Bangkok Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha Tour
FromTHB 440
3 hours
Bangkok, Thailand
About this activity
Discover Bangkok's rich history with a guided tour of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, featuring intricate architecture and royal artifacts.
Highlights
- Explore the opulent Grand Palace
- Marvel at the revered Emerald Buddha
- Learn about Thai royal history
- Admire intricate Thai architecture
- Capture stunning photos of historic sites
Full description
Dive into Bangkok's rich history with a guided tour of the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Marvel at the opulent architecture, learn about Thai royal history, and capture stunning photos of these iconic landmarks. This tour offers an immersive experience into Thailand's cultural heritage, making it a must-do for history enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of the Grand Palace
- Visit to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
- Transportation to and from the site
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
A visit to Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew is a true highlight of any trip to Bangkok. The glittering Grand Palace is an architectural masterpiece that served as the official residence of the kings of the Chakri Dynasty for more than 150 years. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, the complex features an extraordinary collection of golden spires, ornate halls and richly decorated pavilions that reflect the finest craftsmanship of Thai architecture. Within the palace grounds lies Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand’s most sacred temple, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, a small but highly venerated statue carved from a single block of jade. The temple’s walls are adorned with colourful murals depicting scenes from the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic. Please note: The entrance fee of THB 500 per person is NOT included and must be paid cash on the day of the tour.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
2
Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred temple in Thailand. Located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, this magnificent temple houses the highly revered Emerald Buddha, a small yet extremely important statue carved from a single block of jade. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, the temple has played a central role in Thai royal and religious ceremonies for centuries. The beautifully decorated temple buildings are adorned with glittering gold, intricate mosaics and colourful murals that depict scenes from the Ramakien, Thailand’s national epic. With its rich symbolism, exquisite craftsmanship and deep spiritual significance, Wat Phra Kaew remains one of the most impressive and culturally important landmarks in Bangkok.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm the tour's departure time and location upon booking.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
- Ensure your camera or smartphone is fully charged for photos.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Dress modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered when entering temples.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Remember that temples are sacred places and you must dress appropriately. Shoulders and ankles need to be covered (for both men and women; sleeveless shirt with a scarf covering is also not allowed). No shorts, leggings, ripped jeans, slippers (flip-flops), or revealing tops, otherwise you won't be allowed in.
- Entrance fee for the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew is NOT included and must be paid cash on the day of the tour (THB 500 per person).
- Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time are eligible for a full refund. For cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.
- Our tours operate rain or shine, as tropical rain showers in Thailand usually don’t last long. If it rains heavily, we try to seek shelter and will continue as soon as the weather improves. During the rainy season, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Please note cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.
- Bangkok’s traffic is often heavily congested, so we kindly ask all guests to arrive on time. We always recommend taking the BTS (skytrain) or MRT (metro) to a station near the meeting point. As our tours run on a group basis, we can wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After this grace period, the guide will begin the tour. If you cannot make it on time, please let us know before the tour starts. If possible, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for the next available time slot or day, though a rescheduling fee will apply. No refund will be provided in case of late arrival.
- In case of no-show or showing up too late at the meeting point, no refund will be provided.
Traveler reviews
4.1107 reviews
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Grand Palace short tour
Although we were on the 08.30 tour it was a very hot day mid 30’s felt like 40 degrees. We only did the Palace tour of 2 hours and were very happy not to do more. The palace is extraordinary, one only touches the surface, but very happy that we did. Our guide Nikki was pleasant and informative. The textile museum was interesting and air conned.
Alexa_PApr 22, 2026VIATOR
Thai royalty
Knowledgeable tour guide. Meeting point was easy to find and convenient. Activity is a great insight into the royal family history of Thailand.
Andrew_PMar 29, 2026VIATOR
Would Recommend!
We had a great experience! The tour guide was very helpful in telling us the history of the Grand Palace, taking us around, and taking pictures.
Cade_CMar 29, 2026VIATOR
Wonderful guide, so worth it!
Nicky is a fantastic guide! She has great vibes and shared so much interesting history and context we never would have gotten on our own. She also took some fantastic photos for us! We don’t often do guided tours but this one was great. And it’s clear we would have missed a lot just going on our own.
I2883YKadMar 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Poor instructions
Meeting point difficult to find. Did not get the guide until much later. Was not worth the money Very disappointed. Instructions should be clear.
114srinivasannFeb 23, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Remember that temples are sacred places and you must dress appropriately. Shoulders and ankles need to be covered (for both men and women; sleeveless shirt with a scarf covering is also not allowed). No shorts, leggings, ripped jeans, slippers (flip-flops), or revealing tops, otherwise you won't be allowed in.
Entrance fee for the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew is NOT included and must be paid cash on the day of the tour (THB 500 per person).
Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time are eligible for a full refund. For cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.
Our tours operate rain or shine, as tropical rain showers in Thailand usually don’t last long. If it rains heavily, we try to seek shelter and will continue as soon as the weather improves. During the rainy season, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Please note cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.