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 tour and good way to know about the history of country l
Very good and complete tour. Our guide, Waan, was very knowledgable and kind. She is very passionate about her job and explained in great detail.
5
Getting to know the temples
The tour was fun I got lots of pictures. The tour guid had lots of information. I had loads of time to see and learn everything.
5
Excellent Service
5 out of 5. Our guide was excellent, very in depth & spiritual tour. Temples were some of the most beautiful buildings ever built. Highly recommend whilst staying in Bangkok
5
Grand Palace and Bangkok temples
The tour guide related his name to “Taxi”, he was so good and very considerate to how our small the group of 6 would manage the heat on the 4hr tour starting at 1 pm in 37C heat.
He explained where to walk and where not to, he also gave us detailed explanations of each temple, the history and religious backgrounds”before” we went into those areas. This way we were able to marvel at the beauty of them and he gave us little top-up stories/facts and picture tips as we went along. This way he didn’t have to shout above the other tour guides during our viewing pleasures but he still kept us engaged whilst we were taking it all in with pictures. He kept giving us cooling breaks in shade, breezy areas or where there were fans or AC.
Overall, his tour guiding skills were exceptional and we would 100% recommend him and his tour company for anybody looking to do this tour.
Tips: wear loose clothing that will cover you, that way you respect the temples and the heat! Hat or umbrella recommended. Travel light as carrying a bag causes extra heat and sweating where it touches you. After this 4 hrs tour you’ll feel “templed-out” – phrase quoted by another member of our group:-)
5
Brilliant experience.
Excellent tour. The guide was very knowledgeable. We had a great time. The guide also knew excellent spots for photographs. We got some good photos on a crowded day.