The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace
4
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
About
Established in 1782, this ceremonial residence of the Kings of Thailand features several magnificent buildings like the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Take your time to explore the imposing courtyards and visit the major landmarks within the Grand Palace complex. Visit the Queen Sirikit Museum, where you can view the stunning textiles on display. Don't miss Khon Performances—known as the Thailand's masked dance drama—at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre.
You can take a guided tour to learn more about the palace’s magnificent history. Visitors are expected to keep their legs and shoulders covered in the complex.
– Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Neighborhood: Riverside
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See what other travelers are saying
- Adam CWestward Ho!, United Kingdom12 contributionsEmerald Buddha is a highlightBiggest thing to remember is you MUST wear long trousers and a top that covers your shoulders, you WILL NOT be allowed in without them. If you forget you can get trousers for 100 baht from the shops nearby. Entry is 500 baht which may seem steep but personally I do recommend as the Emerald Buddha is worth it alone. In my view it is better than the Sistine chapel. A good tip is that you should go in the morning to avoid crowds. There is a very accessible bus stop just around the corner, a highly recommended and cheap mode of transport. Enjoy!Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 11, 2020
- ShelliuHilton Head, South Carolina4,113 contributionsChaotic and besitufilAbsolutely worth a visit due to the history and beauty of the entire complex. It’s quite a long process to get in but the line goes quick. Many just go into the outside area and not in the palace itself but it’s worth it so pay the fee and go in. Entrance for non-Thai is THB 500 and free for Thai people. To get in, cover ankles and shoulders. They have clothes to rent if you forget but it’s best to just wear appropriate clothing. Once in, there are so many things to explore and take pictures of from the gorgeous statues, intricate tile work, murals that tell a thousand stories and a temple as well. Lastly, it’s usually very hit and crowded with many tour groups do just be patient and try to go at early as possible to beat at least some of the crowds.Visited January 2020Traveled with familyWritten January 3, 2020
- materesasandovalQuezon City, Philippines7 contributionsAmazing Trip at the Grand PalaceAs a History teacher, my visit to the Grand palace (together with my family) is a top choice. I was just amazed at the structures and edifices built in the palace, the intricate designs and details are really worth seeing.The entrance fee is just fine, and is commensurate to the remarkable experience one gets at the grand palace. However, the place can really get congested. Early morning visit as soon as the ticket booths open is highly recommended. overall, it's a must see place specially for 'first timers" in Bangkok. : }Visited December 2019Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Mom-azing
14 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We only had 2.5 days in Bangkok so we decided to prioritize the Grand Palace as one of the early morning activities. A cab ride from Siam sq area took about 25 min (cost 100baht). But not after the first cab driver tried to tell us that the Grand Palace is closed and doesn’t open until afternoon. We immediately asked him to pull over and we got out. Reading many reviews prepared us for it. The Grand Palace is open every day from 8:30am- 3:30pm. Sure there are exceptions, so good to double check on their site.
We arrived at the Grand Palace at 8am and were the second in line for the security check. By 8:30 (when they officially open), the line behind us was very long. Once we got through security, we crossed the street towards the palace. There, I was forced to buy a T-Shirt for 200baht (that I will never wear again) because a shawl isn’t approved (very frustrating). Also, men have to wear pants, not shorts. We saw many men walking around the palace with elephant printed pants...
About the palace: 500baht a ticket seemed high and while the palace is pretty and provides cute pic opportunities with the guards 💂, it didn’t seem all that entirely worth it. There were several sections closed so you couldn’t really go in and experience all the artistic elements. Also, some of the buildings seemed to need TLC. Net net, it’s a nice activity, but not a total must. We were done by 9:30.
We arrived at the Grand Palace at 8am and were the second in line for the security check. By 8:30 (when they officially open), the line behind us was very long. Once we got through security, we crossed the street towards the palace. There, I was forced to buy a T-Shirt for 200baht (that I will never wear again) because a shawl isn’t approved (very frustrating). Also, men have to wear pants, not shorts. We saw many men walking around the palace with elephant printed pants...
About the palace: 500baht a ticket seemed high and while the palace is pretty and provides cute pic opportunities with the guards 💂, it didn’t seem all that entirely worth it. There were several sections closed so you couldn’t really go in and experience all the artistic elements. Also, some of the buildings seemed to need TLC. Net net, it’s a nice activity, but not a total must. We were done by 9:30.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Scottsdale, AZ73 contributions
Dec 2019
My wife and I joined our tour guide, Tony, for the royal grand Palace tour. Tony has an excellent understanding of the history and is able to communicate and share that with the people on his tours. I recommend that you see the grounds, but not during holidays when they may be exceptionally crowded. The grounds of the palace are beautiful, but they are so congested by other tourists that it made it difficult to see anything there.
