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
Fantastic tour with Sunday 🙌🏼
Very nice and informative walking tour with our guide Sunday (Domingo) very good sense of humour too! All the information was very interesting throughout. Although it was very hot, he made sure we got breaks when needed and plenty of water. Wat Arun showcased in pictures, he also asked if we wanted pictures in all places we went 🙂
5
An unforgettable experience with Sunday, a skillful guide
A wonderful guided tour of the main temples and Grand Palace in Bangkok. The Emerald Buddha and Reclining Buddha, ferry ride were highlights. The temples are striking. Sunday is a skilled guide, well organized and engaging. Unforgettable!
5
Amazing
These palaces are breathtakingly beautiful and this tour is well worth the price! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and made sure no one got lost.
5
Tiring but worth it.
The Temples and Palace were, as expected, amazing, however Nikki , the guide, was exceptional knowledgeable and carrying . It was extremely hot and she kept us plied with water. I highly recommend the tour
5
Memorable Bankok Temple and Palace tour
Booked this Tour with Get your Guide. It was a private tour with Pui who picked us up from the Hotel lobby in a air conditioned car. She was immediately approachable, lovely smile and very welcoming. As well as giving us a informative tour with her excellent knowledge of past history of Thialand and what made Bangkok as it is today. She also gave us a insite into every day Thai life and the role Buddhism plays in their culture. She pointed out interest points at the temple’s and palace. To be honest on our own we would have of course been awe struck but would have had no idea what we were looking at . Pui made our day looking after our comfort, taking photos ( even making a video to music ) A memorable trip . Thank you Pui