The Grand Palace

Date of visit: December 2017

I have experience of challenges around: moving around

Overall Rating

The Grand Palace comprises a group of palaces, temples and pavilions set in a series of courtyards. Limited access is available to visitors inside the palace buildings but views from the grounds and courtyards are nevertheless spectacular. All the attractions are at ground level. The Grand Palace would be the high point of ones visit to Bangkok.

Disabled Access In and Around

Locating the entrance to the palace was a little confusing but we finally found our way in. I dont think there was any signage in English. Again, once inside, one isnt sure which way one should go. The ticket counters are straight on and a little to the left from the entrance. Entry is steep at 500 Baht per person. Tickets bought, one goes down a narrowish passage and over a big stone threshold ( there are ramps over all the thresholds ) and you are in the first courtyard. From there it is not difficult picking out the sights. The courtyards are stone flagged; a little bumpy, but not noticeably so. Signage I do not recall seeing much of, nor do I think there were places to sit. Both the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as well as the Temple of the Sleeping Buddha next door to the palace have a flight of some five or six high stone steps going up. We did not try entering the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as there was long queue, so I do not know if there was a ramp, but there was certainly no ramp in the Temple of the Sleeping Buddha, or Wat Pho. The courtyards and pavilions in Wat Pho were accessible. Entry fee was 100 baht.

Parking & Transport

We had hired a large taxi to take us to the palace. All regular taxis in Bangkok run on CNG, which means a large cylinder in the boot, which in turn means no room for storing a wheelchair. We had to park in a parking area about half a Km from the palace. The pavements in this part of the city are broad and uncluttered and we did not have a problem getting to the palace. A more interesting way of getting there would be by ferry as the Chao Phraya river is quite close but for someone on a wheelchair, even with help, getting on board would be quite challenging.

Accessible Toilets

0

Dont know

Staff

0

There were no staff about except those manning the ticket counters and of course the guards in ceremonial white uniform.

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