The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, RTGS: Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), resided at the Chitralada Royal Villa and his successor King Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) at the Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall, both in the Dusit Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.
Construction of the palace began on 6 May 1782, at the order of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. Throughout successive reigns, many new buildings and structures were added, especially during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). By 1925, the king, the Royal Family and the government were no longer permanently settled at the palace, and had moved to other residences. After the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932, all government agencies completely moved out of the palace.
Monday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Tuesday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Thursday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Friday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Saturday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Sunday | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
Srivatsan V | Dec 28, 2017
Awe inspiring in architectural grandeur and scale of construction. Intricately inlaid with extensive work which is truly reflective of Thai traditions - an amalgam of northern Thai, North-eastern Khmer and Southern influences, all harmoniously tied together neatly, making for a stunning visual treat!!! It would help to have a tour guide to explain a lot of nuances though. The strict dress code caught a lot of visitors unawares, but there are "helpful" shops right outside, which provide the necessary appropriate gear - for a price 😉 Even a full day isn't enough to catch all the sights, so plan your trip accordingly. The crowd & access control sucks big time, hence prepare to wait/walk endlessly to reach the palace!!! It can get rather tiring for kids.
Nishitha Shetty | Jan 3, 2018
Beautiful palace and intricate architecture depicting Buddhism and Hinduism. Beware of cheats who will try to trick you saying the temple is closed till noon and would want to take you around to other places. The dress code is very strict as it consists of several structures and The Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Hence, dress appropriately covering shoulders and legs as well. It's always better to hire a guide who would take you around quickly and explain about the place which would save your time. Don't forget to try the juicy fruits like Pineapple and Mango Stein that are sold outside the palace. Really tasty and worth relishing.
Martyn Loukes | Feb 15, 2018
Great place to visit for a cultural visit whilst in Bangkok. Expect it to be very busy and to queue for quite a bit to visit the main sights. Seeing the massive reclining golden Buddha is incredible, worth the visit alone. The Emerald Buddha is not inspiring but a very peaceful place to contemplate. We had our own tour guide for two of us, and this made for a very special day. He was superb and I would recommend getting a guide.
Moe Ghanim | Feb 6, 2018
This was definitely a great place to check out but I couldn’t because I was wearing shorts and they don’t tell you that when they let you in. Then they take you to a place where you can get a cover for your legs, but, of course, it’s Thailand and they don’t have my size 😂. So I ended up taking pictures of the outside and didn’t get to see the interior where they take you to the palace itself. The interesting thing was seeing all of the mourners who were coming to pay respect to the late King. They all wore black and were given priority on the streets where cars and tourists or passers by were held to let their line pass by. It was a surreal experience, especially seeing volunteers giving out food to all the visitors, as tribute to the Late King. I recommend visiting this place but wear pants first.
Mahbubul Islam | Feb 14, 2018
A beautiful and well maintained palace with waves of Chinese mainland tourist. Overcrowded. With the ticket, you get to visit Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and a museum near entrance. Not allowed to enter the palace buildings. Only look at them from courtyard. Bring portable battery operated hand-fans and buy ice-cold towels from inside to beat the heat. Better to go in morning time.
Jonathan Lee | Mar 20, 2018
Honestly, there were just way too many people. To the point where it made the whole time there uncomfortable. And having travelled around a lot of SEA, it also wasn't much different to what I've seen before. Don't get me wrong, it is a huge, amazing palace. Just very similar to my previous experiences. Guess it is a must do while in Bangkok though. REMEMBER to wear long pants. They will make you buy a pair outside the palace gates if you don't have them.
Mohsen Haidar | Mar 23, 2018
Hot day to walk around but we made it to The Grand Palace. The details and the colors on the temples and building are stunning. We got luck to see guards changing shifts and that was great. No pictures or videos were allowed during the guards show. The landscaping is so detailed. Must see.
