ESSENCES OF BANGKOK : TEMPLES + CANALS AND CHINATOWN

GRAND PALACE

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) We will explore the jewel in Thailand's crown. We will admire the celestial architecture of the Grand Palace and the most sacred piece of the country: the Emerald Buddha, carved from a single piece of jade.

The Grand Palace is not just a monument; it is the spiritual and architectural symbol of Thailand. Built in 1782, served as the official residence of the kings of the Chakri dynasty for 150 years.

• Dazzling Architecture: The complex is a labyrinth of courtyards, courtrooms and temples with multicolored tiled roofs and golden towers soaring skyward.

• Points of Interest: During the tour, you will see the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Room, where the Italian Renaissance style blends with traditional Thai roofs, and the imposing Yakshas (guardian demons) guarding the gates.

WAT PHRA KAEW AND THE EMERALD BUDDHA

Inside the palace enclosure is the Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred temple in all of Thailand.

• The National Treasury: In its interior resides the Emerald Buddha, a figure of about 66 cm carved out of a single block of green jade (despite his name). He is considered the protector of the Thai nation.

• The Royal Ritual: It is so sacred that only the King of Thailand can touch it. Three times a year, coinciding with the change of seasons (summer, rain and winter), the monarch presides over a solemn ceremony to change his solid gold robes.

• Ramakien murals: The galleries surrounding the temple are decorated with exquisite murals that tell the epic story of the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana.

WAT PHO

We will visit the oldest temple in Bangkok, home to the impressive 46-meter long Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf, and cradle of traditional Thai massage.

WAT PHO : THE TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA

Located just south of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (officially Wat Phra Chetuphon) is one of the largest and oldest temple complexes in Bangkok. It is world famous for housing Thailand's most impressive Buddha statue.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VISIT

• The Giant Reclining Buddha: This colossal statue measures 46 meters long and 15 meters high. It represents the Buddha's entrance to Nirvana.

• Unique detail: The soles of the statue's feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl and display 108 auspicious symbols that identify the true Buddha.

• Cradle of Thai Massage: Wat Pho is considered Thailand's first public university and the world center of traditional Thai massage. You will see inscriptions and stone statues in yoga postures that served as anatomy manuals centuries ago.

• The Four Royal Chedis: The main courtyard features four huge stupas decorated with colorful porcelain tiles, dedicated to the first four kings of the Chakri dynasty.

• The 108 Bronze Vessels: Around the Reclining Buddha you will see a row of bowls. Visitors buy a small bag of coins and drop one in each bowl to attract good luck and help with the upkeep of the temple. The constant metallic sound creates a hypnotic atmosphere.

WAT ARUN

We will cross the Chao Phraya River to admire the iconic silhouette of Wat Arun, decorated with thousands of pieces of Chinese porcelain shining in the sun.

WAT ARUN : THE TEMPLE OF DAWN

Located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River (in the Thonburi area), Wat Arun is one of Thailand's most iconic landmarks. Its silhouette is so iconic that it appears on 10 Baht coins.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VISIT

• The Great Prang (Central Tower): This impressive Khmer-style tower is more than 70 meters high. It is meticulously decorated with millions of pieces of multicolored Chinese porcelain and seashells that were once used as ballast on ships coming from China.

• Spiritual Symbolism: The temple represents Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu-Buddhist cosmology. The four smaller towers surrounding it are dedicated to the god of wind, Phra Phai.

• Stone Guardians: Upon entering the main enclosure, you will be greeted by two gigantic guardian demons (Yakshas), one white and one green, guarding the entrance to the ordination hall.

• Panoramic Views: You are allowed to climb part of the steep stairs of the central tower. From there, you will have a privileged view of the river, the Grand Palace and the skyscrapers of Bangkok in the background.

KLONG CHANNEL

BIG BUDDHA AND THONBURI CANALS

( BOAT RIDE)

After visiting the main temples, we will move away from the asphalt to climb up to a private longtail boat. We will cruise along the klongs (canals) of Thonburi, discovering the most authentic and wild Bangkok without going ashore, enjoying the breeze of the river.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BOAT TRIP

• The Majestic Great Buddha (Wat Paknam): From the comfort of our boat, we will witness one of the most impressive views in Asia. We will see how the colossal 69-meter-high golden Buddha emerges over the wooden rooftops. The perspective from the water is undoubtedly the best for capturing spectacular photographs of its magnitude.

