The Grand Palace adjoins Wat Phra Kaew in a common compound. This palace has an area of 218,400 sq. metres and is surrounded by walls built in 1783. The length of the four walls totals 1900 metres. Within these walls are situated government offices and the Chapel Royal of the Emerald Buddha besides the royal residences.

It is said that Rama I, on ascending the throne, immediately moved the centre of administration to this side of the Chao Phraya; and built this palace to serve not only as his residence but also his offices - the various ministries, only one of which remains in the palace walls. The Grand Palace is nowadays used only for occasional ceremonial purposes and is no longer the royal residence. The present King Bhumibol (Rama IX) lives in Chitralada Palace (also closed to tourists), which is located not too far away in Bangkok's Dusit district.

Though the interior of most of the buildings remain closed to the public

The stops:
•Boromabiman Hall- Built by King Rama VI and every king since has lived here at some time.
•Amarinda Hall- The original residence of King Rama I and the Hall of Justice. Nowadays, its impressive interior is used for ceremonial occasions and coronations. It contains the antique throne, used before the Western style one presently in use.
•Grand Palace Hall / Chakri Maha Prasat- Visitors are allowed inside the spacious European style reception room. This building has not been used for royal residence since the mysterious death of King Rama VIII (the older brother of the current King), who was found shot dead in his room in 1946. The reverence for the monarchy in Thailand means that, even today, this remains a completely taboo subject to talk publicly about in Thailand.
•The Dusit Hall- Rated as perhaps the finest architectural building in this style.
•The Museum- This contains information on the restoration of the Grand Palace, scale models of the Wat and Palace and numerous Buddha images. Labels are in Thai, but there are free English tours available frequently. Entrance is 50B. The combined compound is open 8.30am to 3.30pm everyday. Cost is 200B (if you are Thai, it's free), and includes admission to Vimanmek Mansion and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall, both in the Dusit area of the city, the Coin Museum in the compound, and so-so free guidebook. The entrance to the compound is on Na Phra Lan road, on the north side.

A few words of caution for the first timers:
Don't listen to anyone on the street as you try to enter telling you it's closed for a 'Buddhist holiday', 'cleaning' etc, or asking if you want to see the 'Lucky Buddha' instead - it's all part of a sophisticated gem scam.
As Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand's most important temple, you are expected to dress appropriately or the risk of being turned away always looms over you. Signs put up around the entrance show you are not permitted to enter wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, singlets or any form of open ended shoes. Sarongs and long trousers are usually available outside Wat Phra Kaew so that you can hire them.