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.