Wat Pho
Bangkok, Thailand
The Grand Palace, Bangkok
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Photo: Preecha.MJ, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia CommonsFit in nearby today
The essentials in 10 seconds
- Ticket for foreigners
- 500 baht; includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
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Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Hours
- Daily 8:30–16:30; tickets sold 8:30–15:30
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Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Time on site
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A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 2 h 30 min
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Children
- Under 120 cm — free
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Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Dress code
- Shoulders and knees covered: no vests, shorts, mini-skirts, torn or tight trousers
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Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Audio guide
- 200 baht, in 8 languages; passport or Visa, Mastercard or Amex card as deposit
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Confirmed by an official source: the venue, a ministry or the operator. - Where
- Na Phra Lan Road, Rattanakosin Island; Tha Chang pier is 5 minutes away
Key facts
1782the year the king moved the capital to the Chao Phraya's left bank and built the palace
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royalgrandpalace.th218,000 m²the area of the palace grounds
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royalgrandpalace.th1.9 kmof crenellated walls enclose the palace
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royalgrandpalace.th500 bahtfor foreigners; Thai citizens enter free
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royalgrandpalace.th66 cmthe height of the Emerald Buddha — carved from green jasper or jade, not emerald
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English Wikipedia3 times a yearthe statue's gold costume is changed for the hot, rainy and cool seasons
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English Wikipedia12 pavilionson marble bases stand by the temple's main hall for sermons
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royalgrandpalace.th1 monthahead is the earliest you can book online; online tickets are non-refundable
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royalgrandpalace.thTickets, opening hours and dress code
Tickets for foreigners cost 500 baht and include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Children under 120 cm go free. The palace is open daily from 8:30 to 16:30, but the ticket office closes at 15:30. Buy at the gate or on the official website up to a month ahead; online tickets can't be refunded or changed.
The dress code is strict: no sleeveless shirts or vests, short or see-through tops, shorts, mini-skirts, or torn, tight or cycling trousers. The palace sometimes closes for ceremonies — the dates are on the schedule page of the official website. Drones are banned.
What is the Grand Palace?
The Grand Palace was built in 1782, when the new king moved the capital to the left bank of the Chao Phraya River. It has been the official residence of the kings of Siam, and later Thailand, ever since. The grounds cover 218,000 m² inside crenellated walls about 1.9 km long. Like the palaces of the old capitals Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, it has residential and throne halls, government buildings and a temple.
That temple is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Thailand's most sacred site. No monks live here — it's a royal chapel. The statue, about 66 cm tall, is carved from green jasper or jade. Three times a year, at the start of each season, its gold costume is changed.
What to see
- The Temple of the Emerald Buddha — the main hall, with the gilded statue on a high throne.
- The Ramakien murals — Thailand's version of the Ramayana — along the temple cloister.
- Golden stupas and giant guardians (yaksha) at the temple gates.
- Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall — a European facade under Thai roofs.
- Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall — classic Thai architecture.
- The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles — included in the ticket.
How to get to the Grand Palace
Tap a route to highlight it on the map.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
More tips
- By Chao Phraya Express Boat (orange flag) to Tha Chang pier (N9), then 5 minutes on foot. From the BTS: Saphan Taksin station, exit 2, to Sathorn pier under the bridge.
- By MRT to Sanam Chai (Blue Line), exit 1; then 10–15 minutes north on foot or bus 3, 9, 44, 47, 53 or 82.
- On foot from Wat Pho — about 1 km north along the palace wall.
- By taxi or Grab to Na Phra Lan Road. On a tuk-tuk, agree the fare first.
- The entrance is on Na Phra Lan Road; since 10 January 2024 visitors enter through the Mani Noppharat Gate.
How long do you need, and when to go?
Allow 2–3 hours for the palace and temple, more with the textile museum. Arrive at opening, 8:30: fewer tour groups and less heat in the open courtyards. Don't be late — no tickets are sold after 15:30.
The palace pairs well with neighbouring Wat Pho (the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun across the river — a ferry runs from Tha Tien pier.
Grand Palace, Wat Pho or Wat Arun?
Is the Grand Palace worth it?
Yes: it's Bangkok's most famous sight, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the country's holiest shrine. The gilding, mosaics and murals impress even people who've seen plenty of temples.
The YesGo take: the ticket costs more than other temples, it's crowded and hot, and you can't take photos inside the Emerald Buddha hall. Arrive at opening, dress by the rules and give it half a day, or the crowds will spoil it.
Before you go: checklist
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You are ready for the visit
Rattanakosin Island in a day
The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha in the morning, Wat Pho in the afternoon, and Wat Arun across the river at sunset. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Grand Palaceyou are here2 h 30 min · 500 baht; children under 120 cm free
- 8 min walk from the previous stopWat Pho1 h · ≈ 300 baht; children under 120 cm free
- 10 min walk from the previous stopWat Arun1 h · ≈ 200 baht
3 places · about 4 h 48 min with walks · 18 min on foot in total
Nearby — add to your day
How to do it right
- The best shot of the spires is from across the Chao Phraya at sunset.
- Rent the audio guide — 200 baht, with your passport as deposit.
- Start with the Emerald Buddha temple — it's busiest by midday.
- Take your shoes off before entering the temple hall.
- After the palace: Wat Pho and its Reclining Buddha, 1 km away.
Questions
How much is the Grand Palace entrance fee?
500 baht for foreigners; children under 120 cm are free. The ticket includes the Emerald Buddha temple and the textile museum.
What are the Grand Palace opening hours?
Daily 8:30–16:30; tickets are sold from 8:30 to 15:30.
What is the Grand Palace dress code?
Shoulders and knees covered; no vests, shorts, mini-skirts, torn or tight trousers.
Is the Emerald Buddha temple a separate ticket?
No, it stands inside the palace and is on the same ticket.
How do I get to the Grand Palace?
By express boat to Tha Chang pier (N9) or by MRT to Sanam Chai, exit 1.
Can I buy tickets online?
Yes, on the official website, up to a month ahead; online tickets are non-refundable.
How long do you need at the Grand Palace?
2–3 hours.
Is the palace ever closed?
Occasionally, for ceremonies — see the schedule on the official website. Ignore touts at the gate.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- Official Grand Palace website (Bureau of the Royal Household) — prices, hours, ticket office, dress code, Mani Noppharat Gate entrance, online tickets, audio guide, history, schedule
- English Wikipedia — Emerald Buddha: material, height, seasonal costumes
- Wikidata Q873769 — coordinates
- YesGo general facts for Thailand — payment, Grab
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