Grand Palace facts at a glance
The Grand Palace stands on Na Phra Lan Road in the Rattanakosin district of Bangkok. King Rama I had it laid out as a royal residence and administrative centre when he moved the capital to the left bank of the Chao Phraya in 1782. It is a group of halls, offices and temple buildings, not a single palace.
Today it is a visitor site and a place for royal ceremonies. If you want the buildings explained on the spot, take a look at Grand Palace tours with a guide.
Key facts and numbers
Prices and rules for 2026.
| Topic | Fact |
|---|---|
| Location | Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Nakhon, Rattanakosin, Bangkok |
| Founded | 1782, with the move of the capital to the left bank of the river |
| Area | About 218,000 square metres |
| Royal chapel | Wat Phra Kaew, with no resident monks |
| Foreign adult ticket | THB 500, covering the palace, Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles |
| Thai nationals | Free with a Thai ID |
| Children | Free under 120 cm |
| Audio guide | THB 200, in 8 languages including German |
| Opening | 08:30 daily, tickets until 15:30 |
Prices are in Thai baht for 2026. See Grand Palace tickets for how to buy and opening hours for the day-to-day times.
Our pick: a guided visit
A guide brings the palace's long history and ceremonies to life on site.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Grand Palace tours and guided visits
Guided visits of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, with Wat Pho and Wat Arun on some routes, with live prices and availability.
The kings who shaped the palace
Different reigns built different parts, so there is no single completion date.
Rama I, 1782
Moved the capital across the river and began the palace with the new city in 1782 and 1783. The Dusit Maha Prasat dates from his reign.
Rama V, 1876–1882
The main throne hall, the Chakri Maha Prasat, was built in these years. Towards the end of the 19th century he also developed a northern residential complex at Dusit.
Architecture →Later reigns
Further buildings were added over time, so the site shows several periods. The palace used to house both residence and offices.
History →Today
The palace is a historic royal residence now used, among other things, for ceremonies and as a visitor site.
Royal ceremonies and daily life at the palace
Ceremonies still shape the calendar. On some days the palace, the temple precinct or the Buddha chapel close or shorten their hours, so check the official calendar before you go. Special mourning visits have their own dress rules. Ordinary visitors follow the standard dress code: sleeves, covered shoulders and long, loose trousers or a long skirt.
Wat Phra Kaew holds the Emerald Buddha. The figure is made of green stone, not of emerald, and it is 66 cm high and 48 cm wide. Its robes are changed three times a year, for the hot season, the rainy season and the cool season. The change usually takes place around March, July and November, and the exact dates vary with the year, so do not plan around it.
Khon performances and the textile museum
Foreign visitors with a palace ticket can use it at the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre for a Khon performance. Shows run for 25 minutes, Monday to Friday at 13:00, 14:30 and 16:00. A shuttle runs from the Phiman Deves Gate 30 minutes before each show. The theatre also sells its own ticket, at THB 400 per person.
The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is included in the palace ticket. Visiting it alone costs THB 150 for adults. The Arts of the Kingdom museum is not on the palace grounds. It is in Bang Pa-in in Ayutthaya province.
Rules about the royal family
Speak and write carefully
Thai law protects the monarchy. Criticism of it is a crime, including in posts online, and the penalty can be a long prison term. Be careful with comments about the royal family.
No drones
Drones are banned over the Grand Palace grounds.
Shoes off
Take your shoes off before the Buddha chapel. This is not a rule for the whole site.
More on the visit: Wat Phra Kaew and the Emerald Buddha and how to get to the palace.
Grand Palace facts: frequently asked questions
When was the Grand Palace built?
It was founded in 1782 with the move of the capital. The work began then and continued in later reigns, so buildings date from different periods. The main throne hall was built from 1876 to 1882.
How big is the Grand Palace?
The grounds cover about 218,000 square metres.
Does the king live in the Grand Palace?
It is a historic royal residence and is used today, among other things, for ceremonies.
Is the Emerald Buddha really made of emerald?
No. It is carved from green stone, often called jade or jasper. It is 66 cm high and 48 cm wide.
Can I take photos at the Grand Palace?
Photography is not allowed inside the main hall of Wat Phra Kaew. Elsewhere, follow the signs and the instructions of the staff.
Is this the official Grand Palace website?
No. This is an independent guide and is not connected to the palace or the Bureau of the Royal Household.