Grand Palace Vacation Packages

Grand Palace

The majestic European/Asian-style complex was once the home of the kings of Siam and is now both a place of worship and a must-see Bangkok landmark.

The gilded roofs of the Grand Palace are Bangkok’s most famous landmark. This not-to-be missed sight offers many photo opportunities outside, and more than 200 years of royal and sacred history inside the palace’s white walls. The complex is home to the much-worshipped Emerald Buddha and many elaborately decorated temples, statues and pagodas.

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 under King Rama I, who established Bangkok as Thailand’s capital. You can see his ancient thrones in Amarind Hall, the building that was once his residence as well as the Hall of Justice. The Grand Palace has remained the seat of the Thai royal families for more than 150 years and Thailand’s current king still uses it for ceremonies.

The Grand Palace today blends ornaments and architecture from Thai, Asian and European styles because each royal has added features that suit his taste. Check out the French-style Boromabiman Hall and the golden, bell-shaped 19th-century structure Phra Si Ratana. Visit the audience hall in Dusit Maha Prasat to see an ancient throne inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Next door is Chakri Maha Prasat, a neoclassical building topped with Thai spires. On weekdays, step inside to visit the weapons museum. The nearby Inner Palace was once the king’s harem, a village for women and children only. It is closed to the public.

Follow monks in saffron-colored robes to the most sacred place on the Grand Palace grounds, Wat Phra Kaew. Inside the temple, the small statue of the Emerald Buddha sits on its traditional Thai-style golden pedestal.

The Grand Palace is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the historic district. Taking a ferry is the most scenic way to get there, with a stop at the nearby Tha Chang pier. The complex closes in the mid-afternoon, so get there early. Cover your arms, legs and feet before you step inside. Join a free tour or browse the many Grand Palace buildings at your own pace with a guidebook or the audio tour, available to rent for an additional fee.

Popular Activities at Grand Palace

Not certain how to make the most of your visit at Grand Palace? We've put together some popular things to do that will help:

Peruse our Bangkok things to do page to learn about even more activities in the area.

Guide to Exploring Grand Palace

Khao San Road

This “anything goes” street is a hot spot for budget travelers who want to buy cheap clothes and souvenirs, people-watch or party all night.

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Wat Arun

The high, Khmer-style tower of the “Temple of Dawn” is one of Bangkok’s most photographed landmarks... at sunset!

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Wat Pho

The “Temple of the Reclining Buddha” is the largest temple in the country and has more Buddha statues than any other Thai temple.

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Jim Thompson House

Admire the house and art collection of an American expat who became one of Thailand’s most renowned “farangs” before he mysteriously disappeared in the 1960s.

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Temple of the Emerald Buddha

A small but extremely important Thai religious icon sits on a golden pedestal within the ornate Wat Phra Kaew structure on the grounds of the Grand Palace.

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Lumphini Park

Known by locals as the “Lung of Bangkok,” this green breathing space provides a quiet haven for rest, sport and recreation to residents and visitors alike.

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Erawan Shrine

A statue of a Hindu deity sits in the busiest part of the modern city, and receives offerings from millions of people each year.

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Vimanmek Palace

Tour this teak royal house, which was influenced by the style of the palaces of Europe and is surrounded by museums, gardens and canals.

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Wat Saket

Head to this ancient temple and you’ll also find the Golden Mount, a structure that offers panoramic views as a reward for climbing the 318 steps to the top.

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National Museum Bangkok

Journey through the various stages of Thailand’s history at the home of the nation’s biggest art and crafts collection.

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Patpong Night Market

Bargain for clothing, jewelry, leather goods and souvenirs at this animated market set amid one of Bangkok’s most notorious nightlife districts.

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Chao Phraya River

Find where famous writers had their hangouts and browse the stalls of the floating market in the River of Kings.

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Map

Top Hotel Deals

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lebua at State Tower (The World's First Vertical Destination) ฿3,328

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lebua at State Tower (The World's First Vertical Destination)

State Tower 1055/111 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Bangkok hotel is located on the riverfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Sri Mariamman Temple and Iconsiam. Asiatique The Riverfront and Siam Paragon Mall are also within 3 mi (5 km). Surasak BTS Station is 10 minutes by foot and Saphan Taksin BTS Station is 12 minutes.

Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza ฿850

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Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza

95 Soi Ram Buttri, Chakkra Phong Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok, Bangkok

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Khao San, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Bangkok Riverside and Khaosan Road. Bangkok National Museum and Thammasat University are also within 15 minutes. Bangkok Thonburi Station is 28 minutes by foot.

D&D Inn Khaosan ฿573

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D&D Inn Khaosan

68-70 Khaosan Road, Pranakorn, Bangkok

3.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Bangkok City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Khaosan Road and Bangkok Riverside. Bangkok National Museum and Thammasat University are also within 10 minutes.

ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai ฿1,845

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ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai

42 Rambuttri Rd., Banglampu Pranakorn, Bangkok, Bangkok

3.5 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Bangkok City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Khaosan Road and Bangkok Riverside. Bangkok National Museum and Thammasat University are also within 15 minutes.

Riva Arun Bangkok ฿2,676

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Riva Arun Bangkok

392/25-26 Maharaj Road, Phraborom Maharajawang, Pranakorn, Bangkok

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Bangkok City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wat Pho, Museum of Siam and Grand Palace. Temple of the Emerald Buddha is 0.7 mi (1.1 km) away.

Prince Palace Hotel ฿1,359

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Prince Palace Hotel

488/800 Bo Bae Tower, Damrongrak Road, Klong Mahanak, Bangkok, Bangkok

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Bangkok City Centre, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Wat Saket, Wat Suthat, and Khaosan Road. Bangkok Riverside and Wat Ratchanadda are also within 2 miles (3 km). Yommarat is 13 minutes by foot and Bangkok Hua Lamphong Station is 24 minutes.

sala rattanakosin ฿2,945

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sala rattanakosin

Maharat Road, Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok, Bangkok

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Bangkok City Centre, this boutique hotel is steps away from Wat Pho and Bangkok Riverside. Wat Arun and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are also within 15 minutes.

Royal Rattanakosin Hotel ฿1,109

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Royal Rattanakosin Hotel

2 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road, Bavornives, Bangkok

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Bangkok City Centre, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Bangkok Riverside and Bangkok National Museum. Khaosan Road and Thammasat University are also within 10 minutes.