Bangkok’s Grand Palace is Thailand’s most revered complex of royal halls and temple shrines, home to Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
Founded in 1782, it remains an active ceremonial site and the country’s showpiece of classical Thai architecture—glistening chedis, gilded pediments, and mythical guardian giants at every gate.
It’s also one of the world’s most visited royal landmarks, drawing over eight million visitors a year in normal times—so if you’re deciding what to prioritize in Bangkok, this is the must-see.
This guide walks you through tickets, hours, dress code, what to see, how to get there, and insider tips so you arrive prepared and make the most of your visit before you buy.
Table of Contents
Where to buy tickets?
You can buy tickets on the day at the palace ticket office or purchase them in advance online.
Online booking is available up to one month ahead, and you can avoid the lines at the ticket counter, which can be long during peak times.
Ticket counters at the venue sell tickets daily from 08:30 to 15:30 for same-day entry.
Pricing is standardized (see below), so you don’t save money by waiting—buying online is about convenience and certainty, especially on busy mornings or when royal ceremonies reduce capacity.
How it works online: once payment is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation/ticket by email. Show the e-ticket on your phone at the entrance—no need to print.
Note: Children under 120 cm enter free.
Best Grand Palace tickets and tours
There are many ways to experience the Grand Palace, and we list some of them below:
Grand Palace Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
This ticket provides skip-the-line entry to Bangkok’s Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), allowing you to explore the architectural wonders at your own pace.
You also get to see the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, the Arts of the Kingdom Museum, and the Khon Performance at Sala Chalermkrung Royal (held Monday to Friday at specific times).
Cost: ฿650
Book This TicketGrand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Guided Walking Tour
This is a 2.5 to 3-hour guided walking tour focused on the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
It’s a “Likely to sell out” experience with good reviews for its knowledgeable English and Chinese-speaking guides.
Cost: ฿1,070
Book This TourGrand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Guided Tour
This is a 5-hour guided small group tour (limited to 10 participants) covering Bangkok’s three most famous temples: the Grand Palace (including Wat Phra Kaew), Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha), and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). It’s highly rated and “Likely to sell out”.
The English-speaking guide also helps you get on a boat to cross the Chao Phraya River and get to Wat Arun.
Entrance fees for all three temples is NOT included in the tour cost.
Cost: ฿750
Book This TourPremium Experience: If you are looking for an exclusive experience, we suggest the Grand Palace & Wat Pho Half-Day Private Tour. It’s a highly-rated experience with 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Opening hours
The Grand Palace is open from 08:30 am to 4:30 pm daily. The last entry (and ticket sales) is at 3:30 pm.
The complex may close without much notice for royal ceremonies—always check the official schedules page before you go.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Grand Palace is right when it opens at 8:30 am. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, softer light for photos, and lighter crowds before tour groups surge mid-morning. Guidebooks consistently recommend arriving as the gates open.
After 2:30 pm, crowds thin, but remember ticket sales end at 3:30 pm and the site closes at 4:30 pm, which gives you limited time.
Best time of year: Bangkok is tropical year-round. For the most comfortable weather, target the cooler, drier months (Nov–Feb); the hot season (Mar–May) is sweltering by late morning, and Jun–Oct brings frequent downpours—carry a compact umbrella.
How long does it take
Most visitors need about 1.5–2.5 hours to tour the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew at an unhurried pace. Plan extra time if you want to linger over the murals or take lots of photos.
If you plan to visit Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (inside the palace), you will need another 45–60 minutes.
Where is the attraction & how to reach
Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Rattanakosin (Old City).
Since January 2024, Mani Noppharat Gate has become the main visitor entrance. Do not end up at the old Viset Chaisri Gate. Get Directions
Easiest routes:
- River boat + short walk (most scenic, avoids traffic): BTS Saphan Taksin → walk to Sathorn/Central Pier → Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) to Tha Chang Pier (N9) → 5–8-minute walk to the entrance.
- MRT: Sanam Chai (Blue Line), Exit 1, then a 15–20-minute walk or a quick river hop to Tha Chang.
What to see at the attraction
Here are some of the main exhibits at the Grand Palace.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
This temple houses the Emerald Buddha, carved from green jade.
Photography inside the ubosot is prohibited.
Step inside respectfully—shoes off, hats off, voices low—and take a moment to sit behind the line and observe quiet worship.
Outside, linger over the glittering glass-mosaic tiles, naga balustrades, and gilded Garudas that ring the chapel.
Phra Si Rattana Chedi (Golden Stupa)
A gleaming bell-shaped chedi said to enshrine relics of the Buddha; its gold-tiled surface dazzles under the sun.
Walk the base clockwise to appreciate how the light changes across the tiles and the relief work on the base.
Phra Mondop (Library)
An exquisite library pavilion with mirror-mosaic columns and Garuda figures—one of the most ornate buildings in the complex.
Although the interior is usually closed, the exterior detailing—mother-of-pearl doors, mythic guardians, and fine stucco—rewards slow looking.
Just beside it, you’ll find the model of Angkor Wat.
