Visitors to Bangkok’s Grand Palace, Wat Phra Khaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and other nearby attractions can find refuge from the sun and heat in underground tunnels.
The tunnels were constructed as safer and more convenient alternatives to walking the roads above. However, with waiting rooms and bathrooms, the tunnels were built with a greater intent than for simply crossing the street.
There are two tunnels, the larger and longer Na Phra Lan Tunnel and the Maharaj Tha Chang Tunnel.
The Na Phra Lan Tunnel boasts 21 men’s toilets and 51 women’s toilets while the Maharaj Tha Chang Tunnel has 15 men’s toilets and 20 women’s toilets. Also pleasing to everyone, both tunnels are air conditioned.
The Na Phra Lan Tunnel is the standout of the two tunnels and the waiting area in this tunnel is a massive open space. Inside the tunnel you’ll find a map that can be used to help you identify landmarks so you can determine what more you’d like to explore in the area. Also, along the walls there are photos of historic Bangkok.
Not only is it a pedestrian tunnel, but it’s also a micro-museum.
Although less grand, the Maharaj Tha Chang Tunnel has its own collection of remarkable photos as well as maps of the area.
These tunnels should probably be a quick stop on the itinerary for those who are interested in history.
In the tunnels, you’ll notice most people are wearing long pants and dressed modestly, because of the Grand Palace’s dress code. But, if you just want to check things out in shorts, that’s fine too.
The longer tunnel is the Na Phra Lan Tunnel, which measures 96 meters long and is located at the intersection of Na Phra Lan and Na Phra That roads. This tunnel has entrances and exits Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, Sanam Luang, and Silpakorn University.
The shorter Maharaj Tha Chang Tunnel measures 90 meters in length and is under Maharat Road. It can be used to access Tha Chang Pier more comfortably. And a couple more things to remember for both tunnels. They’re open from 8:00AM until 6:00PM and have elevator access.
Enjoy the air conditioning, take a bathroom break, and more comfortably access some of Bangkok’s most famous historic attractions via these two micro-museum tunnels.
