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The Grand Palace Bangkok is a popular tourist attraction. The official residence of the Thai Royal Family is a huge complex of golden temples and jewel-encrusted shrines.

You will need to stop here if you are visiting the city for the first time.

The Grand Palace in Thailand might not be for everyone. It is expensive for foreigners to visit and it is busy.

Do you think the Grand Palace is worth it? Everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Palace will be included in this guide.

golden statue of god at grand palace

Is the Grand Palace worth it Bangkok?

The Grand Palace is a great place to visit if you are new to Thailand. The complex was built in 1782 and is one of the oldest in the city. The Thai Royal Family uses it as their official residence.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the stunning buildings that can be seen at the complex.

It is worth spending some time here.

Is the Grand Palace in Bangkok free?

You have to pay for your tickets if you are a tourist.

The price to enter the Grand Palace was 500baht for foreigners.

The entrance fees include The Royal Thai Decorations and Coins Pavilion.

elaborately decorated statue at Grand PAlance

Things to See in the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace complex is located on the banks of the river and is surrounded by four walls.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located in the middle of the four main courts.

There are shrines and temples to see inside the complex. The Dusit Maha Prasat Palace was used as an audience hall.

There is a small museum in the complex with stunning artwork and relics.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is located on the opposite side of the complex in English.

There is a museum behind the Wat Kaew.

You can visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha while you are in the area. One of the top attractions in Thailand is this.

stone seated buddha statue

Our Experience of The Grand Palace in Bangkok

The Grand Palace is at the top of the list for first-time visitors to Thailand according to Tim.

I knew and experienced this on my first visit a decade ago. Today was not the same as yesterday. We traveled as a couple, but also as parents with Kalyra and Savanna on their first visit to Thailand.

The size and popularity of Thailand's most sacred site and complex of temples, throne halls, and Government residences is immediately apparent when you enter the gates.

crowds of people at the Grand Palace Bangkok

Tour groups are excited to enter the official royal residences of the Kings of Thailand as we enter the complex because it is crowded and it is hot.

The fort-like walls around the complex were built to protect the royal court from being attacked.

It took us about five seconds to be reminded that this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand and would be a real introduction to Thai history and life for our children.

statue and temple peaks grand palace bangkok

Kalyra kept asking "what seemed like the whole population of Bangkok trying to take photographs" as we walked around the complex.

When do I get to meet the Buddha?

“Soon darling. Let’s just take our time and take it all in. I know it’s hot and crowded but please be patient and stay close to Mummy and Daddy.”

Kalyra is a great traveller and has been fortunate to experience many things in her five years, but sometimes struggles in large crowds. The woman in the stroller was taking everything in.

seated buddha statue

The beauty of the place is amazing and you can't help but notice it. On the first visit, I was very impressed and this second visit was no different.

A monk looks mesmirized in this shot.

There are a lot of statues and buildings.

golden pagoda
temple in grand palace

Kalyra isdwarfed by this entry.

girl standing in giant mosaic doorway

The details and craftmanship come along with the sheer size.

mosaic tile design on walls
intricate designs of palace building

Kalyra became restless and the question of "when do I get to see the Buddha" continued as we explored the complex.

lighting prayer sticks

Soon it was time to see the worshipers lighting candles and sticks of incense while raising their heads.

lit prayer candles

Tired and independent Kalyra lost her mind when she was told that she couldn't carry out the ritual alone and that she needed to respect the locals.

Nothing like having your five year old lose it at the most sacred temple in Thailand!

After a brief time out, we all regained our composure and continued with the proceedings.

It was a lesson learned.

girl posing at the Grand palace Bangkok
A happier Kalyra after finally seeing Buddha inside the temple.

We had a great time visiting the Grand Palace as a family.

The experience of showing our kids this important and sacred place for Thai people was not the only thing that the locals loved.

If you have just arrived in a new country with your family, make the first day a free day.

Don't make any plans. Allow your children to adjust to the environment. They shouldn't be dragged to a hot and crowded environment.

This is where you can read more about our travel with kids.

family and friends posing for camera at the grand palace

Getting to The Grand Palace

The easiest way to get tophan Taksin Station is to take the skytrain.

Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier can be reached from here on the river express boat. There is a walk from the pier to the entrance.

You can walk for about 15-20 minutes if you take the MRT.

It is possible to take a taxi from your origin. The law in Thailand is that the driver must turn on the meter, but they don't often do this.

To get a cheaper rate, use Bolt or Grab.

It's a good idea to plan ahead as traffic in Thailand can be bad.

sculptured tree at grand palace

What is the Dress Code for the Grand Palace?

The royal palace is seen as a temple. The dress code still applies to women.

  • Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops, vests, or sleeveless shirts. If you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops you must wear socks (in other words, no bare feet.)
  • Women must be similarly modestly dressed. No see-through clothes, or tight-clinking clothes. Make sure you have your knees and shoulders covered.

There is a booth near the entrance where you can get clothes and wraparounds to cover you up if you show up in a bad dress.

Think again if you think they are not worried about this. If you wear a long skirt with a slit up one side, they will tie it together for you with an elastic band.

It is a rule that is always followed so be sure to dress nicely or wear a sarong. It's better if you just wear pants.

Video of The Grand Palace:

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Before You Go

The Grand Palace is a must see for first time visitors. It is amazing to see the size, elegance, craftsmanship, and intricate detail of the architecture.

The Grand Palace should be seen by every visitor to Bangkok, says Tim. We concur.

It's crowded, it's hot, and your kids may lose it, but it's worth it.

The most famous landmark in the city is a must visit.

Our trip to Thailand is hosted by Tourism Thailand, but our thoughts, ideas, and opinions are of our own.

More Thailand Inspiration

Do you visit other parts of Thailand? You might like these resources.

Did you ever visit the Grand Palace in Thailand? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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