The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun are Bangkok’s three most famous sights, all within a short walk and ferry ride of each other on the Chao Phraya River. Searches for Wat Arun and Wat Pho alone run into hundreds of thousands each month — and every visitor asks the same questions: how much, when to go and what to wear.
Prices come from The Better Vacation (April 2026) and Thai Holiday Guide (updated July 2026). Fees and hours change, so check before you go.
Ticket prices 2026
| Sight | Foreigner ticket | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew | ฿500 at the counter (฿650 online skip-the-line) | 8:30–16:30; last tickets 15:30 |
| Wat Pho | about ฿300 (includes a bottle of water) | Check before visiting |
| Wat Arun | about ฿200 | Check before visiting |
| Wat Saket (Golden Mount) | about ฿100 | Check before visiting |
Sources: The Better Vacation and Thai Holiday Guide. The Grand Palace can close at short notice for royal ceremonies.
The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha
Built in 1782, the Grand Palace was the home of Thai kings for 150 years. Inside the complex, Wat Phra Kaew houses the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred image. The ticket also includes the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (source).
- Time needed: 1–2 hours for the highlights (source).
- Go at 8:30 to beat the heat and tour groups.
- Photography is not allowed inside the Emerald Buddha chapel.
Wat Pho: the Reclining Buddha
Next door to the palace, Wat Pho is home to a 46-metre gold-leaf Reclining Buddha and is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage — you can book a massage at the temple’s school. The ticket (about ฿300) includes a bottle of water (source).
Wat Arun: the Temple of Dawn
Across the river, Wat Arun’s porcelain-decorated spire is one of Bangkok’s most photographed sights. Climb the steep steps for views over the river (about ฿200; source). It’s beautiful in the morning light — and from the opposite bank at sunset.
Dress code (strictly enforced)
- Cover shoulders and knees — no sleeveless tops, short shorts, short skirts or see-through clothing (source).
- Wear slip-on shoes — you remove them inside temple halls (source).
- Sarongs can be rented at the gate if needed.
Half-day route: palace and temples
- 8:30 – Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.
- 10:45 – Wat Pho, a 10-minute walk south.
- 12:00 – Tha Tien pier: cross-river ferry to Wat Arun (a few minutes).
- 12:15 – Wat Arun, then lunch by the river.
How to get there
- MRT: Sanam Chai station (Blue Line) is close to Wat Pho and the palace.
- Chao Phraya Express boat: to Tha Chang pier for the Grand Palace, Tha Tien for Wat Pho (source).
- Taxi or Grab: agree on a fare or use the meter — see our Bangkok transport guide.
Beware the “Grand Palace is closed” scam
Strangers near the palace may tell you it’s closed for a ceremony and offer a cheap tuk-tuk tour instead — which ends at gem or tailor shops (source). Walk to the official entrance and check yourself.
Temple etiquette
- Take off your shoes before entering halls (look for shoe racks).
- Don’t point your feet towards a Buddha image — sit with feet tucked to the side.
- Don’t touch or climb Buddha statues, and never pose disrespectfully for photos.
- Women shouldn’t touch monks or hand items to them directly.
- Speak quietly and follow photography signs.
Best photo spots
- Wat Arun at sunset from the riverside bars and restaurants around Tha Tien on the opposite bank.
- The Reclining Buddha’s feet, inlaid with mother-of-pearl, at Wat Pho.
- Golden chedis in the outer courtyard of Wat Phra Kaew, early in the morning.
Where to stay near the temples
The Old Town (Rattanakosin) and the Riverside put you within walking or boat distance of all three — see where to stay in Bangkok, or compare hotels near the Grand Palace.
More Bangkok guides
- Bangkok itinerary
- Best things to do in Bangkok
- Where to stay in Bangkok
- Floating markets near Bangkok
- Bangkok airport to city, BTS & MRT
- Best time to visit Bangkok
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
- Bangkok travel guide
FAQ: Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun
How much is the Grand Palace ticket?
฿500 for foreigners at the counter, or ฿650 for an online skip-the-line ticket.
What time does the Grand Palace open?
Daily from 8:30, with the last tickets sold at 15:30.
How much is Wat Pho?
About ฿300, including a bottle of water.
How much is Wat Arun?
About ฿200.
What should I wear to the Grand Palace?
Clothes covering your shoulders and knees; no shorts, sleeveless tops or see-through clothing.
Can I visit all three in one day?
Yes — they’re close together and can be seen in a morning, using a short ferry to Wat Arun.
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