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The Grand Palace

Thailand's royal palace since 1782 and home of the Emerald Buddha. ฿500, tickets sold 08:30 to 15:30, shoulders and knees covered.

4.6(79,769)Tha Tien Pier · 6 min walk
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 08:30–15:30
Entry
฿500
Getting there
Tha Tien Pier
6 min walk

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

How to visit The Grand Palace

Go on your own if you can be at the gate for the 08:30 opening. Book a guided tour if you want the history explained as you go.

On your own

Tickets are ฿500, cash, at the Na Phra Lan Road gate, and include Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. By 09:30 the tour buses arrive and the Emerald Buddha line triples, so go to Wat Phra Kaew first. Pants or a long skirt and sleeves are checked at the gate, and the palace no longer rents cover-ups. Anyone outside telling you it's closed for a ceremony is running Bangkok's oldest scam.

With a guide

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Finding your way around The Grand Palace

Layouts, fares and hours change. If something here has moved, use “Suggest a correction” at the bottom of the page.

Getting there and around

  • There's no MRT or BTS station at the palace. The Chao Phraya Express boat stops at Tha Chang pier, a short walk from the gate, and Wat Pho and Tha Tien pier are about 700 m south.
  • The entrance is on Na Phra Lan Road on the north side. Buy tickets only at the official counter inside the gate.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday08:30–15:30
Tuesday08:30–15:30
Wednesday08:30–15:30
Thursday08:30–15:30
Friday08:30–15:30
Saturday08:30–15:30
Sunday08:30–15:30

Why go, and how to do it well

The Grand Palace has been the official residence of Thailand's kings since 1782, and the king, his court and the government worked inside its walls until 1925. It's less one building than a walled city of them, all gold leaf, mosaic and mural, and the part people talk about longest is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which stands inside the same compound and is covered by the same ticket.

Tickets cost ฿500 and are sold from 08:30 to 15:30, and the grounds stay open until 16:30. The ticket also covers the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Come at 08:30, before the tour groups, and give it two to three hours. There's very little shade, so a hat or an umbrella earns its place, and parts of the complex close for royal ceremonies.

The dress code is enforced at the gate. Shoulders and knees must be covered, with no sleeveless tops, shorts or ripped jeans, and a scarf over a sleeveless top usually isn't accepted. If anyone outside tells you the palace is closed today and offers a tuk-tuk somewhere else, walk to the gate and check, because it's the oldest scam in Bangkok. Wat Pho is about 700 m south, and the ฿5 ferry to Wat Arun leaves from Tha Tien pier beside it.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

Stay within reach of The Grand Palace

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of The Grand Palace, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After The Grand Palace, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

The Grand Palace is simply breathtaking. From the moment you step inside, you are surrounded by extraordinary architecture, intricate details, and centuries of history. Every building shines with gold, vibrant colors, and craftsmanship that reflects Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is especially powerful — peaceful, sacred, and deeply moving. Even with visitors around, there’s a strong sense of respect and spirituality in the air. The entire complex is beautifully maintained and impressively organized. Walking through the grounds feels like stepping back in time, witnessing the grandeur of the Thai monarchy and traditional artistry at its finest. Yes, it can be busy — but that’s because it’s truly one of the most iconic landmarks in the country. It’s absolutely worth the visit and an essential experience for anyone coming to Bangkok. A masterpiece of history, culture, and architectural beauty. Unforgettable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Linda's honest travel Review! A very historical place and a must see when you're in Bangkok. A tranquil setting, easy to walk around. Don't forget woman need to cover their legs! Guys, you should be fine. You can have a tour guide explaining your details or simply walk around as you like. Hammer the big Gong until Buddha will look down at you. Pose with hundreds of golden Buddha's in line. And a black Buddha in between. Plants, trees, mosaics and gorgeous architecture all over. The site is not as busy with tourists. No long lines and plan about 1+ hour to see what's there.

Visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok is like stepping into a living museum of Thai history and art. Built in 1782, this iconic complex was the official residence of Thai kings and remains a symbol of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The architecture is breathtaking—golden spires, intricate mosaics, and vibrant murals cover every building. Highlights include the *Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)*, home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue, and the *Chakri Maha Prasat Hall*, which blends Thai and European styles beautifully. To make the most of your visit, *arrive early at 8:30 AM* when the palace opens. This helps you avoid the massive crowds that build up later in the day and lets you enjoy the serene atmosphere, especially around the Emerald Buddha Temple. Keep in mind that *some sections of the palace are closed to visitors*, so plan your time accordingly and focus on the main attractions. *Practical tips:* - Entry fee is 500 THB, which includes access to Wat Phra Kaew. - Dress modestly—shoulders and knees must be covered, no sandals or sleeveless tops. - Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and consider a guide or audio tour for deeper insight. - Photography is allowed outside but not inside the Emerald Buddha hall. Overall, the Grand Palace is a stunning, must-see landmark in Bangkok. Visiting early and knowing about the closed areas helps you experience its beauty without the hassle of crowds. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, architecture, and Thai culture. One sad thing is after charging heavy amount maximum places are closed.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 79,769 reviews on Google.

Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

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More temples & culture nearby

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

The Grand Palace: Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Grand Palace entrance fee?

฿500 per person, sold at the gate from 08:30 to 15:30. The ticket covers Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. No advance booking is needed.

What are the Grand Palace opening hours?

The grounds are open daily from 08:30 to 16:30, but tickets stop at 15:30. Parts of the complex close for royal ceremonies, so a section may be shut on the day you go.

Can I wear shorts to the Grand Palace?

No. Shoulders and knees must be covered, so no shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops or ripped jeans. A scarf over a sleeveless top usually isn't accepted, so wear a top with sleeves.

Is the Grand Palace worth it?

Yes, if you go at 08:30 and give it two to three hours. Wat Phra Kaew alone justifies the ticket. Ignore anyone outside who says it's closed today, because that's the start of a gem-shop or tuk-tuk scam.

When is the best time to visit The Grand Palace?

The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).

Where is The Grand Palace located?

The Grand Palace is at Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).

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