Bangkok Half-Day Temple Tour
FromTHB 680
4 hours
Bangkok, Thailand
About this activity
Discover Bangkok's iconic temples and rich history on a guided half-day tour, including the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho.
Highlights
- Explore the Grand Palace's stunning architecture
- Marvel at the Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew
- Admire the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
- Learn about Thai history and culture
- Enjoy a convenient half-day tour
Full description
Immerse yourself in Bangkok's rich cultural heritage with a half-day guided tour of its most iconic temples. Begin at the Grand Palace, marveling at its intricate architecture and historical significance. Next, visit Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha, and explore Wat Pho to see the impressive Reclining Buddha. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, art, and spirituality, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Thailand's past and present.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of the Grand Palace
- Visit to Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
- Exploration of Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Pass by: Meeting point is at Tha Chang Pier, opposite the Grand Palace
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
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. Entrance fees are NOT included in the tour price and should be paid in cash on the day of the tour (Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew is THB 500 per person).
Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NO
3
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. Entrance fees are NOT included in the tour price and should be paid in cash on the day of the tour (Wat Pho is THB 300 per person).
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
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. Entrance fees are NOT included in the tour price and should be paid in cash on the day of the tour (Wat Arun is THB 200 per person).
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.
- Be on time to ensure entry to all attractions.
- A valid ID is required for security checks at temple sites.
Know before you go
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees must be covered when entering temples.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for temple grounds.
- Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- 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.
- The meeting point is in front of Tha Chang Ferry counter on the Chao Phraya River, located across the road from the Grand Palace. After booking, you will receive a confirmation email that includes photos of the exact meeting location. Please check your inbox carefully, including your spam folder.
- Bangkok’s traffic can be heavily congested. As our tours run on a group basis, we can wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After this grace period, the guide will begin the tour. If you cannot make it on time, please let us know before the tour starts. If possible, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for the next available time slot or day, though a rescheduling fee will apply. No refund will be provided in case of late arrival.
- Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time are eligible for a full refund. For cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.
- Our tours operate rain or shine, as tropical rain showers in Thailand usually don’t last long. If it rains heavily, we try to seek shelter and will continue as soon as the weather improves. During the rainy season, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Please note cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.
Traveler reviews
4.81,257 reviews
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We enjoyed our tour with...
We enjoyed our tour with our guide Paula. She's very passionate and knowledgeable, patiently answered our questions. 4 hours went by fast because she kept us entertained. We highly recommend this tour.
Anne_SJul 6, 2026VIATOR
Exploring Bangkok with Ken!
Great experience with our guide Ken!
732kristofhJul 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Had an amazing time
I had Thanya as a tour guide. She is so knowledgeable and answered any questions we had. The entrance fees weren’t too bad for what each area had to offer. We started at 10am and ended around 2pm. It was HOT. I should have brought a thermos of cold water. The crowd sizes weren’t bad for a Sunday but the local Thai are in mourning so I’m factoring that into crowd size. Overall, the experience was amazing and I got a lot of great photos and stories to tell my family.
JustCameToShopJul 6, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Temples Trip with Viator
Ken was very informative about the stories of Thailand. We just did a lot of walking and bring some water because the weather is hot.
Yasmin_BJul 5, 2026VIATOR
Ken was our tour guide...
Ken was our tour guide and he was AMAZING! He was so knowledgeable and engaging! He gave us information not only on the temples but overall history of Thailand. So glad we booked this tour!
Klaryssa_PJul 5, 2026VIATOR
Additional information
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.