Grand Palace
พระบรมมหาราชวัง Grand Palace · Bangkok, Thailand
The glittering palace of the Chakri dynasty, a sacred place in Thai hearts
Know before you go
- Absolute taboos: disrespect towards the King or royal family (lèse-majesté carries heavy prison sentences)
- don't step on banknotes bearing the King's portrait (seen as a serious offence)
- don't point your feet at people or Buddha images (feet are considered the lowest part of the body)
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Rama I's new capital and palace
On 6 May 1782 the newly crowned Rama I ordered the Grand Palace built and moved the capital from Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya to Bangkok on the east bank. A Chinese community lived on the site, and the king ordered them to move south of the city walls, to today's Bangkok Chinatown. Since 1782 the Grand Palace has been the official residence of the kings of Siam (Thailand).
Source: Wikipedia: Grand Palace; Wikipedia: Rama I
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Built when Rama I founded Bangkok as the capital in 1782; the Emerald Buddha enshrined in Wat Phra Kaew is a national treasure of Thailand, and the King personally changes its seasonal robes three times a year. The palace buildings blend Thai spires with European façades, and the galleries of 'Ramakien' murals run for hundreds of metres. It is the symbol of Thai royal power and a sacred place every Thai visits at least once in their life.
Local customs
- Thailand is a monarchy, and the royal family must be treated with the utmost respect
- entering the palace and temples requires modest dress (shoulders covered, long trousers or skirts below the knee — rentable at the entrance)
- remove your shoes to enter halls.
Religion & beliefs
- A Theravada Buddhist country, and Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand's holiest temple. Kneel or sit cross-legged to worship (never point the soles of your feet at the Buddha), and keep quiet
- monks are highly revered, and women should not touch monks directly.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Drones must be registered in Thailand
- Register with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arrival or purchase, even if you don't plan to fly
- Bringing in an unregistered drone
Fines of up to THB 100,000 or 5 years in prison, or both.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
E-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand
- Leave e-cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at home before you travel
- Carrying or using e-cigarettes, pods, e-liquids or heated-tobacco devices
Confiscation, fines (usually THB 5,000–30,000), detention and prosecution; no exceptions for tourists or personal use.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Never insult the Thai royal family
- Treat portraits of the royal family and related topics with respect and care
- Posting or sharing any criticism of, or jokes about, the royal family, online included
The lèse-majesté law is interpreted very broadly and can bring long prison sentences; it applies to past and present members of the royal family.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Temples and the Grand Palace: cover shoulders and knees
- Wear sleeved tops and long trousers or skirts below the knee
- Take off your shoes before entering a hall
- When seated, don't point the soles of your feet at a Buddha image
- Entering in a vest, shorts or see-through clothes
- Covering a sleeveless top only with a shawl may not be accepted at the Grand Palace
You will be refused entry and will need to rent or buy a sarong at the gate.
Not yet verifiedSource: Grand Palace dress code and visiting rules (travel guide)
Don’t DON'T
- Absolute taboos: disrespect towards the King or royal family (lèse-majesté carries heavy prison sentences)
- don't step on banknotes bearing the King's portrait (seen as a serious offence)
- don't point your feet at people or Buddha images (feet are considered the lowest part of the body)
- don't touch people's heads
- e-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand (possession or use can lead to fines or detention), and unregistered drones may not be flown.
Locals appreciate DO
- Thais (the 'Land of Smiles') appreciate visitors who greet with a 'wai', palms together, and speak softly
- learning to say 'sawadee ka/khrap' (hello) will earn you countless smiles.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Best in the cool season, November–February |
|---|
Travel tips
- The cool season (November–February) is best. Admission is about THB 500 (including Wat Phra Kaew), and clothes can be rented at the entrance if yours don't comply
- go in when it opens at 8:30 to avoid crowds
- combine with Wat Pho and Wat Arun for a day
- beware the scam outside where people claim 'the Grand Palace is closed today'.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Pad thai
- Tom yum
- Som tam (green papaya salad)
Pad Thai, tom yum goong, som tum (green-papaya salad), mango sticky rice, boat noodles
| Where to eat | The Tha Chang / Tha Maharaj pier dining areas by the Grand Palace, the Thipsamai area in the old town (famous Pad Thai), Yaowarat night market in Chinatown |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | The Grand Palace / Wat Phra Kaew have a strict dress code (shoulders and knees covered), no eating or drinking inside; respect topics about the Thai royal family; remove shoes at temples |
| Typical price per person | THB 200–400 ≈ CNY 40–80 |
| Tips | View restaurants next to the palace charge a premium, while the pier food markets are cheap; for spice, order 'pet nit noi' (a little spicy). |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Takeaway · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photos
Photos
Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0
Basile Morin · CC BY-SA 4.0
Bjørn Erik Pedersen · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
UK Foreign Office: Thailand travel advice — local laws
Compiled from Tourism Authority of Thailand visitor guidelines
More in Southeast Asia
Also nearby
Marina Bay Sands
Three legs holding up a 'ship in the sky': the Lion City skyline's futurist manifesto
Hạ Long Bay
A 'Guilin on the sea' of 1,600 limestone islands: Vietnam's 'where the dragon descended into the sea'
.jpg?width=800)
Hội An Ancient Town
Lantern-lit banks of the Thu Bồn River: an old dream of a Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese trading port