The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks; a dazzling complex of golden temples, detailed murals, and historic royal buildings. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Bangkok, and this guide will help you navigate it smoothly.
We didn’t have a conventional visit to the Palace. We arrived in to South East Asia shortly after Thailand’s Queen Mother sadly passed away and was lying in state, meaning that the Palace was surrounded by mourners in black coming to pay their respects. She is lying in state for a year, until October 2026 so bear this in mind if you’re visiting in 2026.
The Grand Palace: Visitor Information
Fair warning – the Palace is Bangkok’s most popular attraction and it gets BUSY.
- Opening Hours: 8.30am-3.30pm daily. I recommend arriving for opening to avoid the crowds (and the heat!).
- Admission Fee: 500 THB (c.£12), as at November 2025. This includes entry to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.
- Dress Code: Is incredibly strict so you must cover your shoulders, upper arms, legs to the ankles and not wear gym clothes or ripped jeans.
- You must remove shoes to enter temples.
- Time Needed: Allow 2 hours for a visit.
- Guides & Audio Tours: On-site guides available for hire at the entrance, and audio guides in multiple languages usually offered.
- Be Alert for Scams: If someone outside the gate tells you the palace is “closed today,” ignore it. This is a common scam to redirect you to gem shops or tuk-tuk tours. I also do not recommend getting in any tuk-tuks, unless you’ve pre ordered as part of a day trip.
- Tickets: Can be purchased online, or at the official ticket counter inside the Palace walls (after you go through bag check). Do not buy tickets from people outside, they are often not real tickets.
Important note: If needed, clothing rental or purchase is available near the entrance, for 200 THB per item.
A Short History of the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace was built in 1782 by King Rama I, the founder of the current Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital from Thonburi (across the river) to Bangkok.
The new capital needed a royal residence and a ceremonial center worthy of the kingdom, so the construction of the Grand Palace began immediately after he ascended the throne. Since then Monarchs have expanded and changed the site over time in to what you can see today.
Interestingly, Thailand is the only country in the region that was not colonized by Europeans; this was largely because the Monarchy built relationships with Colonial Powers, and even altered things like how people dressed to appear more “civilised” to oversees visitors, when meeting with them. Throughout the period of absolute monarchy from 1782 to 1932, the Grand Palace was both the country’s administrative and religious center; but after Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932 the palace was opened to the public.
Although the King no longer lives there, the Grand Palace remains the official royal ceremonial site, the venue for coronations and the location of important Buddhist and state rituals.
What to see at The Grand Palace
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
The star of the show is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It’s a must see (even if the queue is long) for the beautiful Emerald Buddha carved from jade, along with the beautiful and ornate golden shrine and stunning murals.
It is said that the Buddha itself was made in India in 43BC, and it still looks pretty special sitting high up on an altar dressed in golden robes which are changed by the King himself!
Important note: You cannot take photos inside the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Outer Court
The outer court traditionally housed government ministries. It’s here you’ll see impressive gates with incredible statues, courtyards, and guard stations—a great introduction to the palace’s scale. Please note you cannot visit the Inner Court, this is closed to the Public.
The Halls
This is the group of central ceremonial halls where kings were once crowned. They contain coronation thrones and traditional Thai architecture with tiered roofs, and are stunning to look at. The Dusit Maha Prasat Hall is used for royal funerals and lying-in-state ceremonies, and was thus closed during our visit. However, it features a stunning golden spire and exquisite murals which were lovely to see from the outside.
Museums: Textiles Museum, Arts of the Kingdom Museum
Within the grounds are a couple of small museums which are interesting to explore if you want to learn a bit more about Thai textiles and art. Plus they are truly beautiful.
How to Get There & Nearby Attractions
Taxi: If coming by taxi, please use the Grab App, and select the location Grand Palace Gate as it is quite a big complex and easy to be dropped off in the wrong place.
Public Transport: You can also arrive via the BTS Skytrain; take the Silom Line to Saphan Taksin, board a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang Pier, and walk 5–10 minutes to the entrance.
Organised Tour: There are lots of organised tour options, and some include pick up and drop off to your hotel. Whilst this is an easy option, it does feel a little overkill and not worth the price to me when it’s easy to visit independently.
After the palace, you can choose to explore a number of nearby attractions to make a full day of it. Some of the highlights include:
- Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) – 10 min walk
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – short ferry ride across the river
- Thailand National Museum – 10 min walk
That’s a wrap on Bangkok’s beautiful Grand Palace. What do you think? Would you visit if you were in the city? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Totally separately, this will be my last post before Christmas, so I’m wishing you and your loved ones a calm and peaceful festive break. I also know that people who read this blog (both those I know in “real life” and those in this blogging community), have lost loved ones this year. So to everyone who spends Christmas missing a piece – I am thinking of you.
Stay safe and Merry Christmas!
Travelling Han 
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