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
Absolutely amazing experience with Jin! Highly Recommend!
I had the wonderful Jin as my tour guide. The passion she had for sharing the history and details at each site was amazing to take in! Despite the heat, Jin was mindful to find the “coolest” spots for us to discuss each site. I learned so much about Thailand, the temples we visited, her culture, and received so many tips/recommendation for my stay. She is one of the most thoughtful and genuinely kind tour guides I have encountered and thank her for a wonderful day. Would absolutely recommend anyone to book this tour without thinking twice.
5
Must do tour with teens or kids !
It was a amazing tour as it was not to long and detailed. We saw and heard what we had to see.
Sunday was a great guide, looking out for the group and giving us enough info – he had a great sense of humour and told interesting stories. The teenagers enjoyed him a lot!!
5
June 2023 Tour
Tony was a great tour guide! He showed us the most popular temples in Bangkok and was very knowledgeable about the city and its culture.
5
Sunday is unforgettable!
Sunday was a wonderful and personable tour guide! He was timely, yet nothing ever felt rushed. He gave us great information about the Palace and temples we went to, as well as Thai culture in general. He was also super helpful and walked us to an amazing lunch spot at the end of the tour. This was a great addition to our trip!
5
Temples with Nikki
Great experience of exceptional residencies made by the knowledge and humour of Nikki our tour guide!! One heads up its a lot of walking in oppressive heat!