The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace (พระบรมมหาราชวัง) is Thailand’s Royal Palace and was constructed by King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty in the later part of the 18th century. The construction of the Palace began in 1782 and was completed around the turn of the century. The Grand Palace was home to the royal family from 1782 through to 1925 and although it is the official royal residence of the Monarch, today it is now used mainly for ceremonies and state receptions.

The grounds of the Grand Palace consists of four main areas, the inner court, middle court, outer court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter. The outer court is where you will find the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, as well as many other buildings open to the public. Inside the middle court you will find the Phra Maha Monthien, Phra Maha Prasat and Chakri Maha Prasat buildings. The Grand Palace is made up of lots impressive buildings, halls and courtyards displaying the very best of traditional Thai architecture as well as some areas inspired by the European renaissance era. The complex covers a total of 218,400 square metres.

How to get to The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is located along the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, in the old Rattanakosin area of Bangkok.

Getting to the Grand Palace is fairly easy, but it depends of course on where you are staying in Bangkok. If you are staying in the Khao San Road area you can take a tuk tuk which will take around 10 minutes, or you can easily walk there which should take roughly 15-20 minutes. If you prefer to walk, click on the Map and Directions tab above to find the quickest route from where you are staying.

If you are staying elsewhere in the city, you can get the BTS on the Silom Line to Saphan Taksin Station (s6 Station), go out at exit number 2 and take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ta Chang Pier (No 9). From the pier the Grand Palace is just a short 5-10 minute walk.

Entrance Fees

To enter the Grand Palace foreigners are required to pay an entrance fee of 500 baht, this also allows you entrance to Vimanmek Mansion (พระที่นั่งวิมานเมฆ) a former Royal Villa, which is now a museum located in the Dusit district, close to Dusit Zoo. If you are a Thai national it is free to enter the Grand Palace.

Dress Code and What you Can and Can’t Wear

The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of Thailand’s most sacred sites and you are required to be properly dressed, following the dress code. There are signs up which clearly outline prohibited outfits and what you can and can’t wear.

You cannot wear vests or tank tops, this goes for both men and women; no short sleeves which reveal shoulders; no midriff showing; no clothing which reveals your back; no see-through clothing; no skirts or pants which show your ankles; no flip-flops.

A sensible option would be to wear a plain t-shirt or long sleeve top and long full length trousers/pants which adheres to the restrictions above.

If you arrive and you not properly dressed there is a booth where clothing can be borrowed. A small deposit is required for borrowing the clothing which you get back when you return. There is also a changing room, so if your on a day trip or do not wish to wear these types of clothes out and about, you can easily pop them in your bag and change clothes when you arrive.

Once you have entered the Grand Palace you will also find that there are further restrictions when entering temples and building such as removing your shoes. You will need to leave your shoes outside, so don’t bring your best, most expensive shoes with you.

Other Popular Tours In Bangkok

To find our more information, travel tips and advice about the magical city of Bangkok, start here at our Bangkok travel guide.