Jens Opara | Mar 29, 2018
Yes, the place you have to see when in Bangkok for the bucket list. And the craftsmanship is simply amazing. But a good example of excessive tourism. You can hardly move inside with masses of tourist groups being ushered through by eager guides. I actually decided to skip seeing the Emerald Buddha as the amount of shoeless tourists being herded through the temple was just insane. if you go, remember to dress appropriately: No legs/no shoulders
Tharuka Senarathne | Mar 21, 2018
Worth to visit and get some knowledge about Thai royals. Nice and well maintained place. It is open between 8.30 am to 3.30 pm. And also it can be very crowded in tourist season of Bangkok. Entrance fee is 500 baht per person. For more details check their website. A must visit place in Bangkok.
Darryl Miller | Apr 12, 2018
The entrance fee of 500baht is a surprise but this place is a must see when in Bangkok. You must be fully dressed, no shorts or exposed shoulders, to able to enter. The palace architecture is amazing and you also can visit the green jade Buddha temple. Bring water and a hat because it is hot. The surrounding area is full of temples to walk to so plan a few hours in the area. Metro is close and so are food stands and convenience stores. Enjoy!
K Sam | Apr 7, 2018
The architecture is amazing. I love the details and work they put into making it so grand. Can't really enter the palace and temple buildings but can see from outside (except to see the emerald Buddha but can't take photo inside). Lots of other tourists around, especially Chinese tour groups. Make sure shoulders and legs are fully covered to get in, otherwise, they'll make you buy clothes to cover.
Charlie Palmares Jr. | Apr 24, 2018
If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.
Mercys Tambunan | May 5, 2018
Very nice building with incredible art.. Feeling amaze on the way how they create the building.. Quite place, Clean, and Crowded during holiday season.. I do suggest you to use sneakers when you come here since you need to walk a lot.. The food around is good yet cheap.. For Thai people not required to pay the entrance ticket but if you are foreigner you have to pay 500 baht (~16 USD) 😊 Happy vacation! Keep traveling enjoying the world!
Rekha Soman | May 22, 2018
If you are an architectural designer or enthusiast, this place is a must visit. But if not, don't waste your time here. The Grand Palace is indeed beautiful, but you don't have access to the insides of the palace. Technically, you are roaming around in the palace ground looking at couple of architectural beauties. It is extremely hot and there are chances of getting dehydrated, so I would suggest taking an umbrella or hat, along with a bottle of water. There is a canteen at the end of the trip, where they provide ice creams and drinks. Please make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the visit. Wear a shirt with sleeves and full length pants or skirt.
Kiwon Kim | Jun 4, 2018
It opens at 8:30 in the morning and is a good idea to arrive early, as there are many group tourists. You'd better prepare some water or snacks. There is no place to sell water and snack inside. It consists of buildings that have a mix of traditional Thai and European styles, such as a wedding hall and a funeral hall. If the time is right, you can also watch the Changing of Guards ceremony. On May 27, I had a Changing of the Guards ceremony around 10 o'clock.
Adrinna Hoh | May 18, 2018
A must visit when in Bangkok. The architecture is just breathtaking! Word of caution: dress modestly to the palace. If you are in shorts, you'll need to buy long pants from vendors located outside and they range from 100 baht to 160 baht. You are not allowed to videotape or take pictures of the guards. Be patient when you see disrespectful tourists.
Lucas R. Máscia | May 20, 2018
Really big, nice and beautiful place to visit. One of the must stop by in Bangkok. Attention! Ladies must wear something that covers your shoulder (and it cannot be a scarf) and pants/shorts or skirts that go knee hight. Gents must wear full pants!! No shorts allowed. With that being said, there's a little shop right in front of the palace entrance that sells pants and shirts that you can wear to go in 150 to 250 bahts each piece. Ticket will be a little expensive too: 500 Bahts With that being said, the palace is really nice and if you get a tour guide to explain you the history and curiosities about it, it becomes even more enjoyable. Take your good camera there cause there some really nice shots! (:
Natasha M | Jun 21, 2018
A bit of a tourist trap. 500 baht entry for both grand palace and temple. Dress code is very strict - no sarongs for men and women cannot wear wraps over there shoulders (must be another shirt or cardigan). Guards weren't too friendly and very hot in the grounds. Spent 1 hour looking at both the temple, palace and museum dedicated to his majesty. A guide or signs with information would have been valuable, otherwise not much you can learn on your own. We got there at 8.45 and it was already getting busy - recommend getting in as early as possible. Gates open at 8.30.
faith white | Jul 4, 2018
The palace is so beautiful. it’s open 930-330pm and costs 500BHT to get in. Lots to see and appreciate in the fine buildings. You can spend a few hours walking around the complex. Just remember to dress appropriately otherwise you wont get in. No open shoulders and no shorts -even men Close to other attractions which you can do all in one day. This is very busy place in the Bangkok. Beautiful architecture of Thai culture. There are many shopping sites nearby this Palace. This is grand place, but a bit crowded!!
