The Travelling Wee

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🏯 Why We Chose to Visit

This was our first trip to Bangkok, and we wanted to include some meaningful cultural experiences for the kids. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are among the most iconic landmarks in Thailand. I’ll admit, I was sceptical after reading about scams and strict entry rules. But with a little planning, it turned out to be one of the most memorable stops on our family adventure.

🎟️ Tickets & Entry – What You Need to Know

You can book tickets online via the official Grand Palace website. Entry costs ฿500 per adult, and children under 120 cm are usually free. We paid at the entrance. To our surprise, our daughter, just slightly over 120 cm, was kindly let in without a ticket. A small win for family budgets!

If you prefer to skip the queue, we also recommend Klook’s skip-the-line ticket. It made the process smooth and stress-free.

🚗 How to Get There – All the Options

The Grand Palace is located in Bangkok’s Old City. There are several ways to reach it:

• Taxi or Bolt/Grab – Quick and direct. Always ask for the meter.
• BTS + Boat –
  • Start at Saphan Taksin BTS Station
  • Walk to Sathorn Pier (Central Pier)
  • Take the Orange Flag Chao Phraya Express Boat
  • Get off at Tha Chang Pier (N9)
  • Walk to the Grand Palace – it’s only a short stroll
• Tuk-tuk – Fun for kids, but agree on the price beforehand.
• Walking – If you’re staying nearby, it’s a pleasant walk.

If you arrive at Manee Nopparat Gate, be aware of the need to cross the road. You will have to walk through a tunnel. It’s a detour, and you’ll be approached by people offering guided tours. Just decline politely and continue on.

👕 Dress Code – Very Strict

The dress code is strictly enforced. Shoulders and knees must be covered. No sleeveless tops, shorts, or ripped jeans. We saw someone remove their jacket to take a photo in a sleeveless top. Security promptly stopped them. They made them delete the photo.

If you forget to dress appropriately, don’t worry. There are plenty of vendors near the entrance selling cover-ups. Shops nearby also stock sarongs and light trousers.

Also note: some buildings need you to remove your shoes before entering. Wear something easy to slip on and off – we wore sandals and it made things much easier.

🧘 Inside the Palace Grounds

Once inside, the grandeur is overwhelming. Golden spires, intricate carvings, and sacred statues fill the grounds.

• Wat Phra Kaew houses the famous Emerald Buddha. It’s small but deeply revered.
• The Grand Palace is a maze of royal halls and courtyards. It’s busy, but worth it.

Family tip: Bring water, snacks, and a small umbrella. Shade is limited and the heat is intense.

🧵 Hidden Gem: Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

This was a surprise hit with our kids. Located inside the Ratsadakorn-bhibhathana Building, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles offers a quiet, air-conditioned escape from the crowds.

There’s a fun stamp-collecting activity for children. It kept ours happily engaged. Meanwhile, we admired the beautiful Thai fabrics and royal costumes. It’s included in your palace ticket, so don’t miss it!

💬 Final Thoughts – Worth It for Families?

Absolutely. Despite the warnings, we had a smooth and enjoyable visit. The palace is stunning, and the museum was a bonus. Booking ahead helped, and being flexible with transport made it fun.

If you’re visiting Bangkok with kids, this is a must-see. Just dress appropriately, ignore the touts, and take your time exploring.

👉 Book your skip-the-line tickets here to make your visit smooth and stress-free.