6 Great Palaces in Bangkok
Discover the Most Famous Royal Landmarks of Bangkok
Bangkok’s photogenic palaces showcase the awe-inspiring grandeur of Thailand’s royalty. The monarchy is highly regarded in the country, especially in the capital. As such, the various palaces and royal properties located in and around the city are both points of pride and popular attractions.
The Grand Palace is, of course, the most iconic royal landmark in Bangkok but other architectural jewels also draw in the throngs with their storied histories and ornate details. Below, you’ll discover plenty of lesser-known palaces that are a joy to visit. Take a tour or go there solo.
What are great palaces in Bangkok?
1. The Grand Palace
Golden-roofed beauty that dates to 1782
Good for: History, Photo
The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most famous landmark. With its impressive architecture and fine attention to detail, it was not only the home of the King and his court but also the entire administrative seat of government.
Admission includes entry to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) which has long been considered Thailand’s most sacred site, as well as the Central Court of the Grand Palace. There are free guided tours in English but you can also rent an audio guide if you prefer exploring on your own. Make sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds and adhere to the strict dress code. Read more
Location: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm
The Grand Palace
2. Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Majestic riverside complex once used by Thai kings
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace was formerly used as a summer dwelling by Siamese royalty and their consorts. It can be found about 60 km north of Bangkok. Also called Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, the complex comprises several iconic buildings set within a large park. Renting an electric cart is a good way to travel around, especially on hot days.
The palace is a wonderful stop on the way to Ayutthaya: an epic archaeological site filled with Buddhist temples and monasteries. Proper attire is required at the palace, meaning no short skirts, sleeveless shirts, or shorts. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on a full-day guided tour.
Location: Ban Len, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 13160, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 4 pm
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
3. Phyathai Palace
Royal estate in lush gardens with fountains
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Built in 1909 as a temporary royal residence during King Rama V’s reign, Phyathai Palace comprises five buildings which are all constructed in a combination of neo-gothic and Romanesque styles. The interiors showcase a rococo influence, complete with beautiful ceiling frescos, gilded Corinthian columns, and elaborately carved fretworks.
Guided tours are often available on Saturday and Sunday, otherwise, you are usually free to walk around the stunning palace grounds.
Location: 315 Ratchawithi Rd, Thung Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Open: Saturday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm (closed Monday–Friday)
Phone: +66 2 354 7987
Phyathai Palace
4. Sanam Chandra Palace
Exquisite castle featuring French Renaissance architecture
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Sanam Chandra Palace is set in a beautiful park full of giant trees and perfectly manicured lawns that wind around shimmering ponds and lakes. In the middle of this garden stands a very unlikely building: a yellow French Renaissance castle that’s straight out the pages of a Grimm Brothers fairy tale.
Located 50 km west of Bangkok, Sanam Chandra Palace was built in 1907 in the small town of Nakhon Pathom (which is well-known for housing the world’s tallest stupa called Phra Pathom Chedi). Despite being located only 1 km from it, this unusual royal palace sees few local visitors.
Location: 6 Sanam Chan Sub-District, Mueang Nakhon Pathom District, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand
Open: Daily from 5 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm
Sanam Chandra Palace
5. Suan Pakkad Palace
Private royal residence which is now a museum
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Suan Pakkad Palace is the place to find visions of Thailand you thought had long since vanished. Its name means ‘cabbage patch’, referring to a time when the land was nothing more than just that. Today, however, it’s a well-tended tropical garden with serene ponds surrounding eight traditional Thai houses, each teeming with fine arts and antiques belonging to Prince Paribatra Sukhumbandhu and Her Majesty Queen Sukhumala Marasri.
Don’t forget to visit the Lacquer Pavilion (set in the garden to the south of the compound) and the Ban-Chiang Museum and Marsi Gallery which are in the Chumbhot-Pantip Centre of Arts.
Location: 352 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Open: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Phone: +66 2 245 4934
Suan Pakkad Palace
6. Wangderm Palace
Former home of King Taksin who ruled the kingdom of Thonburi
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
Wangderm Palace, also called Phra Racha Wang Derm, was built to mark the establishment of the new capital in Thonburi. After liberating Siam from the Burmese in 1767, a general and provincial governor named Taksin was crowned King. He built this palace on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River near Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn).
Wangderm Palace occupies a site that was once of great strategic importance, behind the Wichayen Fort and other buildings that guarded the Kingdom. Visit in December when the palace is open to the public or keep your eyes peeled for special celebrations.
Location: 2 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Open: Contact the palace direct to find out the date of the next public open day
Phone: +66 2 475 4117
Wangderm Palace
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