The Grand Palace
The seat of the monarchy for 150 years, in the heart of old Bangkok.
The Grand Palace and temples of Bangkok
The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun — nine versions of the same day, from 440 THB, including two private ones.
Check availability and pricePrices
From 440 THB, when booked in advance.
Important information:
- The Grand Palace is a site of religion and royalty, and it has an enforced dress code: Shoulders and knees covered, for men too. Those who arrive without: don't get in.
- Whether the palace entrance fee is included — we'll check and let you know before booking. This is a fee paid at the gate that changes the total.
- In the three shared versions, the price is per person. In the two private versions: 10,140 and 13,338, The price is for the whole group and not per person, so the more of you there are, the lower the price per person.
- The private tour is worth it from four participants and up, and matches the shared one at nine: 13,338 for nine is 1,482 per person, which is exactly the price of joining the group, except the vehicle and guide are yours alone.
- The two private versions and the new shared one include a halal buffet meal. If that's not what you were looking for, the other versions on the page don't include a meal.
- The difference between 440 and 3,750 is How many sites fit in a day, and what else, a guide, a meal, Wat Arun, and not the quality of the visit to the palace.
- Departure times, the pickup point, and the duration of each version are finalized with you at booking.
- The palace is very crowded during the afternoon hours. Those who can choose: the morning is more pleasant.
When to arrive, and what's nearby
The complex closes early
The complex is open During daytime hours only, and it closes in the afternoon, much earlier than most attractions in Bangkok. Arriving late means a rushed visit or a closed gate.
The most convenient time is Right at opening in the morning: Less heat, fewer groups, and good light for photographing the courtyard.
Within walking distance are Wat Pho, the Reclining Buddha, 46 meters long, and the Thai massage school, and across the river from it Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, reached by a short ferry ride.
These three sites are the classic route for one day in the old city, and they're close enough to travel between on foot and by boat.
What's in the complex
The palace, the Emerald Buddha, and what's around it
The Grand Palace It was the seat of the kings of Siam for 150 years, and it's an entire complex of halls, courtyards, and golden chedis in the heart of old Bangkok.
Inside it sits Wat Phra Kaew: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the holiest temple in Thailand. The Buddha statue itself is small, carved from jade, and the King changes its robe three times a year.
Nearby are Wat Pho with the Reclining Buddha, 46 meters long, and Wat Arun on the other bank of the river. Most of the longer versions include them.
The Emerald Buddha
The holiest temple in Thailand, inside the palace complex.
Wat Pho and Wat Arun
the Reclining Buddha, and the temple on the riverbank. In the longer versions.
A dress code is enforced
Shoulders and knees covered, for men too. Without it, you don't get in.
The Royal Palace: what's in the complex
and why it isn't a single palace
The Royal Palace isn't a single building, but A walled complex spanning about 218 dunams, built starting in 1782 with the founding of Bangkok as the capital. It served as the royal residence and center of government for about 150 years.
Inside it are dozens of buildings from different periods: ceremonial halls, pavilions, residences, and government offices. The style mixes Traditional Thai architecture with European influences, the result of a century and a half of additions.
The royal family doesn't live there today, but the complex still used for state ceremonies, so parts of it are closed to visitors or close on short notice.
Inside the complex is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is the holiest temple in Thailand.
Which version to choose
The difference is the number of sites, not the palace
440 THB, the palace and the Emerald Buddha only, on a shared tour. For those who want to see the central site and continue on their own.
960 Adds Guiding at the same two sites. The palace is full of symbols, mythological figures, and history that's hard to read without someone explaining, and that's the difference between seeing and understanding.
2,000 Attaches the Wat Arun and Wat Paknam, meaning a day that crosses the river.
3,750 It's the full day with Meal. For those who want everything without planning a thing.
and all six get you to the same palace. The difference isn't the quality of the visit itself.
The Emerald Buddha: Thailand's most important statue
Small, green, and changes clothes three times a year
The statue is made Green jade stone and not emerald, and it's only about 66 centimeters tall. Despite its modest size, it's considered the most sacred object in the country, and it's placed high above the altar.
The statue's history is long and contested — it passed between Lanna, Laos, and Siam over hundreds of years, and was brought to Bangkok in 1784.
Three times a year, at the transition between the Thai seasons, The King changes the statue's robe in an official ceremony. Each season has its own robe.
Photography isn't allowed inside the temple hall. Outside it, photography is allowed, and most of the famous photos are of the courtyard, not the statue.
The dress code: and it's enforced
This is the place where people get turned away at the gate
The palace and the temple are Sacred sites, and the dress code is actually enforced at the entrance, not just recommended. Those who don't meet it are turned back or sent to rent clothing.
For men and women alike: Shoulders covered, knees covered. Tank tops, shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless dresses are prohibited.
Torn or see-through pants are also disqualified, and also a skirt that reaches the knee but opens up while walking. The rule at the gate is stricter than what's written.
Shoes: closed ones are preferable. At the entrance to certain halls you need to take them off, so shoes that are easy to remove are more convenient.
Near the entrance there is A rental service of pants and shirts against a deposit. This is a solution, but it costs time, and the line in the morning is long.
Gallery
Photo gallery
What you must know before booking
and especially one thing that changes the price
Whether the Grand Palace entrance fee is included — we'll check and let you know before booking. This is a fee paid at the gate, and it changes what you actually pay. We'll let you know before booking.
The departure times, the pickup point, and the duration of each version are also finalized with you at booking.
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Frequently asked questions
What to know before you book
What's in the palace complex?
A walled complex spanning about 218 dunams with dozens of buildings from different periods, and inside it Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
What is the Emerald Buddha?
A statue made of green jade, about 66 cm tall, the most sacred object in Thailand. The King changes its robe three times a year.
What is the dress code?
Shoulders and knees covered, for men and women. Tank tops, shorts, and short skirts are prohibited, as are torn or see-through pants.
What happens if you don't meet the code?
You're turned back at the gate or sent to rent clothing. There's a rental service against a deposit near the entrance, but the line in the morning is long.
When is the best time to arrive?
Right at opening in the morning. The complex closes in the afternoon, much earlier than most attractions in the city.
What else is nearby?
Wat Pho with the Reclining Buddha, 46 meters long, and across the river Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, a short ferry ride away.
How much does a tour to the Grand Palace cost?
Six versions: ฿440 for the palace and the Emerald Buddha, ฿680 with additional temples, ฿960 with a guide, ฿1,380 for a full day of temples, ฿2,000 with Wat Arun and Wat Paknam, and ฿3,750 for a full day with a meal.
Is the palace entrance fee included?
This is a fee paid at the gate that changes the total — we'll check and get back to you with the exact answer before you book.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, and it's enforced. Shoulders and knees covered, for men too. Those who arrive without: don't get in.
What is the difference between the versions?
The number of sites and what's added — a guide, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, a meal. All six get you to the same palace and the same Emerald Buddha.
Is it worth paying for a guide?
The palace is full of symbols, mythological figures, and history that's hard to read without an explanation. The difference between ฿440 and ฿960 is exactly that.
What is the Emerald Buddha?
The holiest temple in Thailand, inside the palace complex. The statue itself is small and carved from jade, and the King changes its robe three times a year.