Bangkok’s Grand Palace is the busiest tourist stop in the city. People keep coming because the Grand Palace could arguably be called the birthplace of Bangkok

How to Get to the Grand Palace

Making your own way to the Grand Palace in Bangkok is more enjoyable and rewarding. Moving around by river taxi is inexpensive. Additionally, you’ll have a good excuse to see the Chao Phraya River up close. Going by boat won’t make you caught in traffic jams. It will let you see beautiful river scenery!

People staying in the Khao San Road area may choose to walk (around 20 — 25 minutes) to the Grand Palace.

Opening Hours

The Grand Palace is open seven days a week from 8:30 a. m. until 3:30 p. m. Occasionally, the Grand Palace does actually close for official visits and state functions. However, this is rare. Don’t believe any driver who states the Grand Palace is closed. If the statement of closure is too convincing, confirm it by calling: +6626235500 ext.3100.

Entrance Fees

Considering that temples in Thailand are often free, the 500 baht (around $16) per person entrance fee at the Grand Palace is relatively expensive. Thai nationals do not have to pay. An audio tour can be rented for an additional 200 baht. Besides, human guides are available for hire. Choose an official guide rather than accepting someone’s offer on the outside.

Dress Standards at the Grand Palace

To show enough respect, you shouldn’t wear sleeveless shirts in any temple or state building in Thailand. But unlike many of the other temples, dress standards are strictly required at the Grand Palace.

Men must wear long trousers, women must cover legs to just above the knee.

Don’t wear shirts with religious themes or symbols of death on them.

You may be told outside that flip-flops (人字拖鞋) are unacceptable footwear.

【小题1】What do you know about the river taxi to the Grand Palace?

A．It is the only way to get to the Grand Palace

B．It is difficult for visitors to jump on and off it.

C．It is safe, clean and affordable for most visitors.

D．It allows visitors to avoid traffic jams and enjoy river scenery.

【小题2】What should visitors do if they’re told the Grand Palace is closed?

A．They’d better call to confirm the information.

B．They should call off their trips immediately.

C．They should wait until the Grand Palace reopens.

D．They should believe the statements and change the trips.

【小题3】What can we infer from paragraph 5?

A．The Grand Palace provides an audio tour free.

B．Not all people need to buy tickets to the Grand Palace.

C．Guides outside the Grand Palace are more professional.

D．The locals always guide visitors voluntarily during the holiday season.

【小题4】Which of the following tourists clothing meets the requirements?

A．Mr Green, from the USA, wearing flip-flops and a T-shirt.

B．Alice, 16 years old, wearing a sleeveless shirt and a miniskirt.

C．Mark, wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers and sports shoes.

D．John, wearing a hat and a shirt with religious symbols.

【小题5】What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To encourage more people to visit Bangkok.

B．To introduce some palaces in Bangkok to readers.

C．To introduce some activities of the Grand Palace.

D．To provide guidance on visiting the Grand Palace.