How to Get to the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Grand Palace is one of the most historically and culturally significant places in Bangkok. While Bangkok has many other attractions, the Grand Palace is one that defines the cultural side of Bangkok. This former residence of the royal family is still used for important state events and ceremonies.

1. The historical importance of the Grand Palace

Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand|Image via Unsplash


The Grand Palace was home to Thai kings for thousands of years. While this isn't where the royals reside now, the place hosts official ceremonies. The palace is massive and sectioned into two parts: the Royal Residence and the temple of the Emerald Buddha. The royal residence further comprises three parts: the Inner Court, the Outer Court and the Middle Court. The Inner Court was limited to female residents of the palace, the Outer Court was where the state ceremonies were held, and the Middle Court is where the royal events would take place.

2. As a tourist highlight

The palace still has great importance as a token of Thai culture and history, and more importantly, it serves the country as a major tourist attraction. Tourists can easily find accommodation around the Grand Palace. The likes of Pathumwan Princess Hotel are abundant around here, and you can find a Bangkok city hotel that suits your budget with no difficulty.

3. The subway system and Chao Phraya Express Boat

Taking the subway is one of the easiest ways to get to the Grand Palace. You can get to Saphan Taksin Station, and from there you can take the Chao Phraya Express Boat. Taking the Chao Phraya Express Boat is an experience in itself; you can make several stops along the way and enjoy the city from a different perspective.

4. Other boat services

There are other boat services you can use to get to the Grand Palace directly. The Long Tail Boat, for example, is a private boat service that will take you anywhere you want to go in the city. Alternatively, your hotel might provide you with a shuttle service, and there's a canal boat service you can use as well. Another way of getting to the palace is going on a river cruise, while it isn't the primary purpose of the cruise, you can make a stop at the Grand Palace.

5. Other transport modes

Tourists can take a taxi, a tuk-tuk or a boat to a pier where you can get a boat to go to the Grand Palace. Taking a taxi is safer and more reliable than travelling by tuk-tuk or bike. The traffic in Bangkok means that it could take forever to get to your destination. But if you have the patience and money, you should go for a taxi.
Think twice before going for a bike ride as it can be extremely unsafe – bike riders in Bangkok are reckless, and you don't want to fall victim to someone else's reckless driving.

6. Visiting hours

The Grand Palace is open for visitors every day of the week from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm. The entrance fee is about $15 for a tourist. The ticket to the Grand Palace also grants you entry to the Vimanmek Mansion and a few other sites in Bangkok.

7. Dress code

There's a dress code you are expected to adhere to when visiting the Grand Palace. Men are supposed to wear long pants and shirts that cover their shoulders – long-sleeved shirts would be the preferred choice. Female visitors are supposed to wear long pants or long skirts; this is excluding anything see-through. Women must wear tops that cover their shoulders. Being dressed in white or black when visiting the Grand Palace is considered respectful by the locals.

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