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.
+5
158 Comments
5
The tour and sunday the tour guide where amazing
Sunday was the best, I was running late and the person at the office a d sunday did everything in orden I can have at least part of the tour and it was fantastic.
5
Review of grand palace and temple tour
Great tour, I would recommend this to anyone who is visiting Bangkok! Helpful and informative and great way to see the sights and gain knowledge!
5
an excellent tour of the most iconic sights
I had Grand palace and temples of Bangkok tour, it was amazing! Our guide told a lot of interesting things about the sights, traditions and religious customs. i had a good time and enjoyed the tour, thank you!
5
Very enjoyable tour!
I had a really good time on this trip. Do be aware that the prepaid price doesn’t include entrance fees for the palace and temples and a small amount for the bus. It was all very well worth it in my opinion though and our very kind, effective and enthusiastic guide really brought everything to life, gave us historical and religious context and pointed out a lot of things we would have missed in buildings, paintings and statues. Some wonderful sights. Thank you.
5
Grand Palace and Temple
Great tour with a lot of information. Our guide was knowledgeable on all aspects of Thai history and culture. Would definitely recommend