The Grand Palace in Bangkok is Thailand’s most famous tourist attraction – and for good reason – it is a mind-blowing, spectacular sight that offers an essential insight into Thai history and culture.
Bangkok’s Grand Palace is the official residence of the Thai royal family, it’s a sprawling and unbelievably elaborate complex of royal residences, temples, pavilions, courtyards, and offices. The undisputed highlight is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) a dazzling sight which houses the highly revered Emerald Buddha.
It’s an absolute must see – even if you don’t like busy tourist attractions, it’s still well worth visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The extravagant palace and mesmerizing temple is the jewel of all Thailand’s golden temples and glittering palaces so you don’t want to miss this from your Bangkok itinerary.
However, there are some things you need to know before visiting the Grand Palace and some common scams you need to be aware of to have an enjoyable and stress-free visit. But don’t worry, I’ll explain everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Palace and avoiding the scams in this blog.
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Essential Information for Visiting The Grand Palace, Bangkok:
- Location: The Grand Palace is located at Na Phra Lan Road, Phranakorn, Bangkok, 10200. It’s such a vast complex it can be confusing finding the entrance which has changed from Viset Chaisri gate to Mani Noppharat Gate. It’s important to go to the right entrance to avoid getting scammed.
- Opening Hours: The Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the last entrance at 3:30 pm. However, it’s important to note that the palace may be closed during special royal ceremonies and certain holidays. To avoid disappointment, or falling for the classic ‘closed today’ scam check the calendar schedule on the official website before you visit.
- Tickets and Entrance Fee: The Grand Palace is free to visit for Thai’s (bring your ID card). For foreigners the price is 500 Baht (approx. US$14/ £11). You can buy tickets at the entrance gate or online on the official website. Don’t believe anyone who says you need to have a ticket before entering the complex – it’s a scam.
- Dress Code: As this is a royal palace and sacred site there is a strict dress code for the Grand Palace. Both men and women are required to dress modestly with shoulders and legs covered. More on the dress code here.
- Top Tours: The easiest way to ensure you don’t fall for a scam and have the best possible experience is by taking a guided tour – most also visit nearby temples like Wat Pho and Wat Arun. These are top rated Grand Palace tours:
The Grand Palace – A Quick History
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is the most important royal historical and religious site of the modern era of Thailand. The monarchy is extremely important to the Thai people so visiting the Grand Palace provides an essential insight to Thai culture.
Construction of the Grand Palace began in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I, the first king of the Chakri dynasty which still rules today, marking the establishment of Rattanakosin in Bangkok as the new capital of Siam after the fall of previous capitals at Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.
The Grand Palace compound was a city within a city which housed the royal residence and administrative offices of the new capital. It has been developed and expanded significantly under subsequent kings, most notably King Rama IV and King Rama V who introduced Western influences, and King Rama IX who modernized the palace.
Thailand is the only country in the region that was not colonized by Europeans largely due to the efforts of the monarchy. Throughout the period of absolute monarchy from 1782 to 1932, the Grand Palace was both the country’s administrative and religious center. After Thailand became a constitutional monarchy in 1932 the palace was opened to the public.
The Grand Palace remains the official residence of the Thai royal household, although they stopped actually living here in 1925. Today it is still used for various government offices, royal ceremonies, state functions and is Thailand’s most popular tourist attraction attracting over 8 million visitors each year.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
While the Grand Palace is very impressive, the real highlight is Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This elaborate sacred Buddhist temple complex is a significant royal chapel within the Grand Palace complex and houses Thailand’s most precious national treasure – the famous Emerald Buddha.
The history of the Emerald Buddha is very interesting. It’s origins are surrounded in mystery, legends and conflicting stories. It is said to have been made in India in 43 BC and has changed hands many times, spending time in Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia and Laos.
When the Thai’s captured the Khmer capital of Angkor Wat in 1432 the Emerald Buddha came to Northern Thailand and was hidden. In 1434 lightning struck a chedi at Wat Pa Yia in Chiang Rai and the Emerald Buddha was rediscovered. It was then housed in Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao in Lampang and Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai before being taken to Laos where it stayed for over 200 years.
