Grand Palace

Grand Palace featuring heritage architecture
The majestic European/Asian-style complex was once the home of the kings of Siam and is now both a place of worship and a must-see Bangkok landmark.

The gilded roofs of the Grand Palace are Bangkok’s most famous landmark. This not-to-be missed sight offers many photo opportunities outside, and more than 200 years of royal and sacred history inside the palace’s white walls. The complex is home to the much-worshipped Emerald Buddha and many elaborately decorated temples, statues and pagodas.

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 under King Rama I, who established Bangkok as Thailand’s capital. You can see his ancient thrones in Amarind Hall, the building that was once his residence as well as the Hall of Justice. The Grand Palace has remained the seat of the Thai royal families for more than 150 years and Thailand’s current king still uses it for ceremonies.

The Grand Palace today blends ornaments and architecture from Thai, Asian and European styles because each royal has added features that suit his taste. Check out the French-style Boromabiman Hall and the golden, bell-shaped 19th-century structure Phra Si Ratana. Visit the audience hall in Dusit Maha Prasat to see an ancient throne inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Next door is Chakri Maha Prasat, a neoclassical building topped with Thai spires. On weekdays, step inside to visit the weapons museum. The nearby Inner Palace was once the king’s harem, a village for women and children only. It is closed to the public.

Follow monks in saffron-colored robes to the most sacred place on the Grand Palace grounds, Wat Phra Kaew. Inside the temple, the small statue of the Emerald Buddha sits on its traditional Thai-style golden pedestal.

The Grand Palace is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the historic district. Taking a ferry is the most scenic way to get there, with a stop at the nearby Tha Chang pier. The complex closes in the mid-afternoon, so get there early. Cover your arms, legs and feet before you step inside. Join a free tour or browse the many Grand Palace buildings at your own pace with a guidebook or the audio tour, available to rent for an additional fee.

Hope Land Hotel Sukhumvit 8
Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point
Thaisun Bangkok Hotel
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Reviews of Grand Palace

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
185
" "5 - Excellent 52.11267605633803%
4 - Good
132
" "4 - Good 37.183098591549296%
3 - Okay
33
" "3 - Okay 9.295774647887324%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.8450704225352113%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.5633802816901409%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
20 Feb 2020

Go early. Free tours through the day , but gets very crowded. You will get more from a guidebook and reaching as soon as it opens.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
9 Dec 2019

Get there early or late to avoid the large tourist parties.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
30 Jun 2019

A must see in Bangkok. Entry fee was 500 baht but worth it. It includes a free dance show of Indonesian culture and another in ayutthaya. The dance show was good to watch but Ayuthaya was 2 hours away from Grand palace. So, we couldn't use that ticket. The palace is open between 8.30 am and 3.30pm. So, if one wants to use the Ayuthaya ticket, may be good to start at 8.30 which will give adequate time to use both the tickets.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
10 May 2019

Don't get a boat over to the temple, get a taxi on the metre to and from, you'll save a few bob!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
19 Apr 2019

Get to this place very early or two hours before closing. It will be less crowded and you can have a better appreciation of its beauty.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
22 Mar 2019

Really crowded and hot while we were there, hard to take in the splendour when struggling through crowds.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.