The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is not one building but a walled city of them — throne halls, pavilions, gardens, a mint, an armoury, a royal chapel — laid out over 218,000 square metres between the Chao Phraya river and Sanam Luang. Rama I began it in 1782 when he moved the capital across the river from Thonburi, and every subsequent king added to it. The complex was the everyday residence of Thai monarchs until 1925; today it is used only for ceremony, royal funerals and state banquets, but it remains, in effect, the spiritual and constitutional address of the country.

A visit takes you first through Wat Phra Kaew (see separate entry), then into the outer palace where you can see the Chakri Maha Prasat — a spectacular half-European, half-Thai throne hall of 1882 designed by an English architect with a distinctly Thai roof grafted on. Behind it stands the Dusit Maha Prasat, a purely Thai-style hall used for the lying-in-state of kings and where Rama V's body rested in 1910. The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, in the outer courtyard, is a small but excellent side visit included with the ticket. The Inner Court, where the royal harem once lived, is closed.

Come at 8:30 sharp and go straight to the Emerald Buddha first, before the tour buses fill it. Then walk the palace, ending at the textile museum. Total time: allow at least two and a half hours. Dress rules are strict and enforced — long trousers, covered shoulders, no leggings, no torn jeans; rentals available at the gate. Absolutely ignore anyone outside the palace who tells you it is closed for a holiday and offers a tuk-tuk to an alternative — a classic Bangkok scam.

Hours & entry

Not free

Daily 8:30-15:30 · Throne halls close 15:30

What to see

• Chakri Maha Prasat throne hall — Central axis of the palace, south of Wat Phra Kaew
• Dusit Maha Prasat — Western side of the palace courtyard
• Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles — Ratsadakorn-bhibhathana Building, outer palace courtyard

Tips from the ground

• Ticket is bundled with Wat Phra Kaew — one $15 pass covers both, plus Vimanmek and the textile museum.
• The 15 THB shuttle across from Tha Tien is the quickest route between the palace and Wat Arun.
• Free English-language guided walks depart from the ticket office at 10:00, 10:30, 13:30 and 14:00.