Explore the opulent and fascinating grounds of the Grand Palace, a vast compound of 21.84 hectares that sits in the heart of Old Bangkok on Rattanakosin Island on the Chao Phraya River.
The entire complex is home to more than 200 buildings showcasing some of the finest examples of Buddhist architecture, sculpture, painting and decorative arts in Thailand.
The palace was the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) from 1782 until 1925, when the royal family relocated to the Chitralada Palace.
The palace was Thailand’s seat of government and religious centre until 1932, when a revolution overthrew the absolute monarchy and replaced it with a constitutional monarchy.
Today, the Grand Palace is still used for official state functions and royal ceremonies, and serves as a museum.
Built in 1782 by order of Rama I (and added to throughout 200 years of successive reigns) the complex is surrounded by a high 2km-long whitewashed crenelated wall punctuated by 12 massive gates and 17 small forts complete with battlements and cannon.
Rather than being a single building, the Grand Palace consists of numerous buildings, halls and pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards that are divided into several quarters: Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha); the Outer Court, with many public buildings; the Middle Court, including the Phra Maha Montien Buildings, the Phra Maha Prasat Buildings and the Chakri Maha Prasat Buildings; the Inner Court and the Siwalai Gardens quarter.
Don't miss the mythical figures, including the garuda, a half-human, half-steed creature – the mount of the Hindu god Vishnu; the yaksha, a giant demon; and the kinnon, a half-bird, half-human creature. Before leaving the complex be sure to rub the head of one of the many elephant statues for good luck.
The Grand Palace offers a fabulous series of architecturally significant structures, including…
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) – One of the most important structures in the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew, which sits in the centre of a series of walled cloisters. The chapel dates to the very founding of the Grand Palace and houses the venerated Emerald Buddha.
Phra Thinang Amarin Winichai – Designed as a royal audience chamber, the hall features two golden thrones: one throne is cast in the shape of a boat and decorated with deva and garuda figures; the second throne boasts a multi-level platform base with a seat in the middle flanked by two golden seven tiered umbrellas and topped by a massive nine-tiered umbrella.
Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat – The royal residence is notable for its Thai-style roof complete with golden prasats (or spires) that sits on top of a European-style structure featuring an eclectic blend of Thai and Italian influences.
Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat – Topped with a tall golden spire, the throne hall is considered the ideal archetype of traditional Thai architecture.
Phra Thinang Aphorn Phimok Prasat – An open pavilion, built by King Rama IV as a robing pavilion for the king to change his regalia when entering the Maha Prasat premises, the pavilion is considered the epitome of the finest qualities of Thai traditional architecture in proportion, style and detail.
Location: The palace is located on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River on Na Phra Lan Rd. near Sanam Luang.
Getting there: Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to the pier called Tha Chang, and then walk due east, then south
Admission: 350B. Price includes Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, as well as admission to the Vimanmek Palace (in Dusit Park)
Hours: Daily 8:30am-3:30pm; although most individual buildings are closed to the public except on special days proclaimed by the King.
To get the most out of your visit, arrive early in the morning at 8:30 when the gates first open
Note: A strict dress code is enforced: closed-toed shoes, long pants or skirts, and shirts with sleeves. You can borrow proper attire from the main office.
Latest update: The Grand Palace: 29 May, 2022
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