Discover the iconic landmarks where tradition meets wow: Bangkok’s best in one go.
Discover the cultural heart of Bangkok on this half-day tour, where you’ll explore the Grand Palace and the city’s most iconic temples in the company of a local guide. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about these historic sites, the Thai monarchy, and the role of Buddhism in daily life.
At the centre of the city stands the magnificent Grand Palace, the former royal residence from the reign of King Rama I to King Rama V of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. Today, this architectural masterpiece is still used for royal ceremonies and to receive state guests and foreign dignitaries.
Within the palace grounds lies Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Here you’ll find Phra Kaew Morakot, the highly revered Emerald Buddha, a single piece of jade carved with extraordinary skill.
Next, you’ll visit Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha. This vast temple complex covers 20 acres, making it the largest in Bangkok, and is considered one of the city’s oldest, built around 200 years before Bangkok became the capital. The reclining Buddha, measuring 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height, symbolises the Buddha’s passing into nirvana. Wat Pho also houses more than 1000 Buddha images, many brought from the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
From here, a short ferry ride will take you across the Chao Phraya River to the Thonburi side, where Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, awaits. Dedicated to the Indian god Aruna, its central prang (spire) rises over 70 metres and represents Mount Meru, the mythical home of the gods. Adorned with delicate pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain once used as ballast on trading ships, Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most recognisable landmarks.
No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting these treasures of Thai heritage.
Important notes:
- The Grand Palace and temples are sacred sites. Shoulders and ankles must be covered for both men and women. Scarves over sleeveless tops are not permitted. No shorts, leggings, ripped jeans, tight pants, slippers (flip-flops), or revealing tops. Entry will be refused if you are not dressed appropriately.
- Entrance fees (THB 1000 per person) are not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash on the day of the tour.
Meeting point:
Your guide will wait for you in front of Tha Chang Ferry Pier, located at the Chao Phraya River, opposite the Grand Palace.
For the location of the Tha Chang ferry pier on Google Maps, please click HERE.
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158 Comments
5
Great Bangkok tour!
We had such an amazing time with our tour guide Sunday! He was so knowledgeable and we loved that he showed us how to make an offering using a folded lotus. Very unique and memorable🙌
5
Great tour!
Tack was an amazing guide. I ended up being the only person to book in the time slot but the tour went ahead! Tack taught me all about the history of the temples as we navigated through. He also took me on the bus and boat to get between sites. It certainly made my touring much easier and informative. Great value for my money!
5
Jaw dropping buildings, friendly guide and a good pace for an intro to the culture
If you’re short of time and want to see the highlights of some of the temples in Bangkok, this is definitely a great choice.
I was literally blown away by the detail and buildings that we saw. It can be a bit gaudy but it’s all the better for that.
Our guide Tack was really friendly and looked after us well. He gave us lots of facts although not a very long detailed history of Thailand so it was a good balance of information and storytelling.
The tour felt ‘fast’ but there were times to explore by yourself too so a good balance of pace and time. It wouldn’t be suitable for people who want to look at every single detail and take 5000 photos but also not so detailed that the instagrammer hunters would get bored after they snag the perfect photo
5
The best of the temples
I’m a solo traveler and this tour was just perfect. The tour experience and the guide was exceptional. Our guide was very detail and knowledge. Totally worth every penny. Must book!
5
Amazing experience
Best tour I have ever had. Vallapa was so kind and such a great guide. I learnt so much. The tour isn’t too strenuous as there are many stops.