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Travel bucket list idea:

Grand Palace

Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand

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Bucket List Experience
Close look at the roofs of the palace
Last updated: 28 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: Chris Schalkx

The former seat of power of Siamese kings, the glittering Grand Palace complex is one of Thailand’s big tourism draw cards.

Constructed in 1782, the complex includes halls, pavilions and temples set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards – it was the home of Thai kings for 150 years and is still considered their spiritual and ceremonial base. While the King no longer lives here, it’s still used for ceremonies.

Decorated in shimmering mosaics and vivid murals, the buildings are incredible, especially the temple of Wat Phra Kaew.

Don't miss

Wat Phra Kaew is the eye-popping centrepiece of the Grand Palace. It’s also home to the famous Emerald Buddha – a 66cm-high tall statue that was carved from a single jade stone in the 14th century.

Price from: £11
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Take the BTS/Skytrain to Saphan Taksin and then the river ferry (not the tourist boat) to Wharf 9 Tha Chang. From there, it’s a five-minute walk to the entrance.

A photographer’s dream, this site is best done independently so you can wander at your own pace.

Dress modestly out of respect. Don’t wear revealing or tight clothes. No shorts/short skirts or beachwear. Some temples may refuse you entry while others may give you something to wear.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week. The grounds are busiest around noon, and early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photography. Much of the visit is spent wandering around outside, so avoid rainy weather where possible.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Bangkok’s Royal Realms of the Chakri Dynasty - Grand Palace

Bangkok

Bangkok’s Royal Realms of the Chakri Dynasty - Grand Palace
A visit to Bangkok is not complete if you plan to skip the former Kings’ residence. The Grand Palace is one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siamese court. The enclosed Wat Phra Kaew houses one of the most revered Buddha images of the country. • Admire the beauty of the former palace of the Thai Kings • See the various halls and buildings, each with its own function • Pay respect to the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew • Learn about the importance of the Royal Thai Family • Return transfers from and to your hotel are included

Price: $54

Min age: 2

Rating 4.17 / 5 [57 ratings]

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Private Half-Day Bangkok City Tour with The Grand Palace

Bangkok

Private Half-Day Bangkok City Tour with The Grand Palace
Book this private half day Bangkok city tour to immerse yourself in the cultural and historical heritage of Bangkok by exploring the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the temple of the Emerald Buddha, the option for Wat Pho and Amulet Market. Enjoy this tour with an experienced local tour guide.

Price: $140

Min age: 0

Rating 4.5 / 5 [36 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Bangkok City Sightseeing Tour With Grand Palace Private

Bangkok

Bangkok City Sightseeing Tour With Grand Palace Private
Book this full day Bangkok city tour to enjoy Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit), The Chinatown – Bangkok, Pak KhlongTalat (Flower Market), The Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) and much more.

Price: $185

Min age: 0

Rating 4.8 / 5 [20 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Bangkok City Tour Full Day With The Grand Palace

Bangkok

Private Bangkok City Tour Full Day With The Grand Palace
Book this full-day Bangkok City Tour to visit some of the most amazing destinations including Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit), Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market), Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and many other places.

Price: $190

Min age: 0

Rating 4.59 / 5 [123 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Amazing Bangkok Join-in Tour: Royal Grand Palace And Wat Phra Kae

Bangkok

Amazing Bangkok Join-in Tour: Royal Grand Palace And Wat Phra Kae
Explore the Grand Palace which was the official residence of the Kings of Thailand. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. After the Grand Palace, stop by the Emerald Buddha which is houses the most revered Buddha Statue in Thailand. - Spectacular sights of Grand Palace complex in the morning - Marvelous architecture & emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Keow - Cross Chao Phraya River by boat to visit Wat Arun - Local private guide providing insight & stories of temples - Quick city sightseeing tour on your way to the Grand Palace

Price: T4,920

Min age: 0

Rating 4.22 / 5 [22 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bangkok

Central Thailand, Thailand

Man walking through golden Buddha road

From dazzling temples to dizzying nightlife, Thailand’s capital is a dish of delicious contradictions that beffudles the senses. One of the world’s most dizzying, fast-paced cities, home to the glittering Grand Palace.

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