Old Bangkok Royal Palace and Temples with China Town

Bangkok , Thailand

Old Bangkok Royal Palace and Temples with China Town

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About this experience

Explore the best of Bangkok on a private walking tour that takes in the highlights and gives you a glimpse at the local life. Visit hidden gems, food havens, Golden Temples, Markets, and Palaces, as we take you through the city on a Tuk Tuk, Taxi boat, and on foot. Sample local food and a refreshing drink.

Available options

Old Bangkok Royal Palace and Temples with China Town

What's included

Trip on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River Taxi Boat

Local guide

Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

Lunch

Ride on a Bangkok Tuk Tuk

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Experience Bangkok's many contrasts on a private tour that starts with a hidden gem for a picture perfect view over the Wat Traimit. See the immense 5.5-ton Buddha statue made from gold, and explore the temple's surroundings.

Stop 2

Then, go to Chinatown to immerse yourself in one of the city's food havens, day and night. Stroll among the stalls, restaurants, gold shops and Chinese temples before taking a local bus.

Stop 3

Mix with the locals as they buy flowers to use as offerings in the temple.

Stop 4

Follow your guide goes to the beautiful Buddhist temple complex of Wat Pho and admire the 5.5 ton reclining Buddha statue made out from gold before a lunch of typical Thai food.

Stop 5

Adjoining the Grand Palace you will find the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keo), this is probably the best known of the royal temples. It is regarded as the most important temple in all Thailand and it is the venue of many of the numerous religious ceremonies in which the King participates, especially at the beginning of each of the three seasons when His Majesty personally changes the elaborate robes of the Buddha image, carved out of a single piece of emerald-green jasper.

Stop 6

Construction of the palace began on May 6, 1782, at the order of the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I. He moved the capital city from Thonburi (near Bangkok) to Bangkok. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since 1782. The subsequent Kings, his court and his Royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925.

Tha Chang, or "Elephant Pier", was built in the reign of King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I), who was the first monarch of Chakri Dynasty and the founder of Rattanakosin Kingdom. At that time, elephants from the Grand Palace were brought to this area to take a bath.

Stop 8

The Chao Phraya River, also known as the River of Kings, runs through the heart of Bangkok and still serves as an important waterway, as many people's livelihoods depend on the river for transportation to get to and from work almost every day. For others, it is a way of life and, ultimately, their main source of income.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Meet outside Exit 1, Hua Lamphong Subway Station (MRT) - 13.737499, 100.516720
Rama 4 Road, nearby to Bangkok Centre Hotel

Important notes

• Men must wear long pants; women must cover their legs to just above the knee. Avoid wearing tight-fitting stretch pants or “revealing” clothing. Don't wear sleeveless shirts or show shoulders.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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.