• Encounter with the Monitor Lizards: Keep your camera ready, as it is very common to see the famous monitor lizards (Monitor Lizards) lounging in the sun on the piers or swimming stealthily through the canal. These reptiles, which can grow to over two meters, are the prehistoric guardians of Bangkok's canals.

• Life on Water: We will observe the daily life of the locals who still live in wooden houses on stilts. We will see small floating sanctuaries, improvised vertical gardens and, if we are lucky, a vendor in his own boat offering fruits or handicrafts.

• Architectural Contrast: The tour allows us to see the transition between ancient temples decorated with porcelain and humble traditional dwellings, all under the shadow of the Big Buddha that dominates the skyline of Thonburi.

CHINA TOWN

CHINATOWN (YAOWARAT) : THE PERFECT ENDING

After disembarking, we will immerse ourselves in the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, the most vibrant Chinatown in the world and a labyrinth of commerce and tradition.

• Alley Markets: We will walk through the narrow corridors of Talaat Mai, where the aroma of Chinese spices, exotic teas and medicinal herbs fills the air. It is the ideal place to observe local commerce at its purest.

• Sensory Explosion: Yaowarat is a spectacle of neon signs, incense-filled Chinese temples and street food stalls preparing delicacies for all to see. Your guide will explain the history of this community that has been the commercial engine of the city for more than two centuries.

• Street Photography: Every corner of Chinatown offers a unique opportunity to capture the essence of Bangkok: the organized chaos, the tuk-tuks meandering among the people and the mix of cultures.

PAK KLONG TALAT

PAK KHLONG TALAT : FLOWER MARKET

Before embarking to the canals, we will dive into Thailand's largest fresh flower market. It is a place full of life where the senses are awakened among mountains of petals and intense fragrances.

MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

• A Sea of Colors: You will see thousands of exotic orchids, roses of all colors and, above all, the iconic yellow marigolds and jasmine garlands that Thais use as offerings in the temples we just visited.

• Floral Crafts: You will observe the skilled local vendors creating the Phuang Malai (traditional garlands) with incredible skill. It is a centuries-old art that is still alive in every corner of the market.

• Total Authenticity: Unlike other tourist markets, this is a real food market. You will see the hustle and bustle of tricycles loaded to the top and florists preparing orders for hotels and temples throughout the city.

• The Natural «Photocall»: It is, without a doubt, one of the most Instagrammable spots on the tour. The narrow aisles flanked by baskets of fresh flowers provide a spectacular backdrop for your travel photos.

Quality Guarantee on the Tour of Les Incontournables in Bangkok with Panda Phuket Tour

When contracting the Les Incontournables in Bangkok with Panda Phuket Tourwe assure you an exceptional quality experience. We are committed to offer you a personalized service, with expert guides and safe and comfortable boats, so that you can enjoy this natural wonder to the fullest. With our attention to detail, you will be able to explore the bay in a peaceful and carefree environment, knowing that your safety and satisfaction are our priority. Trust us for an unforgettable experience in one of Thailand's most iconic destinations!

SUMMARY OF THE PRIVATE TOUR SERVICE

Category : Service Details

Key Points : Gran Palace, Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Flower Market, Wat Arun, Thonburi Canals and Chinatown.

Special Experience : Private navigation overlooking the Great Buddha of Wat Paknam and sighting of monitor lizards from the boat.

Guide Included : Professional official guide with language option English or French.

Transportation : Pick up and drop off at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle + Private boat ride long-tailed.

Not Included : Entrance to monuments and temples, food and beverages.

TO SEE THE PRICE BY BOOKING TODAY, CHOOSE THE DAY YOU WANT TO DO THE ACTIVITY AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE. 

BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR AN AUTOMATIC DISCOUNT

SECURE YOUR RESERVATION AT THE BEST PRICE, LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE.