In 1779 General Chao Phraya Chakri (who later became Rama I) brought the Emerald Buddha back to Siam. He founded the Chakri dynasty, moved the capital, and built the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The temple was consecrated in 1785 and remains the national treasure of Thailand.
The Emerald Buddha is actually made from jade or jasper but still looks spectacular sitting high up on a golden altar adorned with golden robes that get changed by the King himself in a ceremony at the start of Thailand’s three seasons.
The whole temple is almost overwhelmingly dazzling, a mesmerising riot of glittering gold and shimmering mosaics with intricate details everywhere you look. Every surface is covered with elaborate mirror and glass mosaics that glitter in the sun while shimmering golden stupas rise up toward the sky.
There are also hundreds of mythical creatures adorning the temple; golden half-animal half-human celestial beings and pairs of giant Yakshas guard the entrance, cheeky Hanuman monkeys hold up the gilded stupas, five headed Naga snakes slither down stair rails while golden Garudas line the walls. It really helps to have a guide to explain the meaning behind it all!
Inside the temple, the intricately detailed, gold embossed murals all over the walls depict the Buddha’s life and path to enlightenment, and all around the walls of the courtyard beautiful murals tell the story of the Ramakian, the Thai version of the influential Hindu epic the Ramayana.
The temple is literally dripping with gold, glittering mosaics and amazing mythical creatures that create a dazzling, mesmerising effect, there is so much to take in – my photos don’t do this stunning sight justice – it really has to be seen to be believed!
Exploring the Grand Palace Complex
When you visit the Grand Palace you’ll enter through the outer court and visit Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) first, but that’s just a small part of this vast complex that covers over 218,000 square meters. There’s too much to mention in this blog but here’s a quick guide to the other highlights that you’ll see as you walk through:
You’ll enter the complex at the Mani Noppharat Gate and pass through the outer court which houses government departments and royal offices and leads to the Chapel Royal – Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.)
There are many other incredible buildings within this area too such as the Royal Pantheon, which contains life sized statues of all the Chakri Dynasty kings, the impressive Phra Mondop, and the shimmering golden stupa of Phra Sri Rattana Chedi.
After visiting the temple you’ll pass into the middle court and pass by the Phra Maha Monthien buildings built by Rama I. These are important royal residences and halls in traditional Thai architecture used for royal ceremonies but not open to the public.
Next to these buildings is the impressive Chakri Maha Prasad Throne Hall, a grand royal reception hall built by Rama V in the 19th century fusing Western and traditional Thai designs which is still in use today.
Behind this lies the mysterious inner court. This is the most restricted area of the palace where the king’s harem of consorts and princesses lived but it is not open to the public.
Instead you’ll keep walking and come across The Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall, built by King Rama I, and the tiny in comparison Abhorn Bimok Pavilion (a robing pavilion for the king) which is another stunning piece of architecture.
Then you’ll pass back out to the outer court where you’ll find a cafe and two museums – The Museum of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Admission is included in your ticket price and they are both worth a visit if you have time.
Tips For Planning Your Visit and Avoiding the Scams
Bangkok’s Grand Palace is an amazingly intricate, dazzling sight that you really can’t miss, but it does get hot, busy, and crowded, and attracts scammers and touts. So it’s worth planning your visit and preparing for this so that you have the most enjoyable experience possible.
Here’s some more tips to help you plan your visit and avoid the scams:
How to Get to The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is located close to the Chao Phraya River on Rattanakosin island in the old historic part of Bangkok. It’s wise to plan your route to reach the correct entrance (Mani Noppharat Gate.) The scams happen outside so once you’re inside you should be fine.
There’s several ways to get there:
By Taxi or Grab: Taxis are the easiest way to reach the Grand Palace but be careful – be specific and insistent about which entrance you want to go to and be firm to not get taken somewhere else. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand to avoid being ripped off. I recommend using the Grab app for a safer, cheaper, and hassle-free ride.
