causing a stink by pointing out people who were allowed in not fully covered. Just be respectful of the Buddhist ways and wear long pants and shirt sleeves. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is very sacred to them.

For families...I think younger kids would find enough steps, passageways & open grounds to expend some extra energy while adults enjoy the history & beauty. Unless they start climbing over guard rails or yelling, this is a family friendly place. Our 14 year old son enjoyed touring the Grand Palace. A visiting group of teenaged school kids from eastern Thailand asked him questions in English & took pictures with their new "American friend."

While in Bangkok, the Grand Palace complex is a must-see!

This place is a must see. Ok it is hot in Bangkok and there is plenty of walking to be done but go prepared and you will love this place. It is a real camera moment so clear the memory cards before you go. I can still hear the chanting now... it was so beautiful.

Okay, this must be said,
I was in Bangkok for three days, and on all three I tried to visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo. On the third day it finally came to it, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I found that sightseeing in Bangkok was not at all as I thought it would be. You can make schedules all you want of were to go and when, but I bet you wind up being somewhere else and loving it. I'm glad to have visited the Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo at the end of my trip to BKK, because it was the icing on my cake. There's glitter and gold everywhere you look, you can't even imagine if you haven't seen it with your own eyes. There's a million details not to be overlooked. It's grand! The temple of the emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo) itself is very beautiful and peaceful. The Royal Palace is around the corner, not as splendid, but worth the time to visit while you're there anyway...