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This article introduces a must-visit attraction when traveling to Bangkok—the Grand Palace.

Currently, parts of the Grand Palace are open to visitors. The first stop on the visit is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located within the complex. This is where royal religious ceremonies are held, and it will be introduced in detail in this article as well!

Let's first talk about the history of the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace was planned by King Rama I and constructed in 1782. It covers an area of 218,400 square meters.

Originally, King Taksin established the royal seat on the west bank of the river. Later, King Rama I moved the capital to the east bank and relocated the Chinese settlement that had previously occupied the area outside the palace grounds. Subsequently, after King Rama VIII was assassinated in the residential quarters of the Grand Palace, the Thai royal family no longer resided there in order to ensure their safety.

Grand Palace Visiting Hours: What Time Is Best to Avoid Tour Groups?

The Grand Palace is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with visits allowed until 4:30 p.m.

As the Grand Palace is a must-visit attraction for tour groups, it tends to be very crowded throughout the day. If you'd like to avoid peak tour-group hours, it's recommended to enter right at 8:30 a.m. or visit after 2:30 p.m.

However, if you plan to visit in the afternoon, please note that the last entry time is 3:30 p.m.

What are the dress code requirements for visiting? What should you do if your outfit does not meet the regulations—can you rent appropriate clothing?

The dress code prohibits wearing skirts or shorts above the ankles, sleeveless tops, and slippers. It's recommended to plan your outfit in advance on the day of your visit to avoid unnecessary hassle at the entrance and to begin your tour earlier.

However, if your attire does not meet the requirements, there's no need to worry. The Grand Palace provides a rental service offering suitable clothing such as long trousers or sarongs. A deposit of 200 THB is required per item, which will be fully refunded upon return with the receipt.