Grand Palace & Temples of Bangkok with experienced guide

Bangkok , Thailand

Grand Palace & Temples of Bangkok with experienced guide

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This tour let you experience the Thai capital and gives you a unique impression of the city. We visit some of the most famous places in Bangkok. You will be accompanied by a local guide who loves his/her country and really wants to explain you everything about Bangkok, Thai culture and history!

**Since you will visit the Grand Palace and important Buddhist temples, you are expected to dress respectfully. You need to wear long pants and have your shoulders covered otherwise you will be denied entry. Wear closed shoes, flip-flops and sandals are not allowed.**

Available options

Grand Palace & temples Bangkok

What's included

A bottle of drinking water

English speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

Meeting point is at Tha Chang Pier, opposite the Grand Palace

Stop 2

The glittering Grand Palace in Bangkok is an architectural wonder that was once home to the kings of the Chakri Dynasty.

A visit to the ornate and historic Grand Palace, and the adjacent Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is a highlight of any visit to the Kingdom.

The palace was built in 1782 by the Rama I, the first king of the Chakri Dynasty, when he moved the capital of what was then known as the Kingdom of Siam from Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok on the east bank. For 150 years the palace was the home of the Thai King.

Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.

Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in the Thai capital. It is also one of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok and has the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. Wat Pho maintains the title as the country’s earliest center for public education, specializing in religion, science and literature. Most of the Buddha images on display were brought to Wat Pho, by order of King Rama I, from abandoned temples in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
And of course you'll visit the reclining Buddha, one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand.

Stop 4

A stay in the Thai capital is not complete without visiting Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, one of Bangkok's most famous landmarks.

After the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin established a royal palace and temple here to house the Emerald Buddha. The temple was named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna.

It wasn't until the capital and the Emerald Buddha were moved to Wat Phra Kaew at the Bangkok side that Wat Arun received its most prominent characteristic: the 82 meters high prang (Khmer-style tower).

Wat Arun is decorated with ornate floral mosaics made from broken Chinese porcelain, a common temple ornamentation in the early Rattanakosin period, when Chinese ships calling at the port of Bangkok used tonnes of old porcelain as ballast.

What's not included

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Available languages

Guide guide

TH EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

134 reviews

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104

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

612 reviews

5★

560

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Entrance fees are not included in the tour price and should be paid in cash on the day of the tour (THB 1000 per person).

Remember that the Grand Palace and temples are sacred places and you must dress appropriately. Shoulders and ankles need to be covered (for both men and women; sleeveless shirt with a scarf covering is also not allowed). No shorts, leggings, ripped jeans, tight pants, slippers (flip-flops), or revealing tops, otherwise you won't be allowed in.

Bangkok's traffic is notorious. Since our tours are on a group basis, we would like to emphasize that you should arrive at the meeting point on time. If you cannot make it in time, please inform us before start of the tour. If possible, we will always do our best to reschedule you to the first available day/start time, but a change fee will apply.

The guide can only wait for a MAXIMUM of 10 minutes after the set meeting time. After the 10 minutes grace period, the guide will start with the tour.

Since this tour involves a lot of walking, it is not suitable for people with mobility issues.

Meeting point

Tha Chang express boat pier, opposite Grand Palace

About Bangkok

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a dynamic blend of traditional culture and modern urban life. Known for its ornate temples, bustling street markets, and world-class street food, Bangkok offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Top Attractions

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that served as the royal residence from 1782 to 1925. It is a stunning example of Thai architecture and houses the Emerald Buddha.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 500 THB

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is famous for its beautiful porcelain decorations and the iconic prang (spire).

Religious/Architecture 1-2 hours 50 THB

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the world's largest markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market offers a vast array of goods, from clothing and accessories to food and antiques.

Shopping/Cultural Half day to full day Varies

Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok. Taking a boat tour along the river offers a unique perspective of the city and its many temples and palaces.

Nature/Scenic 1-3 hours Varies

Chatuchak Park

Chatuchak Park is a large and lush urban park that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It is home to a variety of plants, animals, and recreational facilities.

Nature/Relaxation 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pad Thai

Stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, and a sweet and tangy sauce, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.

Dinner Contains seafood.

Som Tum

A spicy green papaya salad made with shredded papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.

Lunch/Snack Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Mango Sticky Rice

Sweet ripe mango served with sticky rice and coconut milk.

Dessert Vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Erawan National Park Kayaking on the Chao Phraya River ATV tours in Hin Lek Fai Spa and massage treatments Boat tours on the Chao Phraya River Visiting temples and parks Visiting temples and historical sites Attending traditional Thai performances

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the most pleasant time to visit with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. It's peak tourist season with lively festivals and events.

22°C to 34°C 72°F to 93°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Bangkok is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, scams, and traffic accidents can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests.
• Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks.
• Be wary of jet ski rentals and gem shops.

Getting there

By air

Suvarnabhumi Airport • 30 km from city center
Don Mueang International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal

By bus

Mo Chit Bus Terminal, Ekamai Bus Terminal, Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and air-conditioned, the MRT is a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Khao San Road Sukhumvit Chinatown (Yaowarat) Silom Banglamphu

Day trips

Ayutthaya

80 km from Bangkok • Full day

Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is known for its stunning temples and historical ruins.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

105 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Damnoen Saduak is one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand, offering a unique shopping and dining experience on the water.

Maeklong Railway Market

80 km from Bangkok • Half day to full day

Maeklong Railway Market is a unique market where vendors set up their stalls on the railway tracks, and a train passes through several times a day.

Festivals

Songkran • April 13-15 Loy Krathong • Full moon night in November Vegetarian Festival • September/October (dates vary by year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway to avoid traffic and get around the city quickly and efficiently.
Haggle and bargain when shopping at markets and street stalls, but do so politely and respectfully.
Try street food, but choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.