Wat Pho, the Chao Phraya River and Chinatown: a Full Day in Old Bangkok
A full day in the older half of Bangkok. Start at Wat Pho and its 46-meter Reclining Buddha, take a public boat up the Chao Phraya, then walk into the lanes and street art of Talat Noi. After a local lunch, see the solid gold Buddha at Wat Traimit and finish in the crush of Sampheng Market, in the middle of Chinatown.
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Old Temples, the River and the Market: a Bangkok Chinatown Tour on Foot and by Boat
A Chinatown Grand Palace Wat Pho walking tour: three faces of the city in a single morning, the Chinatown that never sleeps, the palace that founded the city and the temple of the Reclining Buddha. You start in Chinatown, the liveliest quarter in the capital, among colourful markets, temples tucked down the lanes and street food stalls, with time to wander the alleys and take in the atmosphere. You continue to the Grand Palace, the former royal residence, and inside its walls to Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha: the most sacred image in Thailand, and the Thais treat it as such. You finish at Wat Pho, where the Reclining Buddha runs forty-six metres of gilded statue, and where the oldest school of traditional Thai massage in the country has its home. Pick-up is at 08:30 from your hotel in central Bangkok, with the return around 13:30. Admission to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho is included, as is the licensed guide, who leads the group in English. The tour is available as a private or a group departure.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFBKK10 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Bangkok |
| Duration | Full Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Private and Group |
| Guide Language | Italian, English, Multilingual |
| Interests | Culture & Temples, Food & Cuisine, Local Markets |
| Available Period | All year round |
| Availability | Departures every day |
Sample Itinerary
Indicative programme
08:30: Pick-up from your hotel in central Bangkok.
The liveliest quarter in the city: colourful markets, temples hidden down the lanes and street food on every corner. You walk without hurrying, among the stalls and the signs, with time to take in the atmosphere and wander the alleys.
The former royal residence and, inside the walls, Wat Phra Kaew, the temple that houses the Emerald Buddha: the most sacred image in Thailand, one that Thais stop in front of in silence. The entrance ticket is already included.
The temple of the Reclining Buddha: forty-six metres of gilded statue, covered in gold leaf, filling almost the whole hall that holds it. The same complex is home to the oldest school of traditional Thai massage in the country. Here too the ticket is included.
13:30: Return transfer to your hotel.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in central Bangkok
- Grand Palace admission (THB 500 per person)
- Wat Pho admission (THB 300 per person)
- Accident insurance
Not Included
- Breakfast, lunch and drinks
- Purchases and souvenirs
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Useful Tips
- To enter the temples you need covered shoulders and trousers or a skirt below the knee. Short skirts and shorts, sleeveless shirts and ripped or tight clothing are not allowed. At the Grand Palace the check is strict and without the right clothing you cannot go in: a scarf is worth bringing.
- Comfortable shoes that are easy to slip off, for entering the temples
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Bring cash in baht for lunch and small purchases
- In the temples keep your voice down, do not photograph the statues without asking and do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha
- On national holidays the Grand Palace may have restricted access
Notes
Runs every day, leaving at 08:30 and back around 13:30. Hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
The group option takes up to 36 guests.
Admission to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho is already included in the price.
To enter the temples you need covered shoulders and trousers or a skirt below the knee. Short skirts and shorts, sleeveless shirts and ripped or tight clothing are not allowed.
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 receive a refund for the excursion you were unable to take. Bank and collection fees on online payments are not refundable.
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.
