Grand Palace Bangkok Entrance, Tickets & Dress Code
Welcome to your ultimate guide to the Grand Palace Bangkok – a magnificent complex that stands as Thailand‘s most iconic cultural landmark.
As someone who’s spent several weeks exploring the vibrant streets of Bangkok, my favourite city in Southeast Asia, I can tell you that the Grand Palace is an absolute must-visit destination that will leave you speechless.
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Grand Palace Bangkok Tickets & Location
Skip the busy line and get your tickets in advance, quick and easy through this link
I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Palace – from the best times to visit and avoid the crowds, to the essential sights you shouldn’t miss, and all the practical details about entrance fees, location and dress codes.
If you want to explore even more: Southeast Asia is full of amazing blue lagoons and caves, waterfalls, national parks and other cities.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is located in the heart of the city, next to the Chao Phraya River.
For its exact location, click below link:
Is The Grand Palace Bangkok Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The Grand Palace is one of the best things to do in Bangkok.
This was my favourite place to visit in the city. We spent three hours roaming around the whole complex, and I suggest you dedicate at least that much time too. There are numerous different places to see in the temple complex:
- Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
- Ubosot (Ordination Hall)
- Phra Mondop (Library Hall)
- Phra Si Ratana Chedi
- Royal Pantheon (Prasat Phra Thep Bidorn)
- Hermit Shrine (Ho Phra Nak)
- Chakri Maha Prasat Hall
- Dusit Maha Prasat Hall
- Amarindra Vinijaya Hall
- Emerald Buddha Museum
- Giant Yaksha Guardians
- Miniature Angkor Wat Replica
- Mural Galleries (Ramakien)
While you may not get to see all of these in great detail, I recommend stopping by as many as you can to get the most value from your ticket.
King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, built the complex.
Interestingly, he moved the capital of Siam from Thonburi to Bangkok. Within the walls of the Grand Palace, you will see a fascinating blend of Chinese, Thai, and European design.
For me, this alone makes it worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit The Grand Palace
The best time to visit the Grand Palace is between November and February.
This is the busiest time of year for travel to Bangkok, but the weather won’t be sweltering. During my first visit to Bangkok in April, it was tough. Temperatures reached 37 degrees, and it was almost unbearable.
If you visit during the high season, you can go early in the morning, first thing, and you’ll miss all the large crowds who come later in the morning and afternoon.
You will be able to spend more time in the cooler sun and see the details of the beautiful Grand Palace up close.
To be fair, I didn’t think I would be as impressed with the Grand Palace before I visited. Afterwards, I felt silly. It’s one of the best attractions in all of Bangkok.
You can find out more about Bangkok with my 4 day itinerary to help you plan a trip.
Grand Palace Opening Times And Entrance Fees
Keep in mind that while many tourist attractions are open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, the Grand Palace opens from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM, so this could affect your travel planning.
The latest you can purchase a ticket is 3:30 PM, according to their official website. The last thing you want to do is plan your day and realise the Grand Palace closes before you thought.
The easiest way to get tickets is to buy them here online to skip the crowd or at the entrance when its not busy.
Do note that time can slip away very quickly when visiting the Grand Palace, so keep an eye on your watch.
What To Look Out for
The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings you need to visit as many as possible during your visit to maximise the experience and appreciate all that you have the chance to see.
When I visited, the biggest attraction was the Emerald Buddha. Located in the Grand Palace and also known as Wat Phra Kaew, this gem (literally) will take your breath away.
It’s a solid piece of green jade. Additionally, you’ll see diamonds and cloth wrapped around it.
Sadly, when I visited, we were not allowed to take photos. That means you’ll have to include it in your travel plans to Bangkok.
Authorities in Thailand claim it to be the country’s most sacred item.
The gem has been protected in Bangkok since 1784 and has been housed in the Grand Palace since 1785 after it came from Laos.
Other things to look out for include the Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasad.
This beautiful building combines European and Thai styles, with three pointed Thai-style roofs instead of the round domes that were originally planned by the British architect John Clunich.
Another favourite sight was the Dusit Maha Prasad Throne Hall, which features a beautiful Prasad-inspired roof with red Garuda figures at the four corners, each clutching the heads and seizing the tails of two Naga serpent statues.
These are some recommendations, and I urge you to explore the whole grounds in full. Let me know what your favourite things to see were.
Practical Tips
Make sure you arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Additionally, I can’t stress enough how much I needed sunglasses and sunscreen. You will spend most of the day out in the hot sun, regardless of what time of year you arrive. It’s always a good idea to protect yourself.
If you would like a deep dive into the Grand Palace, why not rent an audio guide for 200 baht? This is a great way to find out much more about what’s right in front of you.
A smart idea is to combine your visit to the Grand Palace with Wat Pho, which is located right beside it. This is another spectacular historic site in Bangkok. If you enjoyed the Grand Palace, you’ll love Wat Pho.
If you want something to eat or drink, make sure to visit Doi Kham Shop.
Grand Palace Dress Code
You need to wear appropriate clothing before you enter the Grand Palace or any other temples in Thailand, for that matter.
Do not arrive with clothes that show your knees or shoulders, that’s a big no-no. If you forget, you can rent or buy a cover outside the Grand Palace.
Avoid this if you can because you’ll pay inflated prices for something you could have brought with you.
Sure it can be hot, but you don’t want to waste money or look foolish when you arrive being dressed inappropriately.
The Grand Palace Location
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is located close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
It sits right in the centre of the city, with numerous other attractions nearby like Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram.
You can easily reach the Grand Palace by tuk-tuk; this is the simplest and generally fastest way.
Other ways to get there include using the MRT. The blue line has two close stops, Sam Yot and Sanam Chai. From Sanam Chai, you can take the bus numbers 3, 9, 44, 47, 53 and 82.
If you plan to come via the ferry, you can get off at Tah Tian or Chang Pier.
Where To Eat Near The Grand Palace
If the small snack inside the Grand Palace leaves you hungry, there are a few places close by to consider.
Tana – close to Wat Pho and a stone’s throw from the Grand Palace.
Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar – visit at sunset for epic views of Wat Arun.
Rongros – Thai restaurant with excellent riverside views.
Conclusion
Southeast Asia has some incredible cities with amazing things to do, like Ho Chi Minh, Luang Prabang, and Phnom Penh, but Bangkok is my favourite.
The Royal Grand Palace is truly extraordinary and a must visit when exploring Bangkok.
From its stunning design to its rich history in the heart of Bangkok, this palace must be on your Bangkok itinerary.
The temple is beautiful, and the real highlight was the Emerald Buddha found inside. History, architectural beauty, colour and fun. This is how I would describe my experience at the Grand Palace.
This guest post was written by James.
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