If you are considering to visit Thailand, undoubtedly you should start your journey in Bangkok. Millions of tourists flock here every year. With so much to see and do, how do you make the most of your vacation? Check out some of the best Bangkok tours and get ready to be mesmerized by what this fascinating city has to offer.

Book one of our free cancellation tour, choose an enthusiastic local to guide you and share all the tales behind the city! They'll also include smaller, more non touristy temples in your Bangkok tour. You'll be able to experience the vibrant atmosphere, enjoy the local culture, far better than most tourists.

The longest city name in the World

All the world knows Thailand's capital as Bangkok, but locals call their city Krungthep, which means "City of Angels". The full 169-character place name: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit
is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest place name. Roughly translated, it means: The City of Angels, the City of Immortality, the City of Nine Treasures, the City of Thrones, the City of Royal Palaces, the House of Incarnate Gods, was built by Vishwar Karman by order of Indra.

Bangkok is an enchanting mix of ancient Buddhist temples, floating markets, lively nightlife, and even a jungle. Old village homes are conveniently located next to large shopping malls, with food truck owners hawking their wares and nearby chic restaurants catering to discerning eaters.

Mystical Temple Bangkok tours

Bangkok's temples are a unique part of the heart and soul of the capital. The architecture is impressive and the gleaming decor stands out. Imagine thousands of stained glass and ceramics adorning intricate structures and plated in gorgeous gold - you are indeed in the City of Angels!

They are stunning with amazing historical story that'd be well recognized from a real local. Choose the private tour with a local guide who will share all the tales behind the city and show you all the hidden gems.

Temples are not only tourist attractions, they are very important part of the Buddhist tradition. The monks living in the temple complex get up around 4 am to attend prayers and perform their duties, before collecting food and necessities from the commoners on the street. If you get up early, you can see monks in saffron robes walking around. This daily ritual of giving, known as tak baht, is held across the country and is part of the Buddhist philosophy of giving and earning to achieve a better life beyond this life.

Early morning, when usually it's cooler and less less crowded, is the best time to visit most temples. Visiting Thai temples you must remember they are sacred places, so you must dress appropriately. No shorts or revealing tops or you will not be allowed in. Usually it is possible to buy a suitable outfit in shops nearby.

Wat Phra Kaew Temple

Temple of the Emerald Buddha, locally known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram, is reputed to be the sacred Buddhist temple of the Thai kingdom. Located in Bangkok historic center and within the Grand Palace, this temple houses a revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single piece of jade.

The Emerald Buddha (Phra Putta Maha Mani Ratana Patimakorn) is a 15th century Lanna School Northern-style Buddha statue in a meditative pose. The statue is situated in this place since 1784. Sitting on a series of platforms, the Jade Buddha is not accessible to anyone except His Majesty the King. A seasonal cape covering the statue is replaced three times a year to correspond to summer, winter and rainy seasons in an important ceremony with the participation of the king.

The Temple is beautifully decorated and exudes great tranquility. Hundreds of thousands of visitors and pilgrims pass through the gate to the temple to see the inscription.

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho is just south of the Grand Palace Precinct and offers a wonderful alternative to your palace visit, provided that your foot has room and you walk fewer steps.

It is the oldest temple in the city with the largest collection of Buddha images. The highlight for most visitors is the Reclining Buddha. The numbers here are impressive: 15 meters high and 46 meters long, so big that it feels like you've been squeezed into the building. The Buddha's feet are 5 meters long, and the exquisite mother-of-pearl painting depicts the auspiciousness (attributes) of the Buddha. The number 108 is significant, referring to the 108 positive actions and symbols that helped the Buddha to complete his perfection.

You need to take off your shoes when entering the door. If you want to try your luck, it is recommended that you buy a bowl of coins at the entrance of the hall and put them into the 108 copper bowls arranged along the wall. Putting pennies in is a nice ring, and even if your wish doesn't come true, the money will help the monks renovate and maintain the Wat Pho. As this is a revered image, all visitors must wear appropriate clothing - no exposed shoulders or skin above the knees.

Other places worth e to see sites include 4 chapels with 394 gilded Buddha images, long lines of golden statues from different parts of Thailand sitting in the lotus position. While the fine frescoes covering the sidewalks around Wat Pho would require a book or guide to decipher, the fine frescoes are so detailed and intricate that you can admire the artwork even if you can't see all the pictures.