BANGKOK'S MUST-SEES

🗺️ITINERARIO FORECAST

We start the day with the convenience of having our professional guide and driver pick you up in the lobby of your hotel.

GRAND PALACE

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) We will explore the jewel in Thailand's crown. We will admire the celestial architecture of the Grand Palace and the most sacred piece of the country: the Emerald Buddha, carved from a single piece of jade.

The Grand Palace is not just a monument; it is the spiritual and architectural symbol of Thailand. Built in 1782, served as the official residence of the kings of the Chakri dynasty for 150 years.

• Dazzling Architecture: The complex is a labyrinth of courtyards, courtrooms and temples with multicolored tiled roofs and golden towers soaring skyward.

• Points of Interest: During the tour, you will see the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Room, where the Italian Renaissance style blends with traditional Thai roofs, and the imposing Yakshas (guardian demons) guarding the gates.

WAT PHRA KAEW AND THE EMERALD BUDDHA

Inside the palace enclosure is the Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred temple in all of Thailand.

• The National Treasury: In its interior resides the Emerald Buddha, a figure of about 66 cm carved out of a single block of green jade (despite his name). He is considered the protector of the Thai nation.

• The Royal Ritual: It is so sacred that only the King of Thailand can touch it. Three times a year, coinciding with the change of seasons (summer, rain and winter), the monarch presides over a solemn ceremony to change his solid gold robes.

• Ramakien murals: The galleries surrounding the temple are decorated with exquisite murals that tell the epic story of the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana.

WAT PHO

We will visit the oldest temple in Bangkok, home to the impressive 46-meter long Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf, and cradle of traditional Thai massage.

WAT PHO : THE TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA

Located just south of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (officially Wat Phra Chetuphon) is one of the largest and oldest temple complexes in Bangkok. It is world famous for housing Thailand's most impressive Buddha statue.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VISIT

• The Giant Reclining Buddha: This colossal statue measures 46 meters long and 15 meters high. It represents the Buddha's entrance to Nirvana.

• Unique detail: The soles of the statue's feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl and display 108 auspicious symbols that identify the true Buddha.

• Cradle of Thai Massage: Wat Pho is considered Thailand's first public university and the world center of traditional Thai massage. You will see inscriptions and stone statues in yoga postures that served as anatomy manuals centuries ago.

• The Four Royal Chedis: The main courtyard features four huge stupas decorated with colorful porcelain tiles, dedicated to the first four kings of the Chakri dynasty.

• The 108 Bronze Vessels: Around the Reclining Buddha you will see a row of bowls. Visitors buy a small bag of coins and drop one in each bowl to attract good luck and help with the upkeep of the temple. The constant metallic sound creates a hypnotic atmosphere.

WAT ARUN

We will cross the Chao Phraya River to admire the iconic silhouette of Wat Arun, decorated with thousands of pieces of Chinese porcelain shining in the sun.

WAT ARUN : THE TEMPLE OF DAWN

Located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River (in the Thonburi area), Wat Arun is one of Thailand's most iconic landmarks. Its silhouette is so iconic that it appears on 10 Baht coins.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE VISIT

• The Great Prang (Central Tower): This impressive Khmer-style tower is more than 70 meters high. It is meticulously decorated with millions of pieces of multicolored Chinese porcelain and seashells that were once used as ballast on ships coming from China.

• Spiritual Symbolism: The temple represents Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu-Buddhist cosmology. The four smaller towers surrounding it are dedicated to the god of wind, Phra Phai.

• Stone Guardians: Upon entering the main enclosure, you will be greeted by two giant guardian demons (Yakshas), one white and one green, who guard the entrance to the ordination hall.

• Panoramic Views: You are allowed to climb part of the steep stairs of the central tower. From there, you will have a privileged view of the river, the Grand Palace and the skyscrapers of Bangkok in the background.

