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One of the must‑see temples in Thailand’s capital is the Grand Palace in Bangkok. The vast grounds are also home to Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Long ago the residence of Thai kings, the entire complex is still incredibly impressive today. It attracts many visitors every day and simply belongs on any trip to Bangkok.
Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace in Bangkok: How to Get There, Entrance, Opening Hours and More
- Accommodation in Bangkok – Our Hotel Tip
- How to Get To the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo
- Entrance and Opening Hours at the Grand Palace in Bangkok
- What Clothing Am I Allowed To Wear at the Grand Palace in Bangkok?
- Do I Need a Passport To Visit the Grand Palace?
- How Much Time Should You Plan for Your Visit to the Grand Palace?
- What Are the Best Times To Visit?
- Touts in Front of the Grand Palace
- Wat Phra Kaeo
- The Grand Palace and Its Courts
- Wat Phra Kaeo Museum
- Other Places You Can Visit With Your Ticket
- Our Conclusion on Visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok
- Bangkok Grand Palace: Tours and Tickets
- How to Get to Bangkok

All the info and tips you need for a visit and what there is to see on site, from the Emerald Buddha temple to the throne hall of the Grand Palace, can be found in this article. We’ve visited the Grand Palace in Bangkok many times, and this comprehensive guide answers every question you might have.
Accommodation in Bangkok – Our Hotel Tip
The Chatrium Riverside Hotel is located right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is one of our favorites. It offers top-notch rooms and suites with balconies and views of the city or the river. Additional highlights include a swimming pool, a spa, a modern fitness center, and two restaurants. You will definitely feel comfortable here and enjoy a relaxing stay in the vibrant city.

Since the hotel is a bit away from the hustle and bustle, it’s perfect for enjoying some peace and quiet. There is a complimentary shuttle boat service that takes you to Sathorn Pier, where you can catch the Chao Phraya Express Boats. Additionally, the BTS Saphan Taksin Station is also located there, providing easy access to Bangkok’s things to do.
You can find more hotels in Bangkok, including in other neighborhoods such as Sukhumvit Road, the Old Town, and Chinatown, here.
How to Get To the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo
There are many ways to reach the Grand Palace in Bangkok. You can go by taxi or tuk‑tuk, although the latter is usually more expensive – still popular, though, because a tuk‑tuk ride through Bangkok traffic is a small adventure.
We recommend taking the Chao Phraya Express Boat or Tourist Boat. They cost only a few baht, and you can get off at Tha Chang N9 and walk the last few minutes to the Palace entrance. The easiest way is to catch the boat at Sathorn Pier, which you can easily reach via the BTS Skytrain at Saphan Taksin.

Another option is to take the MRT subway to Sanam Chai station (Exit 1). You can either walk straight ahead for about 15 minutes or switch to another mode of transport. For the rest of the way, a tuk‑tuk or bus lines 3, 9, 44, 47, 53 and 82 will do.
You can also take the bus from the start for just a few baht if you’d like to try it. Many bus lines all over Bangkok go to the Grand Palace, including numbers 1, 3, 9, 15, 25, 30, 32, 33, 43, 44, 47, 53, 59, 64, 80, 82, 91, 203, 503, 508 and 512. Riding the bus is simple: once you find the right number, just hop on, take a seat and someone will come by to collect the fare. As mentioned, the ride is extremely cheap.
Entrance and Opening Hours at the Grand Palace in Bangkok
You don’t have to buy tickets online before visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo, although it’s possible on the official website. You can simply purchase a ticket at the on‑site counter and remain flexible if your schedule changes that day.
While Thai nationals enjoy free entry to the “Grand Palace,” visitors pay an admission fee of 500 baht. It may seem pricey, but it’s worth it in our opinion. It’s open daily from 08.30 AM to 04.30 PM, with very few exceptions. The last tickets are sold at 03.30 PM, after which no further entry is allowed.

