January 25, 2026, 4:53 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
The Royal Palace in Bangkok, also known in English as the “Grand Palace”, embodies the soul and history of Thailand. For centuries, it served as the residence of the Thai kings and the seat of government. Today, the palace is one of the country’s most impressive sights and attracts millions of visitors every year.
With its ornate temples and magnificent throne rooms, this royal residence offers a fascinating insight into Thailand’s royal culture and spiritual tradition. The Royal Palace in Bangkok consists of over 100 buildings and, together with the Wat Phra Kaeo temple complex, is the most impressive sight in Bangkok.
Overview of the palace
The Royal Palace in Bangkok and its Emerald Buddha
The palace complex consists of two areas: the Wat Phra Kaeo temple with the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s national shrine, and the royal palace itself, which was formerly inhabited by the royal family. It includes several richly decorated palaces.
Construction of the Royal Palace in Bangkok began in 1782, just as Bangkok was declared Thailand’s capital. The first phase of construction was then completed for the coronation of King Rama I. In its more than 200-year history, the “Grand Palace”, as the Royal Palace is also known, and the Royal Temple have undergone numerous renovations and alterations. New buildings have been added time and again. Most recently, the Borommaratchasathit Throne Hall was inaugurated in 2006.
Former Residence of the Kings
The grounds of the Grand Palace begin to the south of Wat Phra Kaew. Officially, Rama VII was the last king to live here. Since his departure in 1925, the royal palace in Bangkok has been used exclusively for ceremonial purposes. Most of the chambers are not open to the public.
Although the Thai royal family lives in a palace in the north of Bangkok, the Royal Palace in Bangkok is still used for ceremonies and state receptions for foreign guests. In addition, the complex houses not only the royal palace but also a number of government buildings.
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The Main Sights of the Grand Palace
In addition to the royal temple Wat Phra Kaeo, the Phra Sri Rattana, also known as the Golden Chedi, is particularly worth seeing. The Golden Temple is covered with mosaic tiles from Italy. A Buddha relic is also on display inside. The “Phra Mondop” is a library that was originally surrounded by a pond to protect it from fire. The façade is remarkable and is considered one of the most beautiful in Thailand. The library also contains bookcases lavishly decorated with mother-of-pearl and the floor of the library is made of silver.
Behind the library is a model of Angkor Wat. Rama IV had this temple complex of the neighboring country built from sandstone, just like the original, in order to introduce the people to the cultural heritage of his country of origin, Cambodia. A wild mix of architectural styles can also be found at the Chakri Palace, which was built in 1882 and features typical Thai architectural elements as well as the Italian Renaissance style.
Visiting Times and Dress Code at the Royal Palace in Bangkok
If you want to view the mystical world of fables bathed in gold in peace and quiet, you should enter the grounds early in the morning at around 8.30 am. The heat is still bearable then. The onslaught of tourists from all over the world is still a while away.
But beware, there is a dress code! You will not be allowed in wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or flip-flops. Women’s clothing should cover the shoulders and knees, and the same applies to men. Bare feet (sandals, slippers) in particular are not welcome. Forgetful people can borrow shoes and cloaks in front of the palace for a fee.
(Text: Ulrich Lenhard)