KLONG CHANNEL

BIG BUDDHA AND THONBURI CANALS (BOAT RIDE)

After visiting the main temples, we will move away from the asphalt to climb up to a private longtail boat. We will cruise along the klongs (canals) of Thonburi, discovering the most authentic and wild Bangkok without going ashore, enjoying the breeze of the river.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BOAT TRIP

• The Majestic Great Buddha (Wat Paknam): From the comfort of our boat, we will witness one of the most impressive views in Asia. We will see how the colossal 69-meter-high golden Buddha emerges over the wooden rooftops. The perspective from the water is undoubtedly the best for capturing spectacular photographs of its magnitude.

• Encounter with the Monitor Lizards: Keep your camera ready, as it is very common to see the famous monitor lizards (Monitor Lizards) lounging in the sun on the piers or swimming stealthily through the canal. These reptiles, which can grow to over two meters, are the prehistoric guardians of Bangkok's canals.

• Life on Water: We will observe the daily life of the locals who still live in wooden houses on stilts. We will see small floating sanctuaries, improvised vertical gardens and, if we are lucky, a vendor in his own boat offering fruits or handicrafts.

• Architectural Contrast: The tour allows us to see the transition between ancient temples decorated with porcelain and humble traditional dwellings, all under the shadow of the Big Buddha that dominates the skyline of Thonburi.

PAK KLONG TALAT

Before embarking to the canals, we will dive into Thailand's largest fresh flower market. It is a place full of life where the senses are awakened among mountains of petals and intense fragrances.

MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

• A Sea of Colors: You will see thousands of exotic orchids, roses of all colors and, above all, the iconic yellow marigolds and jasmine garlands that Thais use as offerings in the temples we just visited.

• Floral Crafts: You will observe the skilled local salespeople creating the Phuang Malai (traditional garlands) with incredible skill. It is a centuries-old art that is still alive in every corner of the market.

• Total Authenticity: Unlike other tourist markets, this is a real food market. You will see the hustle and bustle of tricycles loaded to the top and florists preparing orders for hotels and temples throughout the city.

• The Natural «Photocall»: It is, without a doubt, one of the most Instagrammable spots on the tour. The narrow aisles flanked by baskets of fresh flowers provide a spectacular backdrop for your travel photos.

Quality Guarantee on the Tour of Les Incontournables in Bangkok with Panda Phuket Tour

When contracting the Les Incontournables in Bangkok with Panda Phuket Tourwe assure you an exceptional quality experience. We are committed to offer you a personalized service, with expert guides and safe and comfortable boats, so that you can enjoy this natural wonder to the fullest. With our attention to detail, you will be able to explore the bay in a peaceful and carefree environment, knowing that your safety and satisfaction are our priority. Trust us for an unforgettable experience in one of Thailand's most iconic destinations!

CHINA TOWN

CHINATOWN (YAOWARAT) : THE PERFECT ENDING

After disembarking, we will immerse ourselves in the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, the most vibrant Chinatown in the world and a labyrinth of commerce and tradition.

• Alley Markets: We will walk through the narrow corridors of the Talaat Mai, where the aroma of Chinese spices, exotic teas and medicinal herbs fills the air. It is the ideal place to observe local commerce at its purest.

• Sensory Explosion: Yaowarat is a spectacle of neon signs, incense-filled Chinese temples and street food stalls preparing delicacies for all to see. Your guide will explain the history of this community that has been the commercial engine of the city for more than two centuries.

• Street Photography: Every corner of Chinatown offers a unique opportunity to capture the essence of Bangkok: the organized chaos, the tuk-tuks meandering among the people and the mix of cultures.

SUMMARY OF THE PRIVATE TOUR SERVICE

Service Details

Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Flower Market, Wat Arun, Thonburi Canals and Chinatown.

Private navigation overlooking the Great Buddha of Wat Paknam and sighting of monitor lizardsfrom the boat.

Professional official guide with language option English either French.

Pick up and drop off at your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle + Private boat ride long-tailed.

Entrance fees to monuments and temples, meals and beverages.

TO SEE THE PRICE BY BOOKING TODAY, CHOOSE THE DAY YOU WANT TO DO THE ACTIVITY AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE. 

BOOK IN ADVANCE FOR AN AUTOMATIC DISCOUNT

SECURE YOUR RESERVATION AT THE BEST PRICE, LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE.