Short answer
Which sights do we visit?
The Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), which you reach by ferry across the river.
At Wat Pho, walk down the side of the Reclining Buddha to its feet: the soles are 3 metres high and inlaid with mother-of-pearl in 108 panels of lucky symbols, and along the corridor behind it 108 bronze bowls wait for coins. Visitors drop a coin in each bowl for good fortune. This guide covers the Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun Tour from the meeting point to the last stop — the mood, the route and the tips guides mention in passing.
What makes the Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun Tour worth your time
The group meets in the morning, at about 8:30 am, at a central point in Bangkok near the Grand Palace. The guide takes you through the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, then on foot to Wat Pho for the Reclining Buddha, and by ferry across the Chao Phraya River to Wat Arun. The ferry brings you back to the Grand Palace side of the river and the tour ends after about 4 hours. Times are approximate and depend on the queues and on the day.
Route highlights at a glance
The standout moments of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun Tour.
- Emerald Buddha — At Wat Phra Kaew, regarded as the most sacred temple in Thailand, the 66 cm Emerald Buddha sits on a high gilded pedestal and is dressed in gold for each of three seasons.
- Reclining Buddha — At Wat Pho the golden Buddha is 46 metres long and 15 metres high, and the soles of its feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl in 108 panels.
- Wat Arun by ferry — A short ferry ride takes you across the Chao Phraya River to the Temple of Dawn, whose central prang is decorated with porcelain and shells.
- Tickets included — Entrance to the Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun is in the price, worth 1,000 baht at the gate.
How the day unfolds, step by step
The route in order; exact start times and what shifts by season are in the schedule.
- Meeting point near the Grand Palace — Meet your guide at about 8:30 am at a central point by the river; the exact place and time are confirmed with your booking.
- Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew — Walk through the royal palace grounds and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha with the guide, about 1.5 hours.
- Wat Pho — The 46-metre Reclining Buddha with mother-of-pearl feet, and the tiled chedis of the temple, about 1 hour.
- Ferry across the river — A short ferry crossing of the Chao Phraya River to the Thonburi side.
- Wat Arun — The Temple of Dawn: the central prang covered in porcelain and shells, with a view back over the river.
- Back to the river bank — The ferry returns you across the river and the tour ends after about 4 hours, around 12:30 pm; taxis and the Chao Phraya Express Boat are close by.
Insider tips
The details a guide mentions on the day — worth knowing before it.
- Entrance tickets are included (1,000 baht at the gate), so you only need cash for tips, water and snacks.
- Cover shoulders and knees: the Grand Palace turns away sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts and tight or see-through clothes.
- Wear shoes that are easy to slip off, because shoes come off before the halls at Wat Pho.
- Check the palace calendar for your date: it closes for royal ceremonies, sometimes at noon.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and water: most of the visit is outdoors in the sun.
- Bangkok traffic is heavy: the BTS and the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang pier are an easy way to reach the meeting point on time.
Best time of year
November to February is the most comfortable time for walking between the temples; from March to May it is very hot, so the morning start helps, and in the rainy season showers are usually short.
Whether it is worth the money and what the price covers is in why book it.
Questions and answers
Which sights do we visit?
The Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), which you reach by ferry across the river.
What should I wear?
Cover your shoulders and knees. The Grand Palace does not allow sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts, or see-through, tight or torn clothes. Trousers or a long skirt and a T-shirt with sleeves are the easiest, with shoes that slip off easily.
How long does the tour take?
About 4 hours, from the meeting point back to the river bank after Wat Arun.
What time does the tour start?
In the morning from a central meeting point near the Grand Palace, from about 8:30 am. The exact time is confirmed with your booking.
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- Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun Tour — From $75 per person