By Boat: One of the most scenic and affordable ways to travel in Bangkok is on the Chao Phraya River. If you’re staying in Banglamphu or near Khao San Road go to Phra Athit pier and take either the Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) or the more spacious Chao Phraya Tourist Boat (blue flag) to Tha Chang Pier, which is just a short walk from the Grand Palace entrance.
By BTS and Ferry: If you’re staying in the more modern parts of Bangkok like Sukhumvit take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station and then board a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang Pier. This way you won’t get stuck in traffic and can enjoy the views and refreshing breezes along the river too.
By Bus: Several local buses serve the area around the Grand Palace. Bus numbers 1, 25, 44, 47, and 82, among others, can get you close to the palace. However, be prepared for a crowded and potentially slow journey due to Bangkok’s traffic.
By Guided Tour: Some guided tours (like this one) include pick up from your hotel and transport to the Grand Palace – but not all, some of the cheaper group tours require you to make your own way to a meeting point.
Walking: If you are staying in a hotel nearby or in the Khao San Road area you can also walk to the Grand Palace. It’s about 1.5 km which takes about 20 minutes – just be prepared to fend off tuk tuk drivers who will want to take you for a ride which could lead to being scammed.
Hotels Near The Grand Palace
There are plenty of hotels located near the Grand Palace that cater to all budgets, some even offer views of the river and iconic temples! When you stay in this area you’ll be immersed in the heart of old Bangkok and close to other historical sights like Wat Arun and Wat Pho.
Another popular area to stay nearby is Banglamphu which is only 20 minutes walk away from the Grand Palace. This is where you’ll find the legendary Khao San Road which I don’t recommend staying on because it’s too noisy to sleep but the surrounding streets are fine and home to some nice boutique hotels and hostels.
Here’s some of the best hotels near the Grand Palace:
Luxe: Riva Arun – Upmarket 4 star hotel offering suites boasting balconies with river views and hot tubs and a terrace restaurant with stunning views.
Boutique: Sala Rattanakosin – A modern boutique hotel located on the riverfront with stunning views of Wat Arun – it’s worth getting a river view room to enjoy the views from your bed!
Mid Range: Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel – A spacious, recently refurbished heritage hotel in the heart of old Bangkok with a swimming pool a roof terrace within walking distance to the palace.
Budget: RALPH Bangkok – offers dorm beds, private rooms and terrace with a view over the palace just 200 meters from Wat Pho.
For more tips see my guide to where to stay in Bangkok which covers all the best neighbourhoods and areas to stay in the city in more detail and includes hotel recommendations for all budgets.
The Best Time to Visit the Grand Palace
Bangkok’s climate is generally hot and humid, so the cooler and drier months from November to February are the best time to visit the Grand Palace as the weather will be more comfortable. However, as this is the peak tourist season expect bigger crowds.
I recommend planning your visit to the Grand Palace early in the morning on a weekday to avoid the worst of crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. The palace opens at 8.30 am and most of the tour groups turn up after 9.30 am so the earlier you arrive the better. If possible, avoid visiting during weekends or public holidays when the palace is more crowded.
Top Tip: Don’t forget to check the calendar on the official website to make sure the palace is not closed for royal functions on the day you plan to visit!
The Dress Code for the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace has the strictest dress code of any royal or religious site in Thailand. Both men and women need to cover up and dress modestly. This means no shorts or three quarter length pants, no mini skirts, no sleeveless tops, no ripped or revealing clothing, or even tight pants.
It’s a good idea to wear something long, light, and loose to stay comfortable in the heat while adhering to the dress code – light-weight baggy elephant pants and a T shirt are a popular choice.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking around this vast complex so wear comfortable shoes. Be aware that you will have to remove your footwear to enter the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, so wear something that is easy to take off but don’t forget your socks as it’s allowed to go bare foot either.
Most of the parts that visitors can explore are outside and Bangkok’s sun can be intense, so wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat and bring water, umbrella and fan to stay protected, cool, and hydrated.
