Excursion Grand palace & scenic old bangkok tour at Bangkok

Explore the Imperial treasures of Bangkok, the Grand Palace and its Emerald Buddha, on this half-day orientation tour. A sightseeing drive through the old city completes your outing.

Following a 45-minute coach trip from the Port of Bangkok through the bustling streets of the city centre, arrive at Bangkok's greatest treasure, the Grand Palace. During a 1.5-hour guided walking tour, visit or view some of its most important highlights:

Royal Palace Grounds

These vast grounds encompass over 100 buildings, representing 200 years of history and architectural experimentation. Most of the architecture, royal or sacred, can be classified as old Bangkok style. Extensive murals line the inside walls of the compound. The temple structures are colourful, comprising gilded stupas, polished orange and green tiled roofs, mosaic-encrusted pillars, and rich marble pediments.

Grand Palace

The main building is the Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siam Court. Built in 1782 by King Rama I at the beginning of the Chakkri Dynasty, the palace was at one time the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Today, royal ceremonies and state events take place here. Visit the audience hall and marvel at its splendid interior.

Wat Phra Kaew

Known also as the 'Temple of the Emerald Buddha', Wat Phra Kaew adjoins the Grand Palace and houses the revered image of the 23- inch-high (58-cm-high) Emerald Buddha. The jade statue is enshrined in a glass case, sitting on a pedestal high above the worshippers. This mystical figure and its legendary spiritual power draw pilgrims from all over.

At the end of your visit, re-join the coach for a sightseeing drive through Old Bangkok.

Sights of Old Bangkok

Enjoy viewing major highlights from your coach as it passes the City Pillar Shrine, Chitraladarahotarn Palace (official residence of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit), the Democracy Monument (built in commemoration of the change of government from absolute monarchy to democracy with the king as head of state), and the City Pavilion, primarily used today for royal ceremonies and official events.

Ananta Samakom Throne Hall

Stop for exterior photos of the majestic Ananta Samakom Throne Hall, the ornate grey-marble Italian renaissance-style building, built by King Chulalongkorn in 1907 to receive guests and foreign dignitaries. Currently, the Royal Throne Hall it is only used for the ceremonial opening of the first session of Parliament, royal receptions, and private functions. Following your tour, time permitting, a brief stop will be made at a local store that offers a range of vibrant Thai silks, local souvenirs and superb jewellery before being transferred back to the ship.

Conclude your tour with the return to the ship.

Please Note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking with approximately 50 steps to climb. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Dress for hot and humid weather. However, there is a strict dress code for visiting the Grand Palace. No sleeveless shirts or blouses are allowed. Tight or see-through blouses are not permitted, even if a jacket is worn over them. Guests may not wear shorts of any kind, and skirts must cover the knees. Tight-fitting trousers or leggings are not permitted, and trousers must be full length to cover the ankles. Shoes must be removed when entering into the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; wear slip-on shoes and bring a pair of socks for comfort. Video and still cameras are allowed within the Palace grounds, but no photography is permitted inside buildings. The Grand Palace can become crowded; your patience is appreciated. Traffic conditions can affect tour duration. Order of sites may vary. Bring local currency for any purchases.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Royal Palace Grounds, Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Ananta Samakom Throne Hall, City Pillar Shrine, Chitraladarahotarn Palace, Democracy Monument, City Pavilion