Other attractions on the six hour tour included the reclining golden Buddha, the golden Buddha, and a tour of the weekend market. I strongly recommend checking out the weekend market as it is incredible!
Other attractions on the six hour tour included the reclining golden Buddha, the golden Buddha, and a tour of the weekend market. I strongly recommend checking out the weekend market as it is incredible!
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cornwall15
Durham, NC166 contributions
Nov 2019
My wife and I visited here during our trip to Bangkok. The tour is almost totally outside (and self guided) so you are subject to the weather and sun. Having said that you really should see this on a sunny day! The sun dazzles you off the finely detailed decorations and golden domes. Clearly this has been renovated in the last 50 years as it is extraordinarily colorful in fine detail! You can get a guided tour for extra money but the buildings themselves are really remarkable and can be greatly enjoyed without one.
Our tickets included two other places to visit alongside the palace but we skipped them due to the heat of the later morning. I recommend an early morning visit.
Our tickets included two other places to visit alongside the palace but we skipped them due to the heat of the later morning. I recommend an early morning visit.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DalinaSafuan
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia76 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
It was my third time here with different group of people. As they say, if it is your first time to Bangkok and you have never been to any temple or wanting to appreciate the traditional architecture, this is a must place to go for the first time. As I frequented Bangkok with different groups of people in the span of several years and them not knowing how to get there by themselves, I have no choice but to show the way, nevertheless glad that I did when they appreciated the beauty of the grand palace. The grand palace is divided into two i.e. The Temple of Emerald Buddha which houses the ancient temples with intricate handcrafted statues and the grand Royal Residence.
To Get There:
1. Take the BTS Silom Line from Siam Centre if you are interchanging from other line and alight at Saphan Taksin.
2. From Saphan Taksin, go the dock to take a boat from Saphan Taksin. Take the public boat, do not take the other tourist boat if you don't plan to have a river tour or make several stops. The one I took was the "Orange Flag" boat. The fare at the time of writing is THB 20 per person. Alight at Stop No 9 which is the Tha Chang Pier.
3. Walk about 5 to 10 minutes to the entrance of he Grand Palace. Basically you will see a tall white wall which surrounds the Grand Palace. As I have frequented the palace three times already, the path to the entrance may differ based on their setup for the security check just before the entrance. Basically, just follow the crowd.
Be mindful to wear modest clothes. No short pants or skirt. Depending on the time and how much you appreciate history and architecture and photos you take, the tour may last about 2 hours or more.
Would I go there again? - Not the fourth time I hope but for the first time visitor, why not, it's majestic.
To Get There:
1. Take the BTS Silom Line from Siam Centre if you are interchanging from other line and alight at Saphan Taksin.
2. From Saphan Taksin, go the dock to take a boat from Saphan Taksin. Take the public boat, do not take the other tourist boat if you don't plan to have a river tour or make several stops. The one I took was the "Orange Flag" boat. The fare at the time of writing is THB 20 per person. Alight at Stop No 9 which is the Tha Chang Pier.
3. Walk about 5 to 10 minutes to the entrance of he Grand Palace. Basically you will see a tall white wall which surrounds the Grand Palace. As I have frequented the palace three times already, the path to the entrance may differ based on their setup for the security check just before the entrance. Basically, just follow the crowd.
Be mindful to wear modest clothes. No short pants or skirt. Depending on the time and how much you appreciate history and architecture and photos you take, the tour may last about 2 hours or more.
Would I go there again? - Not the fourth time I hope but for the first time visitor, why not, it's majestic.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanosaur89
Edmonton, Canada1,990 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The Grand Palace is worth the money and admission to it will also allow you to see Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) and surrounding complex. Tickets cost 500 baht per adult at the gate.
Please be warned that this attraction requires that you wear long pants and cover your shoulders. They sell long pants and skirts for 200 and 180 respectively before the ticket booths, but there are also street vendors along the way that also sell items to help you cover up for much less. Bring a water bottle for a sunny day - there are fountains to refill at this complex as it gets pretty hot inside!
There is a changing of the guard at the grand palace so it might be worth looking into the times if you would like to see it.
Please be warned that this attraction requires that you wear long pants and cover your shoulders. They sell long pants and skirts for 200 and 180 respectively before the ticket booths, but there are also street vendors along the way that also sell items to help you cover up for much less. Bring a water bottle for a sunny day - there are fountains to refill at this complex as it gets pretty hot inside!
There is a changing of the guard at the grand palace so it might be worth looking into the times if you would like to see it.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amanda5805
Duncan, Canada4,946 contributions
Dec 2019
The Grand Palace is a must see while in Bangkok. We figured we would get up and head to the grand palace first thing might be a little bit quieter how it seems most people come to party. We were wrong it was crazy busy. It cost 500B per adult and children under a specific height was free. It included the entrance fee to everything inside plus a shuttle bus to a show. We didn’t have time to see the show which was to bad. The one thing we would do next time is hire one of the private guides. The place is so big and busy it would have been nice to not feel lost at some points. There is also recorded devices you could rent. You must dress respectively. Shoulders, backs and ankles must be covered. I did notice the odd girl who had skirts about an inch above there ankles that were allowed in. If you show up not covered they can deny you or you can rent something to cover you up!
The Palace is stunning complex of buildings located in the older part of the city. The palace was the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. There is a wall that wraps the inside of the palace that tells a story. Some beautiful temples, museums. We spend about 3 hours at the palace grounds and could have probably spent another hour or two.
We did drive by again around 3pm and it was just as busy. So you might not be able to beat the crowds but you can try and beat the heat by going early!
The Palace is stunning complex of buildings located in the older part of the city. The palace was the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. There is a wall that wraps the inside of the palace that tells a story. Some beautiful temples, museums. We spend about 3 hours at the palace grounds and could have probably spent another hour or two.
We did drive by again around 3pm and it was just as busy. So you might not be able to beat the crowds but you can try and beat the heat by going early!
Written May 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon W
Wallingford, PA58 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Wear pants that cover your knees and have covered shoulders.
Pay inside (500 thb per person)
There is a free English tour once you get inside. It is much better with the guide.
Absolutely beautiful and super crowded
Pay inside (500 thb per person)
There is a free English tour once you get inside. It is much better with the guide.
Absolutely beautiful and super crowded
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rajesh Deswal
21 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
A beautiful heritage building, famous for its carvings has to be on top of ones itinerary during a visit to Bangkok. On the banks of river Chao Phraya, this place was the resident of the kings of Thailand. The visitors are expected to dress up properly and they do have trousers, wraparounds and t shirts for the uninitiated, though a bit costly. The only minus is the cost of ticket which at 500 baht seems a bit high
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendyeh333
London, UK598 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
A must do when in Bankok. Please note strick dress code (tshirt and long sarong/pants - no shorts and nothing figure hugging. Shoulders and knees must be covered) as they do turn people away if not appropriately dressed. Lovely way to while away a few hours. It would be good if they had more things to read as you go round to explain the history so if you want to know that sort of thing then a guide would be advisable. The ticket also includes entry to a khon masked dance show. The show is only about 30 mins and you do need to get on the complimentary bus (outside the exit) to get there as it is 10 mins away. Highly recommended.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy S
Norwich, UK382 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We had been to the Palace on a previous trip to Bangkok 6 years ago but decided to go again and so pleased we did! You cannot see this spectacular venue too many times.
We employed the services of a private tour guide which was invaluable as she gave us so much more information about the history and lives of the Royal Family and their ancestry. Equally, the history of the Palace and when and how it was built a well, as the detail and story around the beautiful mural which snakes around the Palace grounds, the architecture and much much more.
We were able to enjoy the beautiful sights in this amazing Palace. The ticket offers entry into the Batik and Clothing Museum on the same site. This shows the clothing worn at State Events by the current Queen Mother (similar to the Princess Diana Exhibition at Kensington Palace recently). Furthermore, the ticket also offers entry to a cultural dance show nearby with a free shuttle bus that takes you to and from the Palace.
In summary, an absolute must do attraction when visiting a Bangkok. It is a beautiful place!
We employed the services of a private tour guide which was invaluable as she gave us so much more information about the history and lives of the Royal Family and their ancestry. Equally, the history of the Palace and when and how it was built a well, as the detail and story around the beautiful mural which snakes around the Palace grounds, the architecture and much much more.
We were able to enjoy the beautiful sights in this amazing Palace. The ticket offers entry into the Batik and Clothing Museum on the same site. This shows the clothing worn at State Events by the current Queen Mother (similar to the Princess Diana Exhibition at Kensington Palace recently). Furthermore, the ticket also offers entry to a cultural dance show nearby with a free shuttle bus that takes you to and from the Palace.
In summary, an absolute must do attraction when visiting a Bangkok. It is a beautiful place!
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tomalbhattacharjee
Guwahati, India84 contributions
We will be visiting in July and have children and senior citizens. So walking a lot is not favourable. Along with Emarald Buddha What else to be seen strictly?
mzmarg0
Brisbane, Australia67 contributions
The Grand palace is a huge area and walking to see any of it is required. Perhaps you could see if wheel chairs are available, although pushing one in the heat might be an issue. As mentioned by others, the Reclining Budda might be a better option.