Info: For an additional 200 baht you can rent an audio guide for 90 minutes, also available in English, that leads you through Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace. You don’t need to book it in advance; you can simply add it right after the ticket counters.
What Clothing Am I Allowed To Wear at the Grand Palace in Bangkok?
The Grand Palace is one of the most sacred places for Thais, so a dress code applies. It’s about dressing appropriately and respectfully, and there are a few small things to keep in mind that are forbidden when visiting.
Forbidden clothing includes tight leggings, ripped trousers, sleeveless tops and see‑through garments. Short shorts and miniskirts are also not allowed. Women must wear skirts that at least cover the knees; men need long trousers. Tank tops, off‑shoulder dresses, or tops with plunging necklines are prohibited. Pay attention to your footwear, too. Flip‑flops are generally frowned upon; closed‑toe shoes or sandals with a heel strap are preferable.

In short, cover your shoulders and knees, don’t wear worn‑out or ripped clothing, and ideally wear closed‑toe shoes (or have a pair with you). On our last visit, no one complained about flip‑flops.
Info: If you’ve forgotten, say, long trousers, you can rent appropriate attire on site for a fee. Still, it’s better to think of it beforehand to save time.
Do I Need a Passport To Visit the Grand Palace?
In the past there were phases when a passport had to be shown for entry. As of 2025 this is not the case. You therefore do not need to bring ID, although it’s never a bad idea to carry a copy of your passport (a digital version on your phone is fine). Thais must carry their ID card or something similar so they can visit the Grand Palace for free, but as a tourist this is irrelevant for you.
How Much Time Should You Plan for Your Visit to the Grand Palace?
To see most of the highlights of Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace, plan about 2–3 hours. If you want to explore everything in detail and also visit the Wat Phra Kaeo Museum or the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, add another hour.
Ultimately, it depends on your pace and possibly how busy the Grand Palace is at the time of your visit. Some people see more, others less. Some take many photos; others simply admire the remarkable architecture. It’s entirely up to you.

If you book a guided tour of the Grand Palace and also want time on your own, you’ll need to plan a bit more. For most visitors, however, 2–3 hours is usually enough.
What Are the Best Times To Visit?
If you want to avoid the daily crowds, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Ideally, be there right at 08.30 AM when the Grand Palace opens, or at 02.30 PM; you’ll still have two hours until closing.
It’s also better to plan your visit for a weekday rather than the weekend, when more Thais come as well. Personally, we’d choose early weekday mornings – fewer visitors, and it’s not yet as hot in Bangkok.
Touts in Front of the Grand Palace
For years, there have been so‑called touts standing in front of or on the way to the Grand Palace. They approach tourists, claiming things like: the Grand Palace is closed today, or they can take you somewhere better. Don’t be unsettled. Politely but firmly decline and ignore them afterward. If you want to be sure the Grand Palace is open, check the official website, where you can see whether it’s ever closed for a special occasion.
Tuk‑tuk rides are often offered as well, allegedly stopping at several places for a bargain price. In most cases, you end up at jewelers or tailors where something is sold to you – the drivers earn commissions there. It’s better to pay a little more for a tuk‑tuk from the Palace than to fall for this tout trap.
Another trick is telling you that you need a guide to visit the Palace. That’s not true! You can take a tour, but book it online in advance or hire someone right at the entrance. Tours sold by touts en route are overpriced.
Wat Phra Kaeo
After buying your ticket, you first enter the area of Wat Phra Kaeo, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It’s one of the most important and magnificent temples in Thailand, forming part of the Grand Palace and attracting millions of visitors every year. There’s plenty to see on site, but even the huge temple buildings and chedis are impressive at first glance.

The absolute highlight is the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaeo Morakot). Carved from a single piece of green jade, it is the heart of the temple. You’ll find it in the main prayer hall you can’t miss. There are many murals and, centrally, the green Emerald Buddha. Three times a year, a Buddhist ritual takes place in which the statue’s clothing is changed by the royal family. Note: No photos are allowed inside.

Elsewhere, on the grounds you can admire extensive murals, a large miniature model of Angkor Wat and, for example, the library (Phra Mondop). The latter houses many sacred Buddhist scriptures, although you can’t enter the interior.

Other highlights include the golden chedi Phra Si Ratana and the yaksha guardian demons standing at the entrance and exit of Wat Phra Kaeo. The whole site is really worth seeing, with many statues and chedis – great photo opportunities. Take your time to explore everything before you head to the Grand Palace and leave the Wat Phra Kaeo area.

