The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok are located together surrounded by a high wall.
Entry is from the gateway on Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon. Take a tourist boat from Central Pier (near Saphan Taksin Sky Train station) up to Maharaj Pier. Exit the pier and go straight until you reach Maha Rat Road and turn right . Continue on south until you reach Na Phra Lan Road and turn left (west). The entry is on the other side of the road to your right.
There is a single entrance where visitors must be wearing suitable clothing upon entry. Full length skirt to the ankles, full length pants, no sleeveless tops and no revealing back or front. You must be wearing closed shoes but if wearing open shoes such as sandles or flip-flops then socks must be worn. Footwear is only taken off and left near the doorway when entering a Temple. Hiring of respectable clothing can be made with a refundable deposit. It is a very popular tourist attraction. Prepare to stay for most of a day if you wish to see everything. The Grand Palace is always open 8.30am to 3.30pm. Do not be dissuaded by strangers outside the temple approaching you and claiming the Grand Palace is closed today.
The Grand Palace was built 1782 and has historically been the residence of The Kings of Siam since it was built in 1782. In 1925 the Royal Family moved to other residenses. It has a museum displaying extremely valuable and important historical artifacts collected over hundreds of years and is a very worthwhile visit. No photography is allowed inside. Photography is also not allowed in some other areas of the palace grounds, so take strict notice of signs. If allowed inside a temple then you should kneel on the floor and sit on your back legs or "side-saddle" style with feet pointed backwards. Never, never point your feet towards an image of the Buddha as this is extremely offensive. Do not sit on the threshhold (doorway or window) of a building or temple as this is also offensive in Thai culture.
Keep quiet or talk in a very quiet tone inside temples. Never walk over another persons legs or any part of their body. Do not stand directly in front of some-one kneeling.
Wat Phra Kaeo is also in the grounds of The Grand Palace. This temple holds the Emerald Buddha.
The Grand Palace holds royal ceremonies, state functions and other official events. The palace is a complex with temples, a museum, gardens and lawn areas and numerous other interesting buildings.
Wat Pho is next to The Grand Palace which is also a very popular tourist attraction worth a visit. Walk south down Maha Rat Road on the west side of the Grand Palace and cross over Thai Wang Alley continuing on Maha Rat Road, then turn into Chetuphon Road until you reach the gate entrance.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo is in the Chao Phraya River famous attractions self tour with map.
See the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo tour map for details of the attractions within the palace grounds.
Click on the gallery photos below.
