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
4.5
Walking tour of Wats and Grand Palace complex
Our guide was excellent, and had really great insights & info on the history of the places we visited. Quick walks betw the WATs were manageable even during the midday heat.
We had good rest stops and regularly checking that we were all managing fine.
Would definitely recommend!
5
Great way to know 3 important sites
Great guide! We visited each place for the proper amount of time. He took us to a traditional massage parlor to have a great thai massage.
5
Amazing
Our guide Sunday was exceptional!!!.
Very well managed and nicely explained tour. The explanation of the method of taking blessing at the grand palace temple was very good.
5
Visit impressive temples with a very knowledgeable + nice guide
Impressive temples (Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho) and Sunday as a very knowledgeable guide who gave a lot of background information on the history and culture. Pleasant mix of guided sightseeing and a little time to walk around on your own. Although I was the only participant, Sunday did the tour for me. Khob khun kha, thank you so much, Sunday. Highly recommend this tour during your visit to Bangkok!
5
Great experience
Fantastic visit with our guide, Sunday. Very knowledgeable about his subject and gave us a fantastic experience