Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Where it is & how to get there

• By boat: Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang pier, then a 5-minute walk.
• MRT: Sanam Chai station, about 10 minutes' walk.
• Dress code: Long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders are required; no tight or see-through clothes.

The story of the Grand Palace

King Rama I founded the Grand Palace in 1782, when he moved the capital to Bangkok. For 150 years it was the home of the Thai kings, and it is still used for royal ceremonies.

Inside its walls, Wat Phra Kaew houses the Emerald Buddha, a small statue carved from green stone and the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand. The king changes its robes with the seasons. Gilded spires, mosaic walls and giant guardian statues fill the courtyards.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees are required.
• Ignore strangers who say the palace is closed; it is a common scam.
• Carry water and an umbrella for sun; there is little shade.

What's around the Grand Palace

• Wat Pho5 minutes' walk south.
• Wat ArunAcross the river by ferry.
• Sanam LuangRoyal field in front of the palace.
• Museum SiamInteractive history museum.

Questions travellers ask