The Grand Palace, built in 1782, is the former palace of the Thai royal family, and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) within its grounds houses Thailand's most sacred image, the Emerald Buddha. It's the core sight of any Bangkok trip, but the dress code is very strict.
- Location: Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok (east bank of the Chao Phraya)
- Coordinates: 13.7500, 100.4914
- Admission: Foreign visitors pay (check official prices when you visit)
- Best time: Dry season, November to February; right after opening
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Dress code (required)
Clothing that shows shoulders or knees is refused entry. Sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts, ripped jeans and beach sandals are restricted; you need long trousers or a long skirt and a top with sleeves. Clothes can be borrowed on site, but there may be a long wait.
Highlights
- Wat Phra Kaew: the hall of the Emerald Buddha (no photography inside)
- Chakri Maha Prasat: a palace mixing Thai and Western styles
- Golden chedi and Ramakien murals: the epic murals of the galleries
Nearby
- Wat Pho: on foot, the reclining Buddha
- Wat Arun: across the river by ferry
- Chao Phraya riverside and Tha Maharaj: food and rest
Tips
- Going right after opening beats both the heat and the crowds.
- Touts saying "it’s closed today, let me take you somewhere else" are a scam; check at the main gate yourself.
- Combine it with Wat Pho and Wat Arun for a temple route.
The Grand Palace was built in 1782 by King Rama I when the capital moved to Bangkok, as the main palace of the Chakri dynasty, and it is still used for state ceremonies. Its temple, Wat Phra Kaew, houses the Emerald Buddha, the guardian image of the Thai royal family. The rule against bare shoulders and knees applies strictly to everyone, and visitors who don't comply must borrow a cover at the entrance. Going in as soon as it opens at 8:30 is the standard way to avoid both the heat and the crowds.
FAQ
Is the dress code strict?
Shoulders and knees must be covered; visitors who don’t comply are refused entry.
Can I borrow clothes?
Yes, on site, but there may be a long wait.
Is there an admission fee?
Foreign visitors pay; check the price when you visit.
Someone told me it’s closed today.
A common scam by touts outside the gate; check at the main gate yourself.
Can I take photos?
Outside in the grounds, yes, but not inside the Emerald Buddha hall.
Can I combine it with Wat Pho?
Yes, they are a short walk apart.
Sources
- Tourism Authority of Thailand · TAT · accessed 2026-05-23
- Wikipedia: Grand Palace, Bangkok · Wikipedia · accessed 2026-05-23
Fees, opening days, dress codes and ferry services can change, so check official information before you visit.
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.