Grand Palace Tours

Grand Palace showing heritage architecture

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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

iSanook Bangkok
Mason
Hansar Bangkok Hotel
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Grand Palace

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
893
" "5 - Excellent 53.795180722891565%
4 - Good
559
" "4 - Good 33.674698795180724%
3 - Okay
175
" "3 - Okay 10.542168674698795%
2 - Disappointing
19
" "2 - Disappointing 1.144578313253012%
1 - Terrible
14
" "1 - Terrible 0.8433734939759037%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 5, 2020

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
Nov 21, 2019

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

Kirya
Aug 27, 2019

Too crowded on weekends

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jul 25, 2019

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
Jul 3, 2019

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
Jun 12, 2019

Overcrowded.

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