Sanam Luang in Bangkok: the royal field facing the Grand Palace
Sanam Luang is a vast lawn of 74.5 rai (about 119,000 m²) right in front of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, in Bangkok's old town. King Rama I laid it out in 1784; it was then called Thung Phra Men, the "cremation ground", and King Rama IV gave it its present name in 1855. It hosts royal ceremonies: cremations of kings and queens (including King Bhumibol's in 2017) and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony every May. The rest of the time it is a public park where people stroll, fly kites at weekends and enjoy the view of the golden roofs. Note: in 2026, part of the field is fenced off for the funeral of Queen Mother Sirikit (see below).
Highlights
The lawn and its tamarind trees
Two rows of tamarind trees were planted under Rama V, then two more around 1967, making 783 trees according to Wikipedia. They give some shade around the edge.
Weekend kites
At weekends, families fly kites here with Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace as a backdrop. It is one of the nicest free sights in the old town.
Wat Phra Kaew across the road
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha lies on the other side of the street. Visit it through the Grand Palace page, which gives hours and prices.
Practical info
Tips
- The field is managed by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). According to our sources it is open daily from 5am to 10pm, entry is free, and only the walkway stays open at night; hours can change with ceremonies, so check before you come. Funeral of Queen Mother Sirikit: the BMA announced the widening of the temporary fence on the west side from 1 August 2026 for the construction of the royal crematorium, and the ceremonies are announced for 14 to 19 December 2026 (main day 15th). Expect closed zones, crowds of mourners dressed in black and closed roads around the field until late December; we could not verify which parts will remain open. Be respectful: sober clothes, no drones. There is no shade in the middle of the lawn: bring water and a hat. On foot you are next to Wat Mahathat, the National Museum and the City Pillar Shrine (Lak Mueang). For the rest of the old town, see the guide to Rattanakosin island.
How to get there
Facing the Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Road / Ratchadamnoen Nai Road, Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok 10200. No BTS station: the easiest way is the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang pier, then a few minutes on foot, or a taxi / Grab (see getting around Bangkok).
Opening hours
Nearby
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