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
3
Guide was not knowledgeable and was not interested in showing around
Our guide was Nicky and it was our worst experience. Nicky had barely any knowledge or was not interested in telling about the palace or temple. Any place we wanted to stay for 2-3 minutes, Nicky would start getting angry and shouting that we need to move on and then would make us wait at a stupid place just to waste everyone time.
This tour is not worth time, effort and money – Please avoid.
5
Whirlwind tour of Amazing Temples
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and kind. She made sure that we all understood the significance of these amazing temples and the stupas. It ended up just being five people on the tour so it felt very private and we made good friends. This is a great way to see the city and get anchored when you first arrive.
5
Wonderful cultural introduction to Bangkok
This tour is an awesome introduction to Thailand’s unique culture. Being this is my first time experiencing the temples, the guide was thorough and attentive on a very very hot day. The history and explanations were clear, and Nicky (our guide) doubled as a photographer. They offer it at an incredible price not much more than the audio guide. Thank you for the wonderful experience.
5
10/10 experience
Our guide Helena was super knowledgeable and helpful during this tour! The 3 temples/palace we visited were incredibly beautiful. The amount of detail in the architecture is astonishing. It was really nice to have the history background on all of this because of our guide.
She even gave us recommendations for a good place to get some food afterwards.
Thanks again!
5
Great tour with very knowledgeable guide.
Well organised tour with very knowledgeable guide ( I think his name is Sunday!). Plenty to see and learn about the history of the temples.