I’ve read that you can rent a sarong to cover up but I’ve visited twice and never seen anywhere offering this, plus the official leaflet says that wearing scarves over sleeveless tops is not permitted. If you’re not dressed appropriately, there are several shops selling clothes outside the palace, but prices are high and it makes you a target for scammers so it’s best to just arrive dressed appropriately to ensure a smooth visit.
Also be aware that selfie sticks, drones, tripods, gimbals, live streaming, professional photo shots, luggage/ large bags and smoking are also not permitted in the palace.
Guides and Tours
There’s so much to see in the palace complex that it can be overwhelming and hard to understand the meaning and significance behind it all.
Having a knowledgeable local guide will make your visit to the Grand Palace much more interesting as you will understand what the murals and mythical creatures mean and will have a greater appreciation for what you’re seeing by knowing more about it.
Audio guides are available in several languages inside the palace for an additional 200 baht. Bring your passport to leave as a deposit. You can also hire a guide or take a guided tour.
A guide can be invaluable in helping you to understand and fully appreciate this dazzling sight but be careful which guide you hire. People will approach you outside the palace offering to be your guide but I recommend booking a guided tour or hiring a guide before hand on a reputable site like Get Your Guide or Viator where you can read reviews.
Arriving at the palace already with a guide also has the added bonus of helping you get there and avoid the scams outside, as well as bringing to life all the amazing sights that you’ll see inside!
Group tours are cheaper but if your budget allows then I’d recommend a private tour so you can go at your own pace and avoid the crowds of tour groups.
Common Scams Outside The Grand Palace
As Bangkok’s number 1 tourist attraction, The Grand Palace attracts a huge number of tourists which in turn attracts equal numbers of touts and scammers who hang around outside hoping to lure tourists away from the palace and into a scam.
Common scams usually involve being taken to another attraction, a tailors, tea or gem shop. The tuk tuk drivers and scammers get commission if you visit their friend’s shop or take an overpriced boat or tuk tuk tour.
If it’s your first time visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok then it’s a good idea to do some research on how to get there and the common scams that occur outside to avoid it happening to you.
Here’s some top tips to help you avoid the scams:
Ignore anyone who says the Grand Palace is closed today
Scammers and tuk tuk drivers outside will try to tell you that the palace is closed for a royal function or event. Often tuk tuk drivers even purposely drop tourists off a the wrong entrance so that you think the palace is actually closed when it’s not – it’s just the wrong entrance!
Don’t believe anyone who saws that the Grand Palace is closed today – this is a common scam. The aim is to get you to take a tuk tuk tour to some other attractions which often ends up in being taken to an overpriced shop, tailor or can even be the start of a gem scam.
Check the calendar online to make sure the palace is open before you visit and politely ignore these scammers and continue confidently towards to Grand Palace.
Avoid taking a tuk tuk
These iconic 3 wheelers can be a fun ride but they are also a tourist trap – you will need to know the going rate for your journey and haggle hard before getting in to negotiate a good rate or you’ll often get overcharged and ripped off or even taken to a different destination.
Tuk tuk drivers often drop tourists off at the wrong entrance to the palace where the ‘closed today’ scam starts, or to take you to an overpriced shop or somewhere you didn’t want to go. Avoid this by using the Grab app to hail a taxi or taking public transport or a guided tour to get to the palace.
If you really want to experience a crazy tuk tuk ride book a legitimate tuk tuk tour online and check the reviews first!
Arrive dressed appropriately and buy your ticket online
The Grand Palace has a strict dress code for both men and women (like many temples, religious sites and places associated with the Thai royal family.) that require all visitors to be dressed modestly with shoulders and legs covered down to well below your knees.
It’s best to read up on the palace’s dress code and arrive appropriately dressed to avoid being the target of scammers or being hassled to go to an over-priced shop to buy clothes to cover up. If you’re not dressed appropriately it’s like a beacon for scammers that you are clueless tourist who may fall for a scam.
Also, some scammers may tell you that you cannot go inside without pre purchasing a ticket. This is not true – the ticket desk is located just inside the gate and you can buy tickets on the door or online. Don’t fall for a scam and buy a ticket outside.
