Grand Palace Tours and Activities

Grand Palace which includes a park and heritage architecture
Grand Palace
Grand Palace
Grand Palace which includes a temple or place of worship as well as a small group of people
Grand Palace featuring a temple or place of worship


The majestic European/Asian-style complex was once the home of the kings of Siam and is now both a place of worship and a must-see Bangkok landmark.

The gilded roofs of the Grand Palace are Bangkok’s most famous landmark. This not-to-be missed sight offers many photo opportunities outside, and more than 200 years of royal and sacred history inside the palace’s white walls. The complex is home to the much-worshipped Emerald Buddha and many elaborately decorated temples, statues and pagodas.

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 under King Rama I, who established Bangkok as Thailand’s capital. You can see his ancient thrones in Amarind Hall, the building that was once his residence as well as the Hall of Justice. The Grand Palace has remained the seat of the Thai royal families for more than 150 years and Thailand’s current king still uses it for ceremonies.

The Grand Palace today blends ornaments and architecture from Thai, Asian and European styles because each royal has added features that suit his taste. Check out the French-style Boromabiman Hall and the golden, bell-shaped 19th-century structure Phra Si Ratana. Visit the audience hall in Dusit Maha Prasat to see an ancient throne inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Next door is Chakri Maha Prasat, a neoclassical building topped with Thai spires. On weekdays, step inside to visit the weapons museum. The nearby Inner Palace was once the king’s harem, a village for women and children only. It is closed to the public.

Follow monks in saffron-colored robes to the most sacred place on the Grand Palace grounds, Wat Phra Kaew. Inside the temple, the small statue of the Emerald Buddha sits on its traditional Thai-style golden pedestal.

The Grand Palace is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the historic district. Taking a ferry is the most scenic way to get there, with a stop at the nearby Tha Chang pier. The complex closes in the mid-afternoon, so get there early. Cover your arms, legs and feet before you step inside. Join a free tour or browse the many Grand Palace buildings at your own pace with a guidebook or the audio tour, available to rent for an additional fee.

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Best Lodging Options Near Grand Palace

Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza

Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza

3 out of 5
95 ,Soi Rambuttri, Chakkra Phong, Road,Phra Nakhon, 1, Bangkok, Bangkok Province
Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza
Riva Arun Bangkok

Riva Arun Bangkok

4 out of 5
392/25-26 Maharaj Road, Phraborom Maharajawang, Pranakorn, Bangkok
Riva Arun Bangkok
Corridor2407 Hotel

Corridor2407 Hotel

2 out of 5
31 Charoenkrung Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Bangkok, Bangkok
Corridor2407 Hotel
Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok

Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok

4 out of 5
488/800 Bo Bae Tower, Damrongrak Road, Klong Mahanak, Bangkok, Bangkok
Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok
Thana Wisut Hotel

Thana Wisut Hotel

3 out of 5
6 Trok Ban Lo,, Bangkok
Thana Wisut Hotel
Villa de Khaosan

Villa de Khaosan

4 out of 5
20 Chakrapong Road, Talta Yot, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok
Villa de Khaosan
Dang Derm Khaosan

Dang Derm Khaosan

3 out of 5
1 Khaosan Road, Phranakorn, Bangkok
Dang Derm Khaosan
Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan

Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan

3 out of 5
42 Soi Ram Buttri, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Tinidee Trendy Bangkok Khaosan
Chillax Heritage

Chillax Heritage

3.5 out of 5
10 Phra Athit Road, Khao San Road Area, Phra Nakorn, Bangkok, Thailand
Chillax Heritage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Grand Palace

While visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, you can immerse yourself in cultural activities such as traditional khon performances and explore the stunning architecture of the palace itself. Additionally, enjoy sightseeing tours and various tourism activities in the area. Don't forget to indulge in shopping at nearby markets to complete your experience.

Shopping

For a fantastic shopping experience near the Grand Palace, head to Chinatown, only 1.6km away, offering vibrant local goods. Just 3.2km away, ICONSIAM combines family fun with shopping. If you're up for a drive, check out Siam Paragon Mall, located 4.8km from the palace.

Recreation

Narisara Thai Massage & Spa offers a tranquil escape with a range of rejuvenating treatments, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. For an exhilarating experience, head to Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium to witness thrilling Muay Thai matches, capturing the essence of Thai culture and sport.

Adventure

At Fantasia Lagoon Water Park, located 12.9km from the Grand Palace, you can enjoy thrilling water slides and family-friendly attractions. Pororo Aqua Park, 11.6kms away, offers similar excitement with its vibrant water play areas, perfect for a fun-filled day. For more adventure, try Thai Wake Park, situated 24.8km away, where you can experience exhilarating water sports in an outdoor setting.

Nightlife

In the Grand Palace area, you can enjoy vibrant nightlife at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre, known for its cultural performances, or immerse yourself in family fun at KidZania Bangkok. Patravadi Theatre offers a romantic atmosphere with captivating shows, perfect for an enchanting evening out.

Find the best attractions near Grand Palace

The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a must-visit, surrounded by stunning temples and vibrant streets, perfect for those seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. Explore nearby urban parks and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. While in the area, consider gathering additional information about the Grand Palace and its attractions to enhance your visit. Discover the charm of Bangkok, Thailand, as you venture around this iconic landmark.

  • Khaosan Road: Experience the vibrant energy of Khaosan Road, a bustling street filled with backpacker hostels, lively bars, and street vendors. It's a hub of activity where you can enjoy local cuisine, shop for unique souvenirs, and meet fellow travellers from around the world, all located 1.1km from the Grand Palace.
  • Wat Arun: Known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is a stunning riverside temple adorned with intricate ceramic tiles. At 805m from the Grand Palace, its breathtaking architecture and serene atmosphere provide a glimpse into Thailand's rich cultural heritage.
  • Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha: This welcoming place of worship, located 1.3km from the Grand Palace, showcases the peaceful teachings of Sikhism. Visitors can experience a sense of community and partake in traditional meals offered at the langar, fostering a spirit of inclusivity.

Best time to go to Grand Palace

Visitor numbers around Grand Palace is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Grand Palace is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. April is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January81.1°F (27.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February83.3°F (28.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March85.6°F (29.8°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April87.4°F (30.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May87.3°F (30.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June85.5°F (29.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August83.7°F (28.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
September82.8°F (28.2°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October82.2°F (27.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
November82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December80.6°F (27.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Grand Palace

To save money during your visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Khaosan Road, Pratunam Market, and Siam Paragon Mall. The best time to visit for lower accommodation rates is May or September to October, with the cheapest day to stay being Wednesday. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. To maximize savings, utilize package deals for flights and activities, and sort hotel prices from lowest to highest to find the best rates and special offers.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Grand Palace are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Grand Palace about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Grand Palace is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Grand Palace is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Grand Palace hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.