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 experience
A great way to explore the bangkok temples if you are traveling solo. The guides can help you identify and get to places you wouldn’t on your own. As a bonus it’s also cheap. The guide also took some good photos for me. I would recommend taking this, it’s definitely worth it.
4.5
Great your worth it
Amazing day !! Worth the money – you could do the temples etc for cheaper but you’d have to navigate thai transport ans the temples aren’t well labelled I’d have gotten lost so if only for that it’s worth it. Wear sandals – You’ll take off your shoes so many times. The guide was informative withought being overbearing. Bring a hat and / or sunglasses it’s hot and a battery pack your phone will need it after all the pics etc.
5
Great way to whizz round the most important temples in Bangkok
Excellent value tour (note you have to pay your own entrance fees for the 3 temples hence the low price).
Phanita was a great guide. Very informative and a very engaging person.
5
Would recommend!!
Wan is an amazing guide and we had a great time learning about the temples!
Would recommend having a proper tour so you can learn more about the culture and history of the places.
4.5
Facts about the tour
-Started on Time
-Finished on Time
-Tour guide was knowledgeable
-refreshments provided
-good advice given about the show that takes place after