P Miller | Jun 13, 2018
This was breathtaking. It was like standing in a religious Disney Land. The colors, the statues and the art were mesmerizing. This we truly a visual indulgence. I have not seen anything like it in my travels. Having said that, please remember that it is a sacred space for Buddhist people. I was really distracted by the yelling guards and irreverent tourists. I love finding the quiet corners to just immerse myself in the unique beauty of this place. When entering the palace from the river, it is a longer walk than you imagine. Follow the signs until you come around the corner at the long white wall and see the Exit. At this point for some reason everyone crossed to the other side of the street where there was a crazy crush of tourists and hawkers. But you can stay on the other side of the street and pop into the entrance without all the fuss! It is pricey. It is crowded. It is lovely.
Chris Parkes | Jun 25, 2018
There is no denying the incredible opulence and the staggering detail of the Golden Palace. It is overwhelming how much effort was put into its 300 year life, from the gold-leafed murals to its statues, temples, roofs.... it is simply a visually overwhelming experience. None of the signage (apart from the do’s and donuts) is in English so I’d recommend getting at least the audio guide, but better yet a local guide as the amount of things to take in learn is huge. Dress code is strict. You must wear pants and/or socks that cover the ankles and cover your shoulders at the very least. Entry fee is 500 baht, and you can pay by credit card on the side ticket office, sparing you Thailand’s vicious ATM fees. Now for the downside: the site is one of Thailand’s biggest attractions, so crowds are to be expected, but the explosion in tourism in Asia means that this is now as much a spectacle of architecture as it is of tourism. There are THOUSANDS of tourists here even on a quiet day and often from very early on. There are no guidelines for numbers or things like umbrellas, so it is an intense experience with the crowds, with everyone trying to record and share the experience. I’d maybe consider going at lunchtime when people take a break or towards the end of the day.
Harry Hwong | Aug 6, 2018
This is definitely a tourist trap for several reasons: 1) On a Thursday, it was overcrowded with tourist groups where you will be shoulder to shoulder with them. 2) this was the only place in all of Thailand that did not allow shorts for a guy. My shorts cover my knees too. The security directed me to the store to purchase pants for ~200 baht. 3) entrance fee is 500 baht, which is expensive for less than 10 buildings of replicated art work. Towards the exit, they have workers carefully decorating new buildings. If you are NOT part of a tour group, I recommend going to the Ancient City instead. It will be a little bit more baht and travel time but it was worth the trip for my wife and I.
Winston Tow | Aug 10, 2018
The grounds of the Grand Palace is quite picturesque. Buildings were similar to British architecture from the late Victoria era. You could see that the gardens are meticulously well maintained and security was tight due to the hordes of tourists visiting the palace. There is a dress restriction for anyone going to see the place. Dress conservatively for both male and female. Other than the arms and head, no skin should be exposed. Might want to apply some natural bug repellant as well.
Brian H | Aug 1, 2018
Awesome collection of building and temples! It was the most expensive grounds we toured - but I don't recall the cost. Well worth seeing and exploring. Be sure to bring a hat or umbrella if you visit midday as there is little shade and the Thailand sun can be brutal - we did not and left early without spending as much time as we would have preferred. As a side-note, when you get off the ferry and begin finding the path to the Grand Palace entrance, be aware of the friendly "employees" that say that place X is closed - but he can recommend an alternative tour instead.
Godo Luis | Aug 13, 2018
This place was full of visitors. Very nice architecture to admire. You are not allowed to come into the park without your legs being covered. Must wear jeans, slacks, loose-fitting athletic wear... no leggings/ jeggings/ yoga pants whatever the f*** people wear nowadays. No cute skirts either. There are people on the street just outside the main entrance selling cool elephant pants for 150 baht.
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