Highlights / General details

The Grand Palace:

Every visitor to Bangkok should see the magnificent buildings within the Grand Palace compound to get a feeling of the grandeur architectural style such as Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, Borom Phiman Mansion, The Siwalai Gardens, Maha Monthien Prasat Houses and the Audience Hall of Amarin Winitchai.

Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nation’s capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat, built in 1877 by King Rama V as his Royal Residence, is the most highly recognized architectural landmark of the Nation. The central Throne Hall, which was formerly used for the reception of foreign envoys, is flanked by reception areas decorated with galleries of portraiture. The central room on the second floor is used as a shrine for the reliquary ashes of Kings Rama IV, Rama V, Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama VIII.

Borom Phiman Mansion was also constructed during the reign of King Rama V. When his son, King Rama VI ascended to the throne, he had it improved for use as his residence. The three succeeding Kings also resided here at one time or another.

The Siwalai Gardens, where the office of The Royal Household Bureau is located, were used for receptions as well as a recreation area for the royal women and children.

Maha Monthien Prasat houses The Audience Hall of Amarin Winitchai where ceremonies of the Court usually take place in front of the throne surmounted by its canopy of nine tiers of white cloth.

How to go there: The most enjoyable route is to take the BTS Skytrain to Taksin Station. From here take a Chao Phraya River Express boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier. It is a short walk from the pier to the entrance to The Grand Palace public entrance.

Admission Fee: Baht 350 includes admission to Wat Phra Kaeo, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion in the same compound and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road. Baht 100 to rent personal audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese or Mandarin.

Inclusion

Transportation; Local Licensed Guide (English, Italian, German, French, Spanish, or Japanese upon request); Entrance Fee.

Exclusion

Food and Beverages; Personal Expenses; Gratuities.

Hours of operation

Open to the public everyday, except during special Royal Ceremonies, from 8:30am-3:30pm.

Additional Information

Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. The following (applicable to both ladies and gentlemen) is requested:

Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, as well as tights cannot be worn as outer garments.

See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers cannot be worn.

Sleeveless shirts or vests cannot be worn as outer garments.

Sandals (without ankle or heel straps) cannot be worn.

All shirt sleeves, whether long or short, cannot be rolled up.

Sweat shirts and sweat pants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers cannot be worn.

Policies

Requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate. Maximum 6 passengers.

Cancellation: 7 days prior 30% penalty, 4 days prior 100% penalty. No show always 100% penalty.

Guest must call to reconfirm tour within 48 hours.

Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**