Wat Pho is Thailand's first public university dedicated to the study of religion, science and literature. Today, it is known as a center for traditional massage and medicine. Nothing beats a relaxing foot or head and shoulder massage after a stroll around the temple. If you've never tried a traditional Thai massage, this is is a great place to experience it.

Significantly different from most other forms of therapeutic massage, it is uplifting rather than relaxing, incorporating yoga-like poses to relieve stress and improve circulation. This is a very popular activity, so we recommend that you stop and reserve a seat before your treatment, otherwise you may have to wait a long time.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun represents something like the most triumphant complex, dating back to the ancient battle between the ancient sim and Burman. This Bangkok's most famous temple is located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, almost opposite the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

Given its architectural beauty and superb craftsmanship, it's no surprise that Wat Arun is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. The Prang (tower) on the Chao Phraya River is one of Bangkok's world-famous landmarks. The imposing spire is more than 70 meters high and is beautifully decorated with tiny stained glass and Chinese porcelain, arranged in intricate patterns.

The full name of Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, built in the 17th century, is difficult to remember, which is why it is often referred to as "The Temple of Dawn". The distinctive shape of Wat Arun consists of a central prang (Khmer-style tower) surrounded by 4 smaller towers, all covered with faience plates and pottery.

You can climb up the central prang. The stairs to the balcony of the main tower are quite steep and it is usually easier to go up than to go down, but the view from above is really worth it. When you reach the highest point, you can see the meandering Chao Phraya River and opposite the Grand Palace. Along the base of this central tower are sculptures of Chinese soldiers and animals.

Visiting the temple you should spend there at least an hour. Although known as the Temple of Dawn, it is absolutely stunning at sunset, especially when lit up at night. Still, the quietest time to visit is early in the morning, before the crowds. Wat Arun can be easily accessed via ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Maharaj pier.

Wat Traimit, Temple of the Golden Buddha

Wat Traimit is an elegant multi-level platinum temple at the start of Yaowarat Road, an ideal base for exploring Chinatown. The main attraction of Wat Traimit is not only its beautiful architecture, but also the huge solid gold Buddha statue – the largest in the world – that sits inside.

This is special attraction with a very interesting history. In the 1950s East Asian companies acquired the land around the temple. A condition for selling was that he remove a plaster Buddha sculpture. It broke apart, the figures were lowered and left to fall overnight on a hill nearby. It was the rainy period, and the next morning monks saw something gold shining down from the plaster. It was a reflection of gold in Buddhas statue, with 3.5-metre diameter and 5.5 tonnes carved in solid gold.

Wat Saket, The Golden Mount

The Wat Saket just outside the old Rattanakosin island area is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples dating back to the Ayutthaya era.

The structure that Wat Saket is best known for is its 80 meter high hill called “Golden Mount” and the huge gilded stupa on top of it. It was once the highest point in Bangkok. The gilded stupa existing today dates from the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The huge chedi contains relics of the Buddha, that were brought over from India.

Gold Mountain is a holy site. To reach the top, you have to climb some 300 steps that surround the stupa like a loosely coiled snake. Well-paved trails are relatively easy to walk, especially if you're visiting Bangkok earlier in the day.

At the foot of the Golden Mountain you will find an unusual cemetery covered with vines and overgrown trees. It exudes a very eerie vibe. Once you reach the top of Wat Saket, you will be surrounded by a wall of bells and panoramic views of old Bangkok.

The temple welcomes worshippers year-round, though it’s busiest during its annual temple fair in November, during Loy Krathong. The temple grounds typical Buddhist structures such as a main prayer hall, ordination hall and library.

Wat Mahathat Temple

Wat Mahathat is a large temple in the old Rattanakosin district of Bangkok, north of the Grand Palace. It is one of the six highest-ranking temples among the first-class royal temples. The Buddhist relic is enshrined in the temple.

Wat Mahathat is a busy, crowded complex with a large number of buildings. The temple courtyard is surrounded by galleries, lined with a large number of tall Buddha statues on very ornate pedestals. The base contains monuments to the deceased, whose ashes are buried in niches.

Wat Mahathat is an important Buddhist study temple as it houses a renowned meditation center and the first Buddhist university in the country, Maha Chulalongkorn Raja Vidyaraya University, where hundreds of monks study the Buddha's teachings doctrine.

