
Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 174 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour worth booking?
Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour is a 2-hour experience in Bangkok, Thailand, from $13 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 174 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (174)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $13 per person
Visit the most famous landmark of Bangkok, the Royal Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Both are located in one magnificent compound that has been the spiritual heart of Thailand since the late eighteenth century. Wander past golden chedis, ornate halls and colourful murals that tell ancient stories from Thai mythology. Step into the former royal residence and see how each building reflects the craftsmanship and traditions of past generations. Inside Wat Phra Kaew you can admire the Emerald Buddha, the most revered statue in the country, carved from a single piece of green jade and beautifully displayed above the main altar. Your local guide will share the rich history of the palace and help you understand its importance in Thai culture. IMPORTANT: This tour is NOT an entry ticket for the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The entrance fee of THB 500 per person must be paid in cash at the ticket counter.
What you get
About this experience
Visit the most famous landmark of Bangkok, the Royal Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Both are located in one magnificent compound that has been the spiritual heart of Thailand since the late eighteenth century. Wander past golden chedis, ornate halls and colourful murals that tell ancient stories from Thai mythology. Step into the former royal residence and see how each building reflects the craftsmanship and traditions of past generations. Inside Wat Phra Kaew you can admire the Emerald Buddha, the most revered statue in the country, carved from a single piece of green jade and beautifully displayed above the main altar. Your local guide will share the rich history of the palace and help you understand its importance in Thai culture. IMPORTANT: This tour is NOT an entry ticket for the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The entrance fee of THB 500 per person must be paid in cash at the ticket counter.
What's included
Included
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fees
- One bottle of drinking water per person
What you'll see and do
The Grand Palace
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.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Temple of the Emerald Buddha
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.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Bangkok
The meeting point is in front of the Tha Chang ferry pier on the Chao Phraya River, located opposite the Grand Palace (see tour page). After booking, you will receive a manual confirmation email with photos of the meeting location. Please check your inbox and junk folder carefully.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting point is in front of the Tha Chang ferry pier on the Chao Phraya River, located opposite the Grand Palace (see tour page). After booking, you will receive a manual confirmation email with photos of the meeting location. Please check your inbox and junk folder carefully.
Options you can book
Small Group: Ticket+Transfers
Car or Van Entrance Fee
Small Group: Hotel Pick-up
Van or Car
Small Group With Entrance Fees
Small Group Without Entry Fees
Private: Ticket & Transfers
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- WanderSiam
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 174 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
174 verified traveler reviews for Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Must see but don’t need a guide
We did the Grand palace and temple of Emerald Buddha. This was a guided tour. She was okay however did speak about the power of meditation in depth for too long without knowing our own situations which I felt a little condescending. She assumed we didn’t practice and I think made the others on the tour a little uncomfortable I would say you can do this alone as the leaflet you can pick up in the grounds is very extensive. As we were not doing anything after we managed to go to the included cultural show via the free shuttle tram excellent
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry that part of the guide’s explanation made you feel uncomfortable or came across as too personal. We understand that topics such as meditation should be presented respectfully and without making assumptions about our guests. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we’ll share your comments with our team to help improve how this part of the tour is delivered. We’re glad you were still able to enjoy the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the cultural show afterward. Thank you for choosing WanderSiam and for your honest feedback.
via Viator
It was on enjoyable...
It was on enjoyable experience. The poor guy was very knowledgeable and accommodating. We had enough time to take pictures and hear the history of the and stories.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re very happy to hear that you had an enjoyable experience and appreciated your guide’s knowledge and flexibility. It’s great to know that you had enough time to take photos while also learning about the history and stories behind the places you visited. Thank you for choosing WanderSiam!
via Viator
The very best tour company and the very best guide! We had so much fun and such a friendly experience with our guide
Ampha Thanyawan or her nickname 'Mild' , was the best tour guide and gave us an amazing experience of Bangkoks amazing temples. Ampha Thanyawan Made sure we got the best photos. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the temples and took time to explain everything. We had a great time and would recommend this tour to any visitors to Bangkok!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Mild. It’s lovely to know that you enjoyed learning about the history of Bangkok’s temples and that she helped you get some great photos. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation, and we hope to welcome you again in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Diehard royalist shows us around
What a great tour. So much to learn from Paula. She is a fanatical royalist that is so knowledgeable. The area is as in a little chaos with the commemorative activities for the death of the kings sister. The Buddha was hard to see due to some renovations but you could see it. Easy calling and listening. A great tour and well worth the time.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had a great time with Paula and enjoyed learning from her deep knowledge and passion for Thai history and culture. We also appreciate your understanding of the busy atmosphere and the temporary renovation work during your visit. We’re glad you were still able to enjoy the sights and found the tour easy to follow, informative, and worthwhile. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Paula. Thank you for choosing WanderSiam, and we hope to welcome you on another tour in Thailand soon!
via Viator
An amazing morning
Terrific guide! An amazing tour. Wan was wonderful and highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had an amazing tour with Wan and enjoyed the experience. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with her. Thank you for recommending WanderSiam, and we hope to welcome you on another tour in Thailand soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $13 to $3,620
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 61
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by WanderSiam, who run 46 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.9 and 4 in the 90+ Club.
See everything WanderSiam runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Bangkok.
How much does Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour cost?
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Prices start at $13 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Bangkok usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Bangkok is not rushed.
Is Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 174 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Bangkok, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour?
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Around 61 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Bangkok can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Bangkok and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Bangkok within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Bangkok?
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On Outty we rank every Bangkok experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Bangkok Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings, Old Siam Bangkok Food Tour with 15+ Tastings, Tingly Thai Cooking Class with Morning Market Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Bangkok?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour?
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Included: English speaking guide; Entrance fees; and One bottle of drinking water per person. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour?
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The meeting point is in front of the Tha Chang ferry pier on the Chao Phraya River, located opposite the Grand Palace (see tour page). After booking. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Bangkok. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour?
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Across 174 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for Bangkok Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including Small Group: Ticket+Transfers, Small Group: Hotel Pick-up, Small Group With Entrance Fees, Small Group Without Entry Fees. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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