Grand Palace
Top Hotel Collections
Label : Top Things To Do
Tags : Forts & Palaces
Timings : Grand Palace: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
The Chapel of The Emerald Buddha: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Entry Fee : THB 500 for foreigners (inclusive of access to Wat Phra Kaew and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile located inside the Grand Palace)
Children under 120 cm are free.
Free Entry for Thais
Audio guide: THB 200 (two hours)
Tickets can be bought at the entrance gate or online. Purchase online tickets at least 24 hours before collection
Grand Palace, Bangkok Overview
One of Bangkok’s most visited landmarks, known for its ornate architecture and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha inside the complex. Strict dress codes apply, so shoulders and knees must be covered. Visiting early in the morning helps avoid crowds and heat.
While the official ceremonial residence of the monarch of Thailand, the Palace is also used for many official ceremonies and state functions, amplifying its allure. With over 100 buildings in its complex, the Grand Palace is home to some of Thailand’s finest structures. Some of the biggest attractions within the Grand Palace are the Temple of Emerald Buddha, Phra Maha Monthian; the royal ceremony hall, the museum, the Pavilion of Regalia, The Miniature Model of Mount Kailasa and Chakri Maha Prasat; the throne hall. Along with a public museum amidst displayed historic structures of the nation, this attraction showcases the evolution of Thailand's rich culture and heritage dating back to the 18th century.
Must Know Before You Visit Grand Palace
Must Know : Translation Machine: Rental personal audio guides are available for TBH 200 in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin, and Thai
Dress Code: Wear full clothes covering shoulders and knees. Sleeveless shirts, vests, short tops, see-through tops, hot pants, short pants, torn pants, tight pants, and bike or mini skirts are prohibited.
No Drone Zone: The Grand Palace complex is a no-drone area
Wheelchairs: Available for free from the cloakrooms just inside the Exhibition Road entrance
Grand Palace Highlights
1. Wat Phra Kaew
2. Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
Read More on Grand Palace
Grand Palace History
Architectural Style and Structures
Brief Guide Through the Palace
As you enter the Palace through the main entrance, on your left will appear a vast conglomerate of perfectly aligned buildings adorned with crimson sloping roofs and golden spires. The large bell-shaped stupa with a tall pointed spire represents the Buddha and his path to enlightenment.
Zones of the Palace
The Grand Palace consists of 4 major zones: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Outer Court, the Inner Court and the Middle Court.
Thung Phra Men
There’s a large field, Thung Phra Men at the north of the Palace which was used as an open space for royal ceremonies and as a parade ground.
A City Within A City
The high, whitewashed walls, massive forts and guard posts of the palace bear significant similarity to the walls of Bangkok, thus granting it the name ‘a city within a city’.
Chakri Maha Prasat
Another prominent building within the Grand Palace and also one of the largest is the Chakri Maha Prasat meaning the throne hall which seats the throne of the king. The Throne Hall was established in the reign of King Chulalongkorn (King Rama V).
A Thai - Western Blend
The throne was designed with an eccentric blend of Thai and western culture, which also depicted the change in Thai society and the influence of the west. The western design illustrated modernisation of the Thai community, whereas the traditional Thai design displayed the power of the Thai king, the Thai belief, and the rich Thai culture. The exterior of the Chakri Maha Prasat is a blend of Thai and Italian renaissance indicating the deeply rooted trades in the olden days. The Grand Palace is an architectural wonder which will astonish anyone with its beauty.