Next to the temple, on the other side of Maharat Road, is a large market for amulets. Here you will find many stalls selling amulets ranging from very cheap to very expensive.

Royal Palace in Bangkok

The dazzling and imposing Grand Palace is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in downtown Bangkok. This royal residence is a must-see without which a visit to the city would not be complete.

The palace has been the official residence of the kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782, when king Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok.

It includes not only the royal family and thrones, but also some government offices. It covers an area of ​​218,000 square meters, with four walls and a length of 1,900 meters.

As part of a larger complex, it also includes the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha , which covers 94.5 hectares and includes more than 100 buildings representing 200 years of royal history and architectural experimentation.

Most buildings, whether royal or sacred, are classified as Ratanakosin (Old Bangkok style). Visitors can visit the Grand Palace and the four remaining palace buildings, which are interesting for their royal pomp.

A strict dress code applies. The Grand Palace with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the most sacred place in Thailand. Visitors must dress appropriately before entering the temple. Sleeveless shirts, tank tops, cropped or sheer tops are prohibited, as are shorts and three-quarter length pants/skirts. Visitors wearing ripped or leggings, cycling shorts or miniskirts are also not permitted to enter. Those inappropriately dressed at the entrance may be taken to the locker room and given aprons prior to being admitted. There are no restrictions on the shoes you can wear inside the palace, but please note that you will be required to take off your shoes to enter certain buildings.

Book half day walking tour and enjoy the pure thai culture visiting Royal Palace.

Visit Jim Thompson House

The historic home of one American entrepreneur who went missing while travelling across the United States is now considered an old relic of Thailand. After serving in Thailand during the Second World War Jim Thompson settled in Thailand. Soon thereafter, he became known for his work in the Thailand silk industry. Thompson has won the White Elephant Order, a prestigious honour given to people who have significantly contributed to Thailand. The Thompson house is transformed into a museum that offers an insight to his life and business, along with historical details about Bangkok and the Thai silk industry.

Thai food tour

To truly appreciate Bangkok, you must try the local cuisine. Come and discover the local delicacies and get your taste buds tingling as you sample the street food of Thailand. Savor the Som Tam Tai (a zingy papaya salad), enjoy the delicious dim sum and swallow down fishy noodles – finally wash the feast down with a traditional beer served at a hidden gem of a local bar.

One of the top of attractions in Bangkok is a food tour. Book this experience on one of ours free cancellation private tours.

Experience Bangkok thai street food

Street Food in Thailand brings together a wide variety of ready meals, snacks, fruits and beverages sold by Thai street vendors or street food stalls or vendors in food trucks, with the local prices. Thai street food tasting is a popular activity for tourists as it offers a taste of Thai culinary traditions. Bangkok is often referred to as one of the best places for delicious street food to give you an authentic Thai experience.

Jay Fai

During your Bangkok tours you cannot miss famous Jay Fai restaurant. It is a street-side restaurant in Bangkok taken from a nickname of its eponymous owner, Jay Fai (her real name is Supinya Junsuta), who has long been a street food icon. The restaurant mainly serves wok-cooked seafood dishes, and is highly popular among food enthusiasts despite its high prices. It received one star in the inaugural Bangkok 2018 Michelin Guide, which highly recommends the begoggled chef’s signature crispy golden-brown crab omelets and excellent stir-fried noodles with seafood and gravy.

Discover Khao San Road

Long a haven for foreign backpackers, Khao San Road is a colourful and vibrant part of Bangkok where you can spend a good time at some of the best bars and clubs in the city, and enjoy all the different shopping deals.

You don't need to walk more than 50 meters or less to find food in and around Khao San Road. There are street vendors selling spring rolls and pad thai at the cheapest prices in town, as well as pizzerias, burger joints, and yes, lots of Thai food. The alleys of nearby Rambutri Road and other alleys are also crowded with vendors.

Khao San Road is packed with young travelers of all kinds, and is full of bars and clubs to keep you entertained all night long. Highlights here include the cavernous Lava Club and rooftop gazebo, which was recently voted one of the best bars in the world. There's a live band, hookahs and lots of humor.

Khao San Road itself is a market. The road is closed to vehicular traffic, and the street is lined with vendors selling just about everything, and this is a great place to buy a pair of baggy fisherman pants, a must-have in any backpacker's wardrobe when trekking in Thailand.

