Grand Palace Tours

Grand Palace featuring a garden and heritage architecture
Grand Palace featuring heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Grand Palace featuring a temple or place of worship and heritage elements
Grand Palace featuring a temple or place of worship as well as a small group of people
Grand Palace featuring a temple or place of worship


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.

Plan a trip to see Grand Palace

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Alt Hotel Nana by UHG
Grand 5 Hotel & Plaza Sukhumvit Bangkok
Amora NeoLuxe Hotel

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Reviews of Grand Palace

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
893
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
559
4 - Good 34%
3 - Okay
175
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
19
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
14
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

watch out for ruthless shirt salesperson/police who randomly rejects entry to people who look like they can be scammed into purchase on religious grounds

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Although we were told by the hotel that men could wear bermuda shorts and women could wear capris, that was not the case. After waiting in line a long time to get through the gate, we were told we had to wear long a skirt or pants. So we purchased clothing in their shop at an inflated price. We then walked around the grounds that we had access to while waiting for a tour to get entry to buildings. We were so hot at that point that we left.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Too crowded on weekends

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Try to go early to beat the crowds. It's a great complex but it was as crowded as any tourist site I've visited. If it's always li ke it was today the should consider limiting the number of people allowed in a any time.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

You are better off not visiting the palace. Just a walk through of buildings for photo-ops. For atrocious price, there is no real value.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Overcrowded.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Grand Palace

Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza

Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza

3 out of 5
95 ,Soi Rambuttri, Chakkra Phong, Road,Phra Nakhon, 1, Bangkok, Bangkok Province
Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza
Villa de Khaosan

Villa de Khaosan

4 out of 5
20 Chakrapong Road, Talta Yot, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok
Villa de Khaosan
Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan

Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan

3 out of 5
42 Soi Ram Buttri, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan
Riva Arun Bangkok

Riva Arun Bangkok

4 out of 5
392/25-26 Maharaj Road, Phraborom Maharajawang, Pranakorn, Bangkok
Riva Arun Bangkok
Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok

Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok

4 out of 5
39 Maharat Road, Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok, Bangkok
Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok
Corridor2407 Hotel

Corridor2407 Hotel

2 out of 5
31 Charoenkrung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Bangkok, Bangkok
Corridor2407 Hotel
Theatre Residence

Theatre Residence

4 out of 5
69/8, Soi Wat Rakhang, Arun Amrin Road, Siriraj Bangkok Noi, Bangkok
Theatre Residence
Chillax Heritage

Chillax Heritage

3.5 out of 5
10 Phra Athit Road, Khao San Road Area, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok, Thailand
Chillax Heritage
Lucky House Khaosan

Lucky House Khaosan

2.5 out of 5
35 Chakkapong Road, Chanasongkram, Bangkok
Lucky House Khaosan
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.

Things to do near Grand Palace

When visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, be sure to explore the vibrant shopping scene, which offers an array of souvenirs. Consider joining a city tour to appreciate the rich Bangkok art and culture. Daily tours are available, providing a comprehensive experience of this iconic landmark and its surroundings, making your visit both enjoyable and memorable.

Shopping

For shopping near the Grand Palace, visit Chinatown market for local goods just 1.6km away. Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street, only 1.4km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out ICONSIAM, a fantastic mall with entertainment and shopping, located 3.2km away.

Recreation

Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium offers an exhilarating experience with its vibrant sports atmosphere, just 1.6km from the Grand Palace. For relaxation, Health Land Spa & Massage Asoke provides rejuvenating treatments, located five miles away. The Racquet Club, six miles away, boasts luxurious amenities for a premium wellness experience.

Adventure

Experience target shooting at the Bangkok Shooting Range, located 6.4km from the Grand Palace, offering a thrilling adventure. For family fun, head to Fantasia Lagoon Water Park, 12.9km away, where you can enjoy rides and attractions. For water sports enthusiasts, Thai Wake Park, 37.0km away, provides exciting outdoor activities.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the Grand Palace offers a blend of culture and entertainment. Enjoy a mesmerizing performance at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre or the National Theatre, both just 966m away. For a fun-filled evening, visit KidZania Bangkok, an adventure arcade located 4.8km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Grand Palace

Visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok offers a blend of cultural and outdoor experiences. Explore stunning temples, vibrant streets, and nearby urban parks that capture the essence of Thai heritage. These attractions cater to travelers seeking a rich cultural immersion and enjoyable urban adventures, making your trip unforgettable.

  • Khaosan Road: Experience the vibrant energy of Khaosan Road, a bustling street known as the backpackers' hub of Bangkok. Enjoy lively street food, eclectic shops, and a diverse crowd that brings the city to life, all located 1.1km from the Grand Palace.
  • Wat Arun: Discover the beauty of Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. This stunning riverside temple, situated just 805m from the Grand Palace, features intricate architecture and serene gardens, offering a glimpse into Thailand's rich cultural heritage.
  • Chao Praya River: Take in the picturesque views along the Chao Praya River, which stretches 1.4km from the Grand Palace. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride or a riverside stroll to appreciate the scenic beauty and outdoor atmosphere that defines this iconic waterway.

Best time to go to Grand Palace

The best time to visit Grand Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Grand Palace falls in April, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Grand Palace falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January81.1°F (27.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February83.3°F (28.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
March85.6°F (29.8°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
April87.4°F (30.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May87.3°F (30.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June85.5°F (29.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
September82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December80.6°F (27.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grand Palace

To save money on your visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, consider traveling during the off-peak months of May and September to October, when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, with Tuesday being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices and filtering for eco-certified hotels. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings. Walking is also a cost-effective way to explore the area around the Grand Palace.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grand Palace are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Grand Palace is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grand Palace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Grand Palace is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at the Grand Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia