Best Temple Tours in Bangkok For First Time Visitors!
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn is one of the most iconic temples in Bangkok
When in Bangkok, visit the temples! There are so many beautiful temples to see and it can be hard to know which ones are worth visiting, given your limited holiday time. But don’t worry, I’m here to recommend some of the Best Temple Tours in Bangkok that are worth visiting for first time visitors to my home country!
Along the way, I’ll also share useful tips like how to choose the right temple tour in Bangkok for you as well as the etiquettes of visiting temples in Bangkok like how to dress, and how to pay respects. Whether you want to take a boat ride across the Chao Phraya river to see the iconic Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) or take a quick day trip to see the temples of Thailand’s ancient capital of Ayutthaya, below are some of my recommendations for the best temple tours in Bangkok!
Also, check out my Ultimate 5 Day Bangkok Itinerary if you’re planning a holiday to Bangkok!
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Why Take a Temple Tour in Bangkok?
The majestic reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in all it’s beauty
There are over 400 temples in Bangkok, are you sure you know which one you should go to? It’s overwhelming. That’s why I always recommend booking one of the many temple tours in Bangkok, especially if it’s your first time in the city (Check out my 5 Day Bangkok Itinerary for first timers).
And if you have a local English speaking tour guide with you to tell you all there is to know about the history behind some of the famous temples in Bangkok, such as: how the Emerald Buddha have three royal costumes for summer, rainy season, and winter, or how Giant Reclining Buddha signifies the the final moments before reaching Nirvana. A tour guide is what makes or breaks the tour.
A lot of these temple tours in Bangkok also include visits to other nearby attractions and experiences like local markets, or Yaowarat, the Bangkok street food center, and the largest Chinatown in the world. Also, most guided temple tours in Bangkok includes the temple entrance fees, hotel pickups, and an transportation, so you never need to worry about organizing your travels.
What to Look for in Temple Tours in Bangkok?
A little exhibit, the Thai massage museum at Wat Pho
With so many temples to see, and so many businesses offering tours, choosing the right temple tour in Bangkok can feel a bit overwhelming. You’ll want to consider things like: half-day vs full-day tours, included admission fees, what temples you’ll be visiting, transportation, among a myriad of things.
So let’s talk about a few things to consider for the temple tours in Bangkok in more detail.
What Temples in Bangkok You’ll be Visiting?
Wat Traimit, the temple housing the largest golden Buddha statue in the world
As mentioned, there are over 400 temples in Bangkok, but I’ll get to the gist, the MAIN temples that every tourists go to are the big 3: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Pho (Temple of the reclining Buddha), and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) which is often paired with a trip to the Grand Palace since it’s within the same complex. With all 3 temples being located in Bangkok’s Old Town districts.
Now, almost all of the temples tours in Bangkok will bring you to the big 3, and that’s because these temples are simply the most famous temples in Bangkok.
Now there are plenty of other famous temples in Bangkok, some notable ones are: Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount, and my personal favorite temple to visit), and Wat Traimit (Temple of the largest Golden Buddha in the World). There are also hundreds of smaller temples of different religions like Shinto Buddhist Temple, Toaist Temple, and Hindu Temples.
If you want to do a bit of temple exploration yourself outside of these Bangkok temple tours, then check out my blog post on the Top 10 Famous Temples to Visit in Bangkok.
Knowledgeable English Speaking Tour Guides
Wat Saket, the temple of the golden mount that soars above the Bangkok skyline
One of the biggest factors that can make or break your temple tour in Bangkok is the tour guide. You’ll want a really good one. They shouldn’t just bring you from temple to temple but they should also teach you about the history and meanings behind the architecture, and the art that you see. I’ve had tour guides who could explain the story behind every Buddha pose, point out tiny architectural details I would’ve missed, and even share local legends tied to the temples. Even if you’re not into history, it’s appreciated to have someone who is just really good at storytelling.
The good thing is all of the temple tours in Bangkok that I’ll recommend below have fluent English speaking guides who are very knowledgeable. These characteristics excel even more if you book private tours which are more personal. Also, you might’ve heard that Thai people are very cheerful and friendly, that trait carries onto the tour guides as well :)
Bangkok Temple Tour Group Size (Private vs Group Tours)
Another angle of the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Private or Group tours? For me if pricing wasn’t a burden, then I will always recommend a private tour. Private temple tours in Bangkok just are more flexible, you can move at your own pace, ask the tour guide as many questions as you like, and often take detours to other side attractions. It’s similar to why I often recommend going private when booking the Best Bangkok Food Tours for example, You just get a more personalized experience, and that makes a huge difference when you're trying to soak in the culture.
Group temple tours in Bangkok, on the other hand, are usually cheaper and a good way to meet other fellow tourists. Just know that the pace is faster and you might rushed while exploring the grandiose temples. If you just wanna quickly check off some Bangkok temples or want to do some other things in your during your trip to Bangkok then group tours are the way to go.
Duration of the Bangkok Temple Tours (Half-Day vs Full-Day)
You’ll have to cross the Chao Phraya River via taxi boat to get to Wat Arun
This is totally up to your schedule, if you dedicate a full day in your Bangkok Itinerary for exploring temples, then a full day temple tour in Bangkok will give you the chance to visit lesser known temples, learn more from your guide, and not feel rushed. Usually these full day temple tours are 6 -8 hours long and will include lunch and perhaps maybe dinner.
Half day temple tours are great if you’re short on time, usually they cover the main temples that I’ve mentioned earlier, the big 3. These half day tours last around 4 hours and often do not include lunch. Half day tours also mostly start during the morning.
Combo Experiences (Markets, Boat Rides, Food Tastings)
Yaowarat is a must visit for any foodie, the best Bangkok street food can be found here!
One thing I always look for when choosing the right temple tour in Bangkok is whether it includes any bonus attractions. Some of the best tours I’ve done include visits to local markets, boat rides and Tuk-tuk rides, or even a little excursion into Yaowarat for some street food tastings and that makes the experience so much more fun and memorable, and to mentioned a great value proposition.
For example, This Evening Bangkok Temple Tour, brings you to Wat Arun, and Wat Pho, as well as a Tuk-tuk joyride, and finally a stroll through Chinatown to eat some of Bangkok’s best street food.
Also if you're into photography like me or want to see Bangkok beyond just temples, these tours are great for that. Some full day temple tours in Bangkok even include short walking excursions through nearby neighborhoods, to learn more about daily life in Bangkok.
Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Guided Tour
Wat Arun during the day is pure and beautiful
The most iconic and best temples in Bangkok is of course the big 3: Grand Palace (+ Wat Phra Kaew), Wat Pho, and Wat Arun which sits just across the Chao Phraya River. This private group temple tour in Bangkok is a half day tour so expect the experience to be around 4-5 hours. This particular tour starts at 9:00 AM which I think is perfect because that’s when the weather is best to admire the temples, bright and sunny. Though I will say that come midday, the weather could become a slog, so bring an umbrella or a portable fan that you see all those Asian tourists carrying, marvelous piece of engineering that fan.
This temple tour in Bangkok includes a hotel pick up option, though only applicable in major districts, so be sure to double check, on the booking page. And admission tickets are also included if you choose that option. So the tour starts off at the Grand Palace, which was previously the official home of the Thai King, nowadays a ceremonial event center. Then you’ll be heading to Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), then Wat Pho to witness the grandeur of the giant Reclining Buddha, then finally your’ll cross over the Chao Phraya River on a fun taxi boat to see the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun.
Now I can’t go on without mentioning the tour guide, often with these guided tours, the tour guide is what makes or breaks the experience but I am happy to say that when I went on this tour my guide, Khun Kay, was so knowledgable and has a very fun personality, being a history buff myself, Khun Kay made learning about these famous temples in Bangkok so much fun.
Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Guided Tour Price and Value
Being a private group temple tour in Bangkok, you can expect the price to be a bit high, with the base price being 7,500 THB (or ~229 USD) for 1 adult, though the price gets way cheaper, the more people you have going, assuming you’ll split the cost of course. But I think the price is well worth it for the experience.
This price includes a roundtrip hotel transfer, Admission fees to the temples, an excellent English speaking tour guide, water, and a cold tower to cool you off. Not to mentioned the cost for transportation like the tuktuk and taxi boats are also included. So great value all in all.
Bangkok Wat Arun, Wat Pho & Chinatown Evening Tour
Wat Arun as the sun sets
If exploring the famous temples in Bangkok during the midday heat doesn’t sound appealing to you, how about a unique 5 hour private group evening temple tour in Bangkok?
This Bangkok Evening Tour with Wat Arun, Wat Pho & Tuk Tuk Ride is an absolute gem, You’ll be going to the previously mentioned Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, and very fitting the the name, you’ll be going to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn (or actually dusk…). In fact, witnessing the sun setting at Wat Arun is the highlight of the this temple tour in Bangkok. When the skies transition to dark, the temple illuminates with a warm golden glow that references the beauty of the once gold covered pagodas and spires of Wat Arun. The picture that I snapped above isn’t edited mind you! The golden lights against the dark blue clouds is what you’ll be able to witness come dusk.
Though a visit to the Grand Palace and the subsequent Wat Phra Kaew is not included as those temples unfortunately close in the afternoon.
And to end of your little evening temple excursion, you’ll get to ride the iconic Tuk-Tuk to Yaowarat, the largest Chinatown in the world! Though this is where the tour ends (it’s up to you to walk around and explore) I’ve written a whole blog post about eating in Yaowarat (check it out here), I’ve detailed all the most delicious street foods and restaurants that you must try, from Michelin fried Chinese Donuts or a beloved rice and curry stall, be prepared to eat some of the best street food in Bangkok at Yaowarat!
Bangkok Wat Arun, Wat Pho & Chinatown Evening Tour Price and Value
Again, since this is a private group, this temple tour in Bangkok starts at 4,239 THB for 1 adult (~ 130 USD), which I think is a great deal since what’s included are the Wat Pho entry ticket (THB 300), Wat Arun entry ticket (THB 200), Taxi boat tickets, Tuk-tuk ride, and of course an English speaking tour guide is also present. Though no hotel pick up. Good pricing, good tour.
Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour
Wat Phra Kaew, Temple of the Emerald Buddha
If you want to squeeze your Bangkok Itinerary full of activities and don’t wanna spend much time on exploring the temples then this City highlights temple tour in Bangkok is a quick 2-3 hour walking tour through all the big 3 temples as well as an optional stroll through a local market, plus another optional seafood lunch at River City Bangkok, an art centric mall on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
The tour starts at the aforementioned River City Bangkok mall to meet your English speaking guide and from there, you’ll head on over to the colorful Amulet Market via public transport before heading into the Grand Palace and start your walking tour through the palace compound as well as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Admission to the Grand Palace is included in the price, and you can add on Wat Pho and Wat Arun entry tickets if you want the full experience.
Again this is one of those temple tours in Bangkok where the guide makes the difference and I’m happy to say my guide at the time, Khun Meni was very fun and knowledgable, to be honest, I think all the tour guides in Bangkok are lovely, something about the hot tropical sun makes a person cheerful I guess, anyways can’t go wrong with any tour guide in Bangkok.
Bangkok: City Highlights Temple and Market Walking Tour Price and Value
This temple tour in Bangkok has 2 pricing options; a 1,363 THB/adult (~42 USD) package which is just the main highlights, Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, and the full 2,900 THB (89 USD) package which includes all that I’ve mentioned above, excluding the optional experiences.
I think that’s a great deal, especially if you don’t wanna spend too much time exploring temples, or you have a packed Bangkok Itinerary.
Bonus: Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour with Lunch
The iconic head of the Buddha encased in tree roots at What Maha That
Lastly, I know this isn’t really in Bangkok (1 hour away from the city) but it’s such an important historical site and a popular day trip when you’re visiting Bangkok. I’m of course talking about Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand.
This Ayutthaya Guided Tour with Lunch is one of the best temple tours to take from Bangkok. It’s a full-day (7-8 hours) group tour with an included air‑conditioned van straight to Ayutthaya, as well another one of the lovely English speaking tour guides in Bangkok. Oh and pickup and drop off is available, again double check the booking website if that service is available in your area.
The Ayutthaya Temple tour will of course bring you to various temple ruins across Ayutthaya and the historical park such as the Wat Lokaya Sutha and its massive, serene reclining Buddha, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the ceremonial heart of the old royal palace. Wat Maha That, famous for the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and finally Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a riverside temple that echoes the splendid grandeur of Angkor Wat.
Oh and I forgot to mention this tour includes all entrance fees, and an optional buffet lunch.
Ayutthaya Temples Guided Tour Price and Value
The base price for this Ayutthaya Temple Tour is 1,100 THB (34 USD) for one adult but doesn’t include the entrance fees and buffet lunch. For included tickets and buffet lunch the price is 1,500 THB (46 USD) per adult. Which I think is a pretty good deal, though that does come with the tour being a large group tour.
There is a private group tour package which is 8,500 THB (270 USD) per adult which includes hotel pick up, not bad pricing in my opinion.
Tips for Visiting Bangkok Temples
The reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, he looks so chill
Before heading out to any temple tours in Bangkok, there are some rules and etiquette you must follow, I know a lot of people are annoyed by rules but this is important as these places serve as sacred religious sites not just tourist attractions… Here are a few must-know tips that’ll help you integrate into Thai temple culture.
Dress modestly - Bangkok Temples (and all over Thailand) have a strict dress code. No shorts, sleeveless tops, skirts, or any skimpy clothing. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Applies to both men and women.
Take off your shoes - You’ll need to remove your shoes before entering any prayer halls or main buildings. Easy slip-ons make this way less annoying.
Be quiet and respectful - Keep your voice down, don’t point at Buddha statues, and avoid PDA. Temples are active places of worship, and any disturbances are frowned upon, selfie sticks are also unadvised.
Buddha Smuggling - Taking any antique or large products with the image of the Buddha on it out of Thailand is illegal unless you have the proper paperwork. Small objects like amulets or necklaces are fine.
Left foot in, right foot out - You might notice these “threshold steps” while going indoors. These are common features found in every temple in Bangkok, and even some houses. Protective spirits are inside, stepping on the steps will bring bad luck, so go in with your left foot, and out with your right.
If you want to learn more about the local Thai customs and culture, I have this handy dandy blog post about 50 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Thailand that you can check out.
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