Buy at the ticket office on the day (08:30–15:30). The official FAQ mentions online booking, but no official page gives a booking site, and the site owner found none on their visit.
If you would rather have a guide: these tours cover the same temples. Entrance fees are paid separately. If you book through these links, this site may earn a commission; the price is the seller’s.
The palace can close at short notice for royal ceremonies: check the official schedule on the day. Official Grand Palace schedule
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Where
Phra Nakhon, on the river by Tha Chang pier (N9). Enter by the Mani Noppharat Gate. (Wikipedia; The Grand Palace (Bureau of the Royal Household))
Fee
฿500 for foreigners, including Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (official). (The Grand Palace (Bureau of the Royal Household); The Grand Palace (Bureau of the Royal Household); The Grand Palace (Bureau of the Royal Household))
Hours
Daily; tickets 08:30–15:30 (official). No entry once ticket sales end, so arrive before 15:30. Official pages give different closing times. (The Grand Palace (Bureau of the Royal Household); The Grand Palace (Bureau of the Royal Household); The Grand Palace (Bureau of the Royal Household); The Grand Palace (Bureau of the Royal Household))
Built
Building began on 6 May 1782 under King Rama I. (Wikipedia; Wikipedia; Wikipedia; The Grand Palace (Bureau of the Royal Household))
Small, high on its gilded throne, and dressed in one of three seasonal costumes (hot, rainy and cool season), changed by the King or a senior royal.
02
112 garudas around the ordination hall
A golden row of them holds up the base of the hall, which stands on 48 square columns. Walk the outside before you go in.
03
Phra Si Rattana Chedi
The golden bell-shaped chedi on the upper terrace, from 1855, later covered in gold tiles brought from Italy.
04
Phra Mondop, the scripture library
The square building between the chedi and the Royal Pantheon keeps the Buddhist scriptures. Seen from outside.
05
The Royal Pantheon, open one day a year
Its doors open on 6 April, Chakri Day. On any other day you see the outside only.
The story
King Rama I moved the capital across the river and began the palace on 6 May 1782. Wat Phra Kaew was built inside its walls as the royal temple, with no monks living there, and the Emerald Buddha was installed in 1785.
The palace is still used for state ceremonies, which is why it can close at short notice.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Wat Phra Kaew has no ticket of its own: it is inside the Grand Palace walls and you enter it first with the same ฿500 ticket. Most visitors spend the first hour here, then walk on to the palace buildings.
Inside the ordination hall you sit on the floor with your feet tucked back. The Emerald Buddha is far from the door and high up, so it looks smaller than people expect.
Don’t
Offer incense and flowers outside the ordination hall only, not inside it.
฿500 for foreigners, including Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. Thai visitors and children under 120 cm are free (official).
What time does the Grand Palace close?
Tickets are sold 08:30–15:30 and you cannot enter after that (official). The official pages give different closing times (15:30 and 16:30), so arrive before 15:30.
Can I buy Grand Palace tickets online?
Plan to buy at the ticket office (08:30–15:30). The official FAQ says advance tickets can be bought online up to one month ahead (no refunds or date changes), but no official page names the booking site, and the site owner found none on their own visit.
Is Wat Phra Kaew a separate ticket?
No. Wat Phra Kaew is inside the Grand Palace and included in the ฿500 ticket.
BEFORE YOU GO
Before you go
01
Cover shoulders and knees
Pack a light long-sleeved top or scarf and long trousers or a long skirt; it is hot, so loose cotton works best.
02
Shoes you can slip off
You take them off at every hall door.
03
Cash in small notes
Ticket offices may take cards, but ferries, drinks and donation boxes are cash.