Ramakien Murals & Gate Giants (Yaksha)
Circumnavigate the cloister to see vivid murals from Thailand’s national epic and meet the towering yaksha guardians at the gates—perfect photo spots.
Follow the murals in sequence clockwise; you’ll notice recurring heroes like Hanuman and evolving battle scenes as the story unfolds.
Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidon)
Normally closed to the public, this sanctuary opens only on selected royal commemorations (e.g., Chakri Memorial Day, 6 April). If you’re in Bangkok when it is open, you are lucky.
When open, you’ll see statues of the Chakri dynasty kings inside and can admire the Khmer-influenced spirework up close.
Lines form quickly on these special days—have modest attire and patience, and budget extra time.
Chakri Maha Prasat Hall (Middle Court)
It is the Victorian-Thai fusion façade fronting the former royal residence. It is best to admire Chakri Maha Prasat Hall from outside, while ceremonies may occur within.
Note the European-style lower floors capped by a distinctly Thai multi-tiered roof—a striking blend that photographs beautifully from the lawn.
You may encounter ceremonial guards on duty; be respectful if taking photos, and don’t cross roped areas.
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (inside the palace)
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles offers a beautifully curated look at royal couture, Thai weaving traditions, and costumes used in Khon masked dance. Entry is included with your palace ticket.
Exhibitions rotate, but expect impeccable displays of silk, court dress, and artisan techniques in cool, air-conditioned galleries—a welcome break from the heat.
Dress Code
The Grand Palace enforces a strict dress code, and all visitors must cover their shoulders and knees.
No ripped, tight/see-through garments, no sleeveless tops, shorts/mini-skirts, yoga pants, or clothing with offensive images are allowed.
You may have to remove your footwear to enter certain chapels.
If you are not appropriately dressed, staff may direct you to borrow or buy coverings near the entrance.
Audio Guide
Bangkok’s Grand Palace has an audio guide, which you can pick up after the ticket gate at the audio-guide counter.
The device, which is available in English, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Thai, costs ฿200 per person.
A passport or a Credit Card (Amex, Master, Visa) is required for rental.
Is the Grand Palace worth visiting?
The Grand Palace concentrates Thailand’s royal history, sacred art, and master craftsmanship in one walkable complex.
From the intimacy of the Emerald Buddha shrine to the sweeping palace façades and story-laden murals, it’s the single most defining site in Bangkok—iconic, instructive, and unforgettable, which is why it is worth visiting.
Things to know before you go
- Scam alert: If anyone outside tells you the palace is “closed,” ignore them and proceed to the official gate. It’s a long-running tout trick.
- Entrance gate: Since January 2024, visitors enter via Mani Noppharat Gate (the entrance changed). Follow on-site signs.
- Cash & ID: Bring some money for small purchases and a passport/credit card if you want the audio guide.
- Footwear: Easy-on/off shoes help with chapel entries.
- Respectful behavior: Inside sacred spaces, keep voices low; no hats/sunglasses, and no photos inside the Emerald Buddha ordination hall.
- Royal closures: Always re-check the schedules page the night before.
What to see nearby
Three nearby “Old Bangkok” attractions pair perfectly with a morning spent at the Grand Palace:
- Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) — renowned for the 46-meter reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage school (10–15-minute walk).
- Wat Arun — the riverside “Temple of Dawn” across the Chao Phraya, reached by a short ferry hop.
- Museum of Siam — contemporary exhibitions on Thai identity and history near Tha Tien pier.
Map of Grand Palace
The Grand Palace complex is divided into the outer court (administrative), the middle court (ceremonial halls), the inner court (historic royal residence; not open), and the Wat Phra Kaew precinct.
Knowing the layout helps you see everything there is to see, and not get lost – especially when you are with kids or seniors.
Download map of Grand Palace (690 Kb, PDF)
Frequently asked questions
Here are a few questions tourists ask before booking their tickets to the Grand Palace.
Do I need to book a time slot for Grand Palace entry?
Grand Palace tickets are sold for a specific time and date entry and they can’t be changed once sold. Same-day tickets are available at the ticket counter till 3.30 pm.
Are audio guides worth it?
Yes—at ฿200 they’re a good value and available in eight languages; bring a passport or credit-card deposit.
Is there a dress rental booth?
Staff may direct under-dressed visitors to borrow/buy coverings near the entrance (subject to availability), but the official advice is to come dressed appropriately.
Can you visit the Grand Palace at night?
Unfortunately, you can’t visit the Grand Palace at night – it closes at 4:30 pm daily. For illuminated views after dark, admire the palace walls and spires from Sanam Luang or from across the river near Wat Arun.
Can I see the Royal Pantheon inside?
Only on select commemorations (e.g., Chakri Day on 6 April). Otherwise, it’s closed.
In Summary
- Buy early (ideally online) and arrive at 8.30 am for cooler temps and thinner crowds.
- Dress conservatively (shoulders/knees covered) to avoid delays at the gate.
- Standard ticket is ฿500, sold until 15:30; children under 120 cm are free.
- Best access: BTS Saphan Taksin → boat to Tha Chang (N9) → short walk to Mani Noppharat Gate.
