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
Thailand Anniversary Trip
Absolutely wonderful experience with Sunday! Sunday was knowledgeable, fun, and made our experience very enjoyable. The length of the tour was perfect and an early start helped with the heat. I would recommend this this tour and company to anyone seeking a great experience touring some of Bangkok’s treasures.
5
One for the scrapbook
Very informative and a thorough guide through several temples. Navigating all the site can be difficult for a new travler. Sunday helped make the tour cute and fun!
5
Great Buddha viewings
Got a lot of Thai history along with temple viewings. The guide had been an apprentice monk when young and provided insightful commentary. He also took care of us in the heat, providing water and using shade as much as possible.
5
Amazing Experience
Nikki was a great host!!! She was very friendly and had a lot of knowledge of the temples. She also was willing take many memorable photos for us.This is a must to do for your time in Bangkok. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
5
All the highlights of Bangkok by day
This tour is a must-see for Bangkok during the day. Highlights include the Royal Palace and the Dawn Temple. Our guide, Sunday, was very knowledgeable and answered so many of my questions about the city (and shared subway info too). And he knows all the bear photo spots! Wonderful tour and highly recommend it.