The Grand Palace and Its Courts
After finishing your tour of Wat Phra Kaeo (that was the Outer Court), you continue to the Grand Palace and its courts. The Grand Palace is divided into three different courts, some of which are open to visitors and some not.
You’re now in the Middle Court, the most impressive part of the Grand Palace proper. Royal ceremonies and state affairs were held here. You’ll find important buildings here, such as the Chakri Maha Prasat, an impressive hall combining traditional Thai and European architecture. Originally, the Chakri Maha Prasat was used as a throne hall.

You can also see the Phra Maha Prasat halls, a set of magnificent halls used for official ceremonies and receptions – the golden roofs and ornate decorations are impressive. A final highlight of the Middle Court is the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall. The iconic golden roof makes it look splendid even from the outside. This place was once used for royal rituals and ceremonies.

The last area is the Inner Court, which is not open to visitors. It was once the private area of the royal family and mainly reserved for queens and their female attendants. You can admire the imposing buildings and gardens here only from the outside.
Wat Phra Kaeo Museum
As you leave the Middle Court toward the exit, you can visit the Wat Phra Kaeo Museum as your last, or second‑to‑last, stop. Sometimes called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha Museum, it gives insight into the history and cultural significance of Wat Phra Kaeo. You’ll see the crowns and clothing of the Emerald Buddha and some religious Buddhist artifacts.

You can also examine some of the temple’s decorations, such as mosaics or wood carvings, and learn about the craftsmanship. There’s also information on Thailand’s cultural roots if that interests you. A great addition that’s included in the ticket price – so feel free to take a look.
Info: From here you can take a quick detour to the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, also included in the ticket price and located just before the exit.
Other Places You Can Visit With Your Ticket
Once you’ve finished the Grand Palace visit, there are two places outside the grounds you can visit with the same ticket within seven days. One is a Khon performance, a traditional Thai dance, at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. It runs Monday to Friday three times daily at 01.00 PM, 02.30 PM, and 04.00 PM. You can also use the same ticket to visit the Arts of the Kingdom Museum in Ayutthaya, open Wednesday to Saturday from 10.00 AM to 03.30 PM.
Our Conclusion on Visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok
Over the years, we’ve visited the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo several times and are always fascinated. The many chedis, statues and buildings are truly impressive. The only drawback can be the crowds, so it’s important in our opinion to pay a little attention to your timing.
Otherwise, this is definitely a highlight among the Bangkok things to do you shouldn’t miss. Descriptions of the temple and palace don’t do them justice, so you should plan your own visit. Plus, a trip to Wat Phra Kaeo can easily be combined with Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Bangkok’s Old Town.

Plan your trip to Bangkok now
More hotel recommendations for Bangkok:
- Highlight: Chatrium Riverside
- Old Town: Navalai River Resort
- Sathorn: Eastin Grand
- Sukhumvit: The Bedrooms Boutique Hotel
Popular routes to Bangkok:
Bangkok Grand Palace: Tours and Tickets
Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Bangkok’s sights in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for things to do in Bangkok.
How to Get to Bangkok
Traveling to Bangkok is relatively easy, as there are direct flights and stopovers from all the surrounding countries, as well as from Europe or the Emirates. Flights from neighboring countries arrive at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) and flights from Europe etc. arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).
Cheap flights to Bangkok can be found at Skyscanner for example. There you can compare the prices by days, see the flight duration and stopovers. Everything is very clear and absolutely recommended for a first comparison.
If you are traveling to Bangkok from other cities in Thailand or from neighboring countries such as Cambodia, then there are more possibilities. In addition to the airplane you can choose long-distance buses and trains (within Thailand) to Bangkok. Prices and times can be found at our partner 12go.asia.
Have you visited the Grand Palace in Bangkok and Wat Phra Kaeo before? What was your experience like? We look forward to your comment.

Tobi
Hi, I'm Tobi, author, passionate travel blogger and founder of this blog. I've been traveling the world a lot since 2013, mostly in Southeast Asia, but sometimes also in Europe. The Thai island of Koh Phangan has become my home base when I'm not traveling. Find out more on our About Us page.