The Massage paradise of the World

There's a reason the term "thai massage" is famous around the world - you'll find massage parlours all over the city, catering to every budget and need. From hour-long reflexology sessions to full-day pampering, you're sure to find something to release muscle tension.

If you’ve never experienced a Thai massage before, think of it as yoga for the mind and body. There are many health benefits to this ancient form of massage which is one of the core components in traditional Thai medicine along with herbal medicine, a balanced diet and meditation. Traditional Thai medicine takes a preventative approach and it’s believed that massage helps the positive flow of energy throughout the body which in turn helps prevent illness.

Markets

The vibrant atmosphere, the smiling people, the great variety of unique things to shop for, the street food – all of these you will find in the Bangkok famous markets.

Markets are an important part of Thai culture, and the locals love markets just as much as we visitors. Night markets especially are extremely popular and trendy in Bangkok, partly because the temperatures are more bearable in the evenings, making for a fun evening out. Also, markets are the perfect place to head to for some street food and snacks.

Chatuchak Market

The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok has become a must-see landmark for tourists. The sheer size of the market and the diverse assortment of items will captivate any seasoned shopper - you can "shop til you give up" here.

Chatuchak has over 8,000 market stalls spread over 14 acres. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to browse the range of merchandise. Seasoned buyers will agree that almost everything is sold here, although not all at the best price. But while you’re in Bangkok, take a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you won’t be disappointed.

Bangkok Flower Market

Pak Khlong Talad is the largest wholesale and retail flower market in Bangkok. There are a variety of popular floral and botanical items on the market, including roses, forget-me-nots, orchids, lilies, and more.

As part of the Old City, the market is located on Chak Phet Road, near the Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge), which leads to the river pier, and combined with other historical attractions in the area, it is a great place for a day trip.

Pak Klong Talad is busiest after midnight. However, if you want to get a full overview of the market, the best time is around 3 or 4 am before sunrise. At this point, the roadside becomes a colorful kaleidoscope, and vendors receive flower merchandise from every flower-growing region in the country.

Bangkok transport

Bangkok has many transportation options, including BTS skytrain, MRT subway, buses, taxis, motorbike taxis, tuk-tuks, tandems, speedboats and khlong boats. Choose the best public transport to easily reach your desired destination.

Take a River Cruise

The Chao Phraya River represents the heart of Bangkok and gives the opportunity for a lot of Bangkok tours. This great waterway - known by many as the "River of Kings" - allows you to take a longtail boat ride and explore some of the city's most spectacular temples. In the afternoon, embark on a dinner cruise with spectacular skyline views as you drive past the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Rama VIII Bridge. Hop on a Bangkok morning ferry and speedboat from Sathorn Pier and stop directly at major tourist attractions like Wat Arun and Ratchawan.

Ride the Skytrain

In Bangkok there are many things, including traffic. The journey can often last up to a full hour. Luckily tourists to Bangkok have an easy, comfortable and efficient choice: Bangkok Skytrain.

There are 2 important BTS lines serving downtown Bangkok:

SILOM Bangkok skyline runs from west to south, between the National Stadium in the Siam shopping area and Bang Wa in Thonburi (across the Chao Phraya River).

SUKHUMVIT Bangkok skyline runs north to east from Ha Yaek Lat Phrao to Kheha, with most stations planned.

The 2 lines meet at Siam BTS Station, and also connect at 4 points with the underground (MRT) – at Sala Daeng Station (Silom Line) and Asok, Mo Chit and Ha Yaek Lat Phrao stations (Sukhumvit Line).

The BTS Rabbit cards are used to access all stations. A one-day pass may be a good option for those planning to do a lot of hopping on and off for one full day. But if you plan to be in Bangkok for a while, it might be a good idea to buy the BTS Smart Pass. With One-day Pass you can have unlimited travel within the duration of a single day, which is ideal for tourists.

Tuk-tuk

These unique and ubiquitous little motor rickshaws are an icon of the city itself. Tuk-tuk are motorized three-wheeled rickshaws that transport passengers in Bangkok and most other places in Thailand. The name comes from the sound their engines make as they sputter on city streets.

Tuk-tuk prices can vary, and there is an art to getting a good deal. Generally, they cost about the same as a taxi, but don't use a meter, which means that fares can often be negotiated.