Be cautious of overly friendly locals outside
Whilst most Thai people are very polite and genuine and it can incredibly rewarding to connect with local people you do need to exercise caution around tourist attractions like the Grand Palace. If people are overally friendly or offering help without being asked it could be part of a scam.
Use your common sense and trust your intuition and you should be able to tell if people are genuine or not. If something doesn’t seem right or you sense a scam coming on it’s best to politely make excuses that you have somewhere to be or someone to meet and calmly get away instead of causing a scene and getting angry with them. You can also call the tourist police on 1155.
Bring plenty of water and cash
If you’ve come from colder climates Bangkok’s heat and humidity can be exhausting and the Grand Palace is a large outdoor complex. Make sure you drink enough water to keep hydrated as it’s easy to get dehydrated in the sun while exploring the palace and cash for expenses.
While the palace does now accept cards many places in Bangkok, including restaurants, shops, transport and attractions nearby don’t and if they do they often charge an extra 3 – 5 % for card payments. So don’t rely on being able to pay by card in Thailand – always carry enough cash!
Nearby Attractions
The Grand Palace is located in the heart of Old Bangkok so there are several other attractions like temples, museums, and markets to explore within walking distance in the surrounding area.
Here’s some highlights that you can easily combine with visiting the Grand Palace:
- Wat Pho: Just a short walk from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is home to a massive golden reclining Buddha, towering spires covered in intricate mosaics, and a traditional Thai massage school where you can relax after all the walking with a massage (albeit at much higher prices than other Bangkok massage parlours.)
- Wat Arun: Located on the other side of the Chao Phraya River from Wat Pho, Wat Arun is one of the most iconic sites in Bangkok which also offers stunning architecture and beautiful views. You can soak up the views from some of the waterside cafes and restaurants or hop on a ferry at Tha Tian to cross over the river and visit Wat Arun. It’s most atmospheric at sunset.
- Bangkok National Museum: A short walk from the Grand Palace, this museum has an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist and Thai artifacts and royal antiques displayed in 18th-century palace halls. It’s a great place to learn about Thai history in air conditioned comfort!
- Museum of Siam: A short walk from Wat Pho, this interesting museum in a 19th century building features fun and interactive exhibitions that explore the country’s history and discuss ‘what is Thainess.’
- Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre: This historic theater is located nearby and is a great place to watch a traditional Thai dance performance or cultural show. Your ticket to the Grand Palace includes free entry to a performance of the Khon dance and a free shuttle service to the theatre is available outside the palace.
- Amulet Market and Flower Market: Also within walking distance of the palace, the unique Amulet market specialises in sacred Buddhist charms while the colorful flower market is a experience for all the senses.
I recommend visiting these places after you’ve visited the palace in the morning. If you’re taking a guided tour, most will combine visiting the Grand Palace with Wat Pho and Wat Arun too.
For more inspiration and tips on other attractions and activities check out my guide to all the best things to see and do in Bangkok.
Nearby Restaurants
There are plenty of places to eat just outside the palace and Tha Maharaj, a new riverside complex with restaurants and shops.
If you’re after something special I recommend heading to the riverfront area near Wat Pho where you’ll find several restaurants with stunning views over the river to Wat Arun.
For upmarket Asian fusion food with stunning views check out The Deck by Arun Residence for upmarket Asian fusion food with stunning views, or relax with a coffee in the riverside garden at ViVi the coffee place.
So is the Grand Palace in Bangkok worth visiting?
Despite the heat, crowds, and scammers, the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are well worth visiting so don’t let anything put you off seeing the most dazzling sight in Thailand – with a little research and forward planning you should be able to avoid the scams and have an enjoyable experience.
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I hope these tips help you to enjoy your visit to the Grand Palace and avoid the scams. If your planning a trip to Bangkok you might find my other Bangkok blogs useful:
And if Bangkok is just the start of your Thailand adventures then you might also want to check out these Thailand blogs for loads more tips:
