Marble Temple, Golden Mount Sunset and Street Food on Banthat Thong
A four-hour evening tour that pairs historic temples with the street where Bangkok eats now. See Wat Benchamabophit, faced in white Carrara marble, watch the sun go down from the Golden Mount, pass the red Giant Swing at Wat Suthat, then finish over street food on Banthat Thong, the road that has taken the crown from Chinatown among locals.
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From the Marble Temple to Street Food on Banthat Thong: an Evening Across Two Bangkoks
This afternoon holds the two sides of Bangkok that rarely appear on the same itinerary: the unhurried old capital and the food culture the city is building right now. It opens at Wat Benchamabophit, the Marble Temple, commissioned by King Rama V and faced with white marble shipped from Carrara, in Italy, where Thai temple architecture meets European stained glass.
Then the light starts to go and we climb the spiral steps of Wat Saket, the Golden Mount, for one of the widest sunsets in the capital. After dark we stop at the Giant Swing standing in front of Wat Suthat, and from there the scene changes completely. Banthat Thong Road runs beside Chulalongkorn University, and within a few years it has overtaken Chinatown as the place young Bangkokians go to eat: a long row of open-front kitchens and stalls under neon, several of them listed by the Michelin Guide. You pick what you want to try and how much you want to spend.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFBKK09 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Bangkok |
| Duration | Half Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Private |
| Guide Language | Italian, English, Multilingual |
| Interests | Culture & Temples, Food & Cuisine, Local Markets |
| Available Period | All year round |
| Availability | Daily |
Sample Itinerary
Pickup from your hotel reception. Depending on what you prefer, we travel between the stops in a comfortable private vehicle or on the local public transport, so you are inside the rhythm of the capital from the first minute.
The afternoon opens at one of the most unusual temples in the city. Worth knowing: it is called the “Marble Temple” because its outer walls were built in fine white marble brought in from Carrara, in Italy, on the orders of King Rama V. The architecture is a deliberate mix of classical Thai form and European detail, down to the stained-glass windows.
We then move into the old town for the gentle spiral climb of Wat Saket, with gongs and Tibetan bells sounding along the steps. Worth knowing: this artificial hill, topped by a large gilded stupa, was once the highest point in Bangkok. We arrive at the top at the best hour of the day, with the whole city spread out under the colors of sunset.
After sunset we reach nearby Wat Suthat, a grand temple compound holding centuries-old murals and a colossal seated Buddha. Worth knowing: the celebrated Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha) rises just outside the entrance, a tall red frame once used for dangerous Brahmin ceremonies in honor of Shiva. Under the evening lights, and without the morning crowds, the place feels like a different temple.
We leave the quiet of the temples for the noise of Banthat Thong Road. This street next to Chulalongkorn University has become the new capital of street food in Bangkok, ahead of Chinatown among students and locals. Worth knowing: under the neon you will find dozens of stalls and open-front restaurants, a number of them recognized by the Michelin Guide, and it is the easiest place in the city to taste real Thai street cooking.
The tour closes at the end of the street. Transfer back to your hotel, or stay on in Banthat Thong if you would rather carry the evening on by yourself.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- English-speaking assistance
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Transfers (private vehicle or public transport, as you prefer)
- Entrance fees to the sites visited
Not Included
- Tips
- Dinner, tastings and street food along Banthat Thong Road (left open so you choose what you want to try)
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether an excursion is right for me?
Every tour and activity is described in detail in your personalized itinerary. For each excursion you will find precise information on:
- Difficulty level: easy, moderate or demanding.
- Duration: from half a day to a full day.
- Requirements: minimum level of fitness, recommended age and accessibility.
Please also bear in mind that sea excursions by speedboat are usually not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart or back problems. Travelers with disabilities should be accompanied by someone who can assist them when needed. If you have any doubts or specific requirements, your Travel Consultant is always at your disposal for personalized advice.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Safety is our priority. If weather conditions make an activity dangerous or inadvisable, the excursion will be:
- Rescheduled: we will try to move the activity to another day of your trip.
- Replaced: if rescheduling is not possible, we will offer an alternative activity of equal value.
- Refunded: if neither rescheduling nor replacement is possible, you will receive a full refund for the excursion you were unable to take.
Please remember that rain during the wet season rarely spoils an entire day. You will always be informed in advance of any changes.
What are the pick-up times?
All meeting and pick-up details are clearly stated in your final travel documents (which you receive about 3 weeks before departure).
- Time: we will let you know the exact pick-up time. Please be ready at the agreed place at least 15 minutes beforehand.
- Pick-up point: in most cases the pick-up takes place directly in the lobby of your accommodation (if it lies within the areas covered by the service). If it does not, we will tell you the nearest meeting point.
What should I bring with me on the excursions?
For every excursion we provide a list of recommended items. In general, we always suggest:
- Suitable clothing: for example, long pants and no low-cut tops when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, light and breathable clothes for hot areas, a swimsuit, or comfortable shoes for light trekking.
- Protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Hydration: water, especially on hot days.
- Vouchers and documents: where required, a copy (digital or printed) of your booking voucher.
Are meals or drinks included during the tours?
It depends on the excursion. The description of each tour in your itinerary clearly states whether the following are included:
- Lunch, dinner or snacks.
- Water or other drinks.
If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know when you book, so that we can inform our local partners in advance.
Can I cancel or change a single excursion?
Yes, but specific terms apply. Cancellation and amendment conditions vary from one activity to another.
You will find the exact details for each excursion in the Terms and Conditions attached to your quotation. If you need to make a change or a cancellation, please write to us at info@thailandfantastic.com as soon as possible.
Are young children and infants allowed?
It depends on the activity. Some excursions, especially those by boat or those requiring physical effort, may have age or height restrictions for safety reasons. Any such restriction is stated in the tour description.
Please always tell us the exact age of every participant, children in particular, when you request a quotation.