We walked to the river from the exit and I believe it took about 10 minutes for us, we are in our 60's.
Loan Thi Thanh L
Melbourne, Australia13 contributions
As a foreigner, would it be a big deal if we tried to go ourselves or highly recommended to book a tour? What’s the best time to go?
Sanjiv T
North Brunswick, NJ3 contributions
you can go by yourself, buy the ticket once you are there. with ticket they provide you information pamphlets which you can read and continue your tour based on that information.
need to go before 2 pm as you need at least 2 to 3 hours if you want to see all
karentoward
Chatham, UK131 contributions
Hi,
I appreciate that The Grand Palace Complex is probably top of any tourist list and is always busy. I also understand that an early arrival is a good idea.
However is there any particular day of the week when it is less busy?
Mskfan03
Singapore, Singapore72 contributions
We went there on a Thursday it was not that crowded, and I think its better to go there on a weekday. Probably Monday to Thursday.
Elisabetta V.
Cantu, Italy104 contributions
Scusate, non trovo da nessuna parte l'info se i bambini pagano l'entrata al palazzo, mia figlia ha 9 anni, pagherà?In generale sapete se i templi a Bangkok prevedono prezzi differenti per adulti e bambini?
Grazie
Massimiliano C
Mozzate, Italy123 contributions
Sinceramente non ho visto differenze prezzi... comunque controlla bene il biglietto perché dovresti avere anche l’accesso ad uno spettacolo, ma li nessuno ti dice niente...
Roger Rajendran
Tirunelveli District, India10 contributions
What is the current scenario for tourists in Thailand after the outbreak of Coronavirus? Is it still safe to visit there? (Feb 2020)
eenski
Melbourne, Australia93 contributions
Yes it is, wear a mask if you want extra protection
Mat10
Kolkata (Calcutta), India15 contributions
Hi,
I am planning to take the Phi Phi Island tour in Krabi. While booking online I came across the national park fee. So, my question is to go to Phi Phi islands, is it necessary that I have to book tickets for national park?
Thanks!
Michal N
Gdansk, Poland40 contributions
I am not sure, but please try to buy all the tickets locally, as in 99% cases they would be much cheaper than online booked ones.
cak
1 contribution
does anybody know what the admission money goes to? does it go to the royal family or to a charitable cause
Fulltilt2835
14 contributions
Supports the upkeep of the palace
lisalondonbru
Lido degli Estensi, Italy59 contributions
Dove posso acquistare i biglietti ?
carlo g
Legnano, Italy153 contributions
scusa il ritardo.
I biglietti si possono comprare direttamente al sito
SKR179
Leeds, UK144 contributions
Hi.
Where would you buy the entrance tickets from on the day for the grand palace? Or is it better buying in advance online. If so which online site.
I Will be in Bangkok for an overnight trip so dont want to be wasting time queuing up places to get entry.
Thanks.
Schony29
Wagga Wagga, Australia365 contributions
It was busy, but the queue for credit card/e-tickets was very short and I just got the tickets in minutes. Go early though to see the free show, which is off site, at the end of your visit. The show is only on Monday to Friday at fixed times and they provide a free shuttle both ways. Alternately hop on the metro 300 meters down the road after the show.
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Claim your listingThe Grand Palace (Bangkok) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Grand Palace
- The Grand Palace is open:
- Thu - Thu 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- Fri - Wed 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- We recommend booking The Grand Palace tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 364 The Grand Palace tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Grand Palace:
- Bangkok’s Royal Realms of the Chakri Dynasty - Grand Palace (From $54.49)
- Buddhist Landmarks and a Royal Visit (From $78.85)
- Bangkok's Grand Palace Complex and Wat Phra Kaew Tour (From $63.86)
- Royal Grand Palace and Bangkok Temples: Half Day Tour (From $104.15)
- Private Guide In and Around Bangkok: Custom Tour (From $58.00)
- Hotels near The Grand Palace:
- (0.11 mi) Chaiwat Guesthouse
- (0.34 mi) Inn A Day
- (0.31 mi) sala rattanakosin Bangkok
- (0.43 mi) Riva Arun Bangkok
- (0.37 mi) The Asadang
- Restaurants near The Grand Palace:
- (0.06 mi) Krua OV
- (0.11 mi) Ku-lib-heng
- (0.24 mi) Ama
- (0.15 mi) Rongros Bangkok
- (0.13 mi) Bote Steak & Coffee House
- Attractions near The Grand Palace:
- (0.12 mi) Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
- (0.25 mi) Wat Phra Chetuphon
- (0.16 mi) Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
- (0.12 mi) Phra Si Ratana Chedi
- (0.18 mi) The Chakri Group (Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat)
The Grand Palace Information
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