The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most famous landmark: a walled complex of gilded throne halls, pavilions and temples on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. It was the home of Thailand’s kings from 1782 and is still used for royal ceremonies today. Inside the grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the country’s most sacred temple.
Here is what to see, current opening hours and ticket prices, the dress code and how to get there.
Plan your visit to The Grand Palace
- Entry: 500 baht (includes Wat Phra Kaew)
- Open daily 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last tickets 3:30 PM)
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
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History of The Grand Palace
King Rama I began building the palace in 1782, when he moved the capital from Thonburi to the east bank of the river and founded Bangkok. The palace became the centre of the new Rattanakosin kingdom, housing the king, the court and the government.
Later kings added halls in different styles, most famously the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall built under King Rama V, which combines a European-style building with a traditional Thai roof. From the early 20th century the kings moved to other residences, but the Grand Palace remains the official ceremonial palace and parts of it are still closed to the public.
Attractions at The Grand Palace
- Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha): home of the Emerald Buddha, a small revered statue carved from green stone, surrounded by golden chedis and murals of the Ramakien epic.
- Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall: the palace’s signature building, with a European-style body and Thai spired roofs.
- Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall: a classic Thai-style throne hall dating from the reign of King Rama I.
- Amarin Winitchai Throne Hall: part of the old royal residence, used for important ceremonies.
- Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles: royal and traditional Thai textiles, included in the palace ticket.
Things to Do at The Grand Palace
- Visit the Emerald Buddha: remove your shoes and view the statue from inside the ordination hall (photos are not allowed inside).
- Walk the outer courtyards: see the throne halls and the guardian giants (yaksha) at the temple gates.
- Take a guided tour or audio guide: it helps make sense of the many buildings and their royal history.
- Watch the guards: uniformed royal guards are stationed at several gates.
The Grand Palace – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
- Opening hours: daily, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM; tickets are sold until 3:30 PM.
- Entry: 500 baht for foreign visitors, including Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Thai nationals enter free.
- Dress code: strictly enforced. Cover shoulders and knees; no shorts, short skirts, sleeveless or see-through tops, or ripped trousers.
- Closures: the palace can close at short notice for royal ceremonies, so check the official website before you go.
Ignore anyone outside who tells you the palace is closed today; this is a well-known scam. Use only the official entrance on Na Phra Lan Road.
Tickets and tours for The Grand Palace
- Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha ticket: on Klook
- Grand Palace tickets and guided tours: on Tiqets
- Day tour with Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the Grand Palace: on Klook
Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
How Long to Spend at The Grand Palace
Allow 2 to 3 hours to see Wat Phra Kaew, the main throne halls and the textile museum.
How to Get There
- Boat: take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang pier, a few minutes’ walk from the entrance. From BTS Saphan Taksin you can connect to the boat at Sathorn pier.
- MRT: Sanam Chai station on the Blue Line is about a 15-minute walk away.
- Taxi or Grab: ask to be dropped at the Na Phra Lan Road entrance.
Arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport? Book a fixed-price airport transfer straight to your hotel.
Eateries Nearby The Grand Palace
- Tha Maharaj: a riverside complex near Tha Chang pier with a range of cafés and Thai restaurants.
- Supanniga Eating Room (Tha Tien): Thai home-style cooking near Wat Pho, with views towards Wat Arun.
- Tha Tien and Tha Chang street food: simple noodle and rice stalls popular with locals.
Opening times change, so check before you go.
Other Attractions Nearby The Grand Palace
- Wat Pho: the Reclining Buddha, a short walk south.
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): across the river by ferry from Tha Tien pier.
- Saranrom Park: a quiet former royal garden just east of the palace.
- Sanam Luang: the large royal field north of the palace.
Before your trip
- Find hotels in Bangkok: the riverside and Rattanakosin old town are closest to the palace.
- Get a Thailand eSIM before you land, for maps and ride-hailing apps.
