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Grand Palace
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:
- Thonburi Klongs & Grand Palace Morning Excursion
- Private Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha & Reclining Buddha Morning Tour
- Bangkok: Small-Group Temples & Rivers of Kings Tour
- Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha & Reclining Buddha Morning Visit
- Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Half-Day Temple Tour
- Private Grand Palace Complex Tour with Personal Guide
Peruse our Bangkok things to do page to learn about even more activities in the area.
Guide to Exploring Grand Palace
Top Hotel Deals
Per night/room
8 Oct-9 Oct
Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point
662 Rama IV Road, Bangkok, BangkokLocated in Bangkok City Centre, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Lumphini Park and MBK Center. Siam Center and Pratunam Market are also within 3 mi (5 km). Sam Yan Station is only a 3-minute walk and Silom Station is 14 minutes.
Per night/room
6 Oct-7 Oct
D&D Inn Khaosan
68-70 Khaosan Road, Pranakorn, BangkokLocated 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.
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18 Sep-19 Sep
Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza
95 Soi Ram Buttri, Chakkra Phong Road, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok, BangkokLocated in Khao San, 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. Bangkok Thonburi Station is 30 minutes by foot.
Per night/room
8 Oct-9 Oct
Shangri-la Bangkok
89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak, Bangkok, BangkokThis family-friendly Bangkok hotel is located on the riverfront, within 2 mi (3 km) of Bangkok Riverside, King Power MahaNakhon and Iconsiam. Patpong Night Market and Asiatique The Riverfront are also within 2 mi (3 km). Saphan Taksin BTS Station is 6 minutes by foot and Surasak BTS Station is 12 minutes.
Per night/room
17 Sep-18 Sep
Riva Arun Bangkok
392/25-26 Maharaj Road, Phraborom Maharajawang, Pranakorn, BangkokLocated in Bangkok City Centre, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Museum of Siam and Wat Pho. Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace are also within 1 mi (2 km).
Per night/room
17 Sep-18 Sep
sala rattanakosin
Maharat Road, Rattanakosin Island, Bangkok, BangkokLocated in Bangkok City Centre, this boutique hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace are also within 15 minutes.
Per night/room
19 Sep-20 Sep
ibis Styles Bangkok Khaosan Viengtai
42 Rambuttri Rd., Banglampu Pranakorn, Bangkok, BangkokLocated 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.
The Thai House
MOO 8 TAMBOL BANG MAUNG,AMPUR, BANGYAI,32/4, NONTHABURI, BKKLocated in Bangkok City Centre, this guesthouse is within a 5-minute walk of Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Bangkok Riverside. Grand Palace and Wat Pho are also within 10 minutes. Bangkok Thonburi Station is 27 minutes by foot.
