This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you make a purchase. read disclosure.
One of the most popular attractions in Thailand is the Grand Palace Bangkok. The official residence of the Thai royal family, it is a vast complex of golden temples, jeweled shrines and stunning architecture.
If you are visiting the city for the first time, you should definitely stop here.
But the Grand Palace in Bangkok might not be for everyone. It’s busy and hot and quite expensive for foreigners compared to other attractions in Bangkok.
So is the Grand Palace worth it and what is there to see? In this complete guide to the Grand Palace, we share everything you need to know about visiting this cultural gem in Bangkok.
Is the Grand Palace in Bangkok worth it?
If you are in Bangkok for the first time, the Grand Palace is definitely worth a visit. The complex is one of the oldest in the city, having been built in 1782, making it one of the most important historical attractions in Bangkok. It is also the official residence of the Thai royal family.
The complex has several temples, museums and impressive buildings including Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, giving you plenty to see and explore.
It’s at least a half-day activity, so it’s definitely worth spending some time here.
Is the Grand Palace in Bangkok free?
Entry is free for Thais, but tourists will have to pay a fee for their tickets.
As of November 2022, the entrance fee to the Grand Palace was 500 baht for foreigners (about US$14).
Entrance fees include Wat Phra Kaew, the Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavilion, and the Queen Sirikit Textile Museum.
Sights in the Grand Palace
Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace complex is surrounded by four walls with a total area of 218,400 square meters.
It is divided into four main courtyards separated by numerous walls and gates: the outer courtyard, the middle courtyard, the inner courtyard and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Within the complex there are several buildings, shrines and temples to see. The Dusit Maha Prasat Palace was used as an audience hall and is located next to the Piman Rattaya Throne Hall.
Behind is the Buddha Ratanasathan, a small museum in the complex with stunning artwork and relics.
On the other side of the complex is the Wat Phra Kaew Museum and of course the Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha in English.
Behind Wat Phra Kaeo is the Queen Sirikit Textile Museum.
Top tip: If you’re in the area, cross the street to visit Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This is one of Bangkok’s other top attractions.
Our experience of the Grand Palace in Bangkok
Tim, our local guide, explained to us on the drive that the Grand Palace is at the top of Bangkok’s first-time visitor list.
That’s true, and I already knew and experienced that on my first visit ten years ago. But today was different. We were repeat visitors and didn’t travel as a couple but as parents with Kalyra and Savannah on their first visit to Bangkok.
The moment you step outside the palace walls and enter the gates, you are quickly struck by the sheer size and popularity of Thailand’s holiest site and complex of temples, throne rooms and government residences.
As we enter the complex, it’s packed, it’s hot, and tour groups are just left and right excited to enter the official royal residences of the kings of Thailand since construction began long ago under King Rama I in 1782 ( except for King Rama V who chose). live elsewhere in town.
It is believed that King Rama I moved the royal court to protect Thonburi west of Bangkok to the east, which explains the fortified walls surrounding the complex.
It took us about five seconds to be reminded that this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand and would be a REAL introduction to Thai history and our children’s lives.
As we wandered around the complex, seemingly huddled around with the entire population of Bangkok trying to take photos, Kalyra kept asking:
When do I meet the Buddha?
“Soon darling. Let’s just take our time and take it all in. I know it’s hot and crowded but please be patient and stay close to mom and dad.”
Kalyra is a great traveler and has been fortunate to experience many things in her five years, but sometimes she fights in large crowds and just sticks together. Meanwhile, Miss Savannah was recording everything from the comfort of her stroller.
Everywhere, in every courtyard and at every bend, the beauty of the place amazes and takes your breath away. I remember being very impressed on that first visit and this second visit was no less fascinating.
I even got this shot of a monk looking hypnotized.
The statues and buildings are huge!
Kalyra is only dwarfed by this entrance way
Along with sheer size comes the detail and craftsmanship
We had explored the complex for perhaps an hour or so and the question of “when will I be able to see the Buddha” continued and Kalyra became increasingly restless, which was entirely understandable given the difficult conditions.
Soon it was time to witness the worshipers ritually lighting candles and incense sticks, which they raised to their heads with a bow.
Tired and independent, Kalyra had none of the help Mummy and Daddy suggested and was completely stunned when she was told that she could not perform this ritual on her own and had to step aside and respect the locals.
There’s nothing quite like seeing your five year old lose his nerve in Thailand’s holiest temple!
But after a five-minute time-out, we all regained our composure and continued with the rest of the process, including a visit to the Buddha.
Lesson learned!
A happier Kalyra after finally seeing Buddha at the temple.
At the end of the day we had an incredible time visiting the Grand Palace as a family.
Aside from the experience of showing our kids this important and sacred place for Thai people, the locals adored both Kalyra and Savannah (must have been the blonde, blue-eyed novelty) and couldn’t stop taking photos with us.
HOT TIP: If you’re a traveling family and arrived in a new country late the night before after a long flight, make the first day a day off!
Don’t plan activities. Allow your kids to adapt to the time zone and the environment. Don’t be like us and drag her into a hot and crowded environment.
Read more about our tips for traveling with children here.
Arrival to the Grand Palace
The easiest and most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station.
From here, take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. It is a short walk from the pier to the entrance.
Alternatively, you can take the MRT to Sam Yot Station and walk for about 15-20 minutes.
Another option is to take a taxi all the way from your starting point. Make sure the driver turns on the meter – that’s the law in Bangkok, but they often don’t and then end up charging what they want.
Use Bolt or Grab for a lower rate and agree on a price in advance.
Plan ahead as traffic in Bangkok can be horrendous.
What is the dress code for the Grand Palace?
Although the royal palace is not a temple, it is treated as such. There is still a strict dress code, especially for women.
Men must wear long pants and sleeved shirts (no tank tops, vests, or sleeveless shirts. If you wear sandals or flip-flops, you must wear socks (in other words, no bare feet). Women must be dressed similarly modestly—no see-through or Tight-fitting clothing Make sure your knees and shoulders are covered.
If you show up improperly dressed, there is a booth near the entrance that will provide clothing and wraps to cover you appropriately (for a deposit).
And if you think you’re relaxed about that, think again. If you are wearing a long skirt that covers your knees but has a slit down one side, it will be tied with an elastic band for you.
This is a rule that is always enforced, so be sure to dress politely or bring a sarong. Better yet, just wear pants.
Video of the Grand Palace:
Press play to see the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Subscribe to our channel to not miss new weekly travel videos.
Before you go
The Grand Palace is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Bangkok. The sheer size, elegance, craftsmanship and intricate details that go into the architecture are incredible to behold.
Our guide Tim says, “Every visitor to Bangkok should see the Grand Palace.” And we agree.
It’s crowded, it’s hot, and your younger kids might temporarily lose their composure, but it’s totally worth it.
No visit to Bangkok would be complete without a visit to the city’s most famous landmark.
Disclaimer: Our trip to Thailand is hosted by Tourism Thailand but all thoughts, ideas and opinions in this guide are our own.
More Thailand inspiration
Visiting other parts of Thailand? Then you might like these resources:
Have you visited the Grand Palace in Bangkok? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
