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
Fabulous guide with lots of knowledge
Wun was an amazing guide very knowledgeable and helpful. I would highly recommend this tour with her.
5
They Really Care….
Sunday was phenomenal. Our taxi driver got us to the location late. We thought we had missed out on the tour. Sunday kept in touch with me and told us where to find them. He was informative, knowledgeable and sweet. He even sent a picture of the group so we would know where to find them.
5
Overall, great tour!
I highly recommend this tour. I was overwhelmed by the thought of navigating these sites on our own. This tour was the best solution. Our guide, Tack was great. He led us through the highlights of each location then gave us a bit of free time explore on our own. Since the group size was only eight people we were always able to hear Tack and see everything he pointed out. A note to WanderSiam: It would be helpful to specify that the meeting point is actually at the pier and not the address that shows on the meeting point link.
5
Sunday is amazing and so was the tour!
Sunday is awesome in every way! We saw such a beautiful view of 3 amazing sites and I was so impressed with his knowledge and appreciation of Thai culture. He was very attentive to all of our needs considering the crazy hot weather which was really appreciated!
If you’re on the edge about this tour: DO IT!
Thank you so much for everything 🙂
4
Ok but…
Today’s experience was so and so. The places were very busy, so it was difficult to hear everything my guide was saying. Her voice was not very loud, so at some point I gave up on listening to everything she was saying. She had a lot of knowledge though. I think if I went to the selectee places all by myself it wouldn’t have been so different. I’m a bit disappointed, but I still had a great time.