Grand Palace

The basics

The complex palace grounds, right off the Chao Phraya River (Mae Nam Chao Phraya), feature several visitable buildings and courtyards. Popular sites within the palace walls are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew); Phra Maha Monthian, where ceremonies of the court still take place; the throne room in Dusit Hall (only two of three throne halls are open to the public); a museum covering the palace’s history; and the buildings of the former royal residences.

Though the palace is no longer used as a royal residence, the inner court remains closed to the public and is sometimes used for ceremonies and state functions. Grand Palace tours with private guides explain the art, traditions, and architecture of the Grand Palace.

Things to know before you go

• A strict dress code applies for entry: long pants or skirts, shirts with sleeves (no bare shoulders), and socks—even with sandals. If you come unprepared, a booth near the entrance may offer extra cover-ups with a deposit.

• Most half-day Grand Palace tours couple a visit to the palace with other top activities like canal cruises or stops at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), or Wat Arun.

• The grounds feature a cafe and three restrooms.

• You can buy Grand Palace tickets using a QR code at the palace or from an on-site office.

How to get there

The Grand Palace is sandwiched between the Chao Phraya River, Sanam Luang Park, and Wat Pho in the government district of downtown Bangkok. To get there, take the Chao Phraya Express to the Tha Chang Pier. Alternatively, take a taxi or tuk-tuk from the city center—although Bangkok’s notoriously heavy traffic is very likely to slow you down.

When to get there

The Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The temples can get crowded and, with the requisite dress code, can also get quite hot. To beat the heat and the crowds, visit in the early morning on weekdays during the peak tourist (but cooler, drier) months of November to February, or in the rainy season (July through October).

Making the most of your Grand Palace visit

There are many sites to see within the Grand Palace. If you arrive early, head straight to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, to the left of the entrance, before crowds form. If you visit later in the day, head to the right past the ticket booth to see the palace and formal halls.

Then, circle back around by Buddha Ratana Starn Hall and Sidhala Phirom Hall, behind the Emerald Buddha complex. Take your time exploring the chedi (Thai Buddhist stupa-like monument) and naga (multiheaded snakes) along the temple’s exterior.

Ways to explore

Whether by car, tuk-tuk, or on foot, the Grand Palace is a popular stop on all sorts of Bangkok city tours—including night tours, which take in the exterior as it glitters against the evening. Cultural highlights tours often pair the palace, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, with other top temples, such as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) and the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun), or perhaps a canal cruise. Grand Private palace tour guides provide insight into the art, traditions, and architecture of the Grand Palace, typically in greater depth than with large group tours.

Accessibility

Parts of the Grand Palace are wheelchair accessible. The palace has adapted bathrooms and offers wheelchairs for loan.

Age limits

None

What to pack

A reusable water bottle is a great way to beat Thailand’s humidity without generating excess plastic waste.

What to wear

The palace operates a strict dress code: Cover shoulders, upper arms, torso, and legs to the knee with loose clothing, or risk being turned away.

Not allowed

Drones, torn clothing, sleeveless or short tops, tight clothing, see-through garments, shorts

Amenities

Information point, restrooms, shops, baby-changing facilities

Address 

The Grand Palace is by the shores of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of downtown Bangkok.

Driving

Most travelers prefer the ease of a tour, a rideshare, or a metered taxi to driving in Bangkok’s choked traffic (or negotiating with street tuk-tuks).

Public transportation

Take the Chao Phraya Express boat to the Tha Chang pier. Alternatively, catch a taxi or a rideshare from the city center—although Bangkok’s notoriously heavy traffic is likely to slow you down. You can also board the MRT to Sanam Chai station and walk for around 15 minutes.

Best times to visit

The Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm, with the last entry at 3:30pm. The temples can get crowded and can also get quite hot, especially due to the requisite dress code. Visit in the early morning to beat the heat and the crowds.

Best days to visit

Plan your visit for a weekday, rather than weekends.

Best months to visit

Bangkok’s weather is cooler and drier from November to February, although this is also the peak tourist season.

Special events

Visiting the Grand Palace during festivals such as Songkran can be hit or miss: sometimes, special areas open, while at other times the palace closes.