Grand Palace Bangkok: guide, opening time, entrance fee & dress code

Construction of the palace began on 6 May 1782, at the order of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok  (Rama I), the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital city from Thonburi to Bangkok. Throughout successive reigns, many new buildings and structures were added, especially during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). By 1925, the king, the Royal Family and the government were no longer permanently settled at the palace, and had moved to other residences.

After the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932, all government agencies completely moved out of the palace.

In shape, the palace complex is roughly rectangular and has a combined area of 218,400 square metres (2,351,000 sq ft), surrounded by four walls. It is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at the heart of the Rattanakosin Island. The Grand Palace is bordered by Sanam Luang and Na Phra Lan Road to the north, Maharaj Road to the west, Sanamchai Road to the east and Thai Wang Road to the south.

Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. Its asymmetry and eclectic styles are due to its organic development, with additions and rebuilding being made by successive reigning kings over 200 years of history.

The Grand Palace is divided into four main areas:

Jade Buddha Temple (or Wat Phra Kaew) is the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Situated in the heart of Bangkok's Old Quarter, on the grounds of the Grand Palace, Phra Kaew Morakot, a sacred Buddha statue carved out of a precious jade block. Phra Maha Putta Mani Ratana Patimakorn is posed in meditative sitting posture dating back to the 15th century.The statue of Jade is carved from a block of pure jade, size 48cm x 46cm, placed on a 2m high pedestal. Thai people believe that this statue is located where there are many good luck, all prosperity.


The area of buildings used as offices, government offices.

The area used is the residence of the King, where ceremonies are held for government guests.

The impressive, magnificent architecture hall which is now used as the venue for the important events of the country as the throne of the Thai king. Here there is an ancient throne, used by many kings until the throne of European style is favored.

Visitors to the European style reception hall. In addition, you can also visit the Dusit Hall, which is considered to be the most beautiful architecture and a museum to find out more information and restoration rebuild the Palace and Buddha statues here.

The area of the buildings: The palace is home to the royal family including the king's wife and daughter. In this area only women and boys under the age of puberty live. Although this area is currently uninhabited but still not open for the public to visit.

Opening hours are daily from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm. The Palace is very rarely closed, when it is used for official state functions.

Entrance fee is 500 Thai Baht per person.

Remember to wear trousers because If you show up in short pants or sleeveless shirts, all guests will be required to rent trousers with a deposit of 200 BAHT if you want to go inside the palace.

If you wear sandals or flip-flops, wear socks (not go barefoot). Women also dress similar and have a casual style and do not wear thin clothing. If you have the wrong clothes, there is a canteen near the entrance to rent clothes in accordance with regulations and deposit required.

If you come to the Grand Palace and admire the cultural quintessence, architecture and a virtual world of magic, tranquility, visitors will be very satisfied to understand more about the country as well as the Thai people.