Highlights
- Take in sweeping Old Town views from the top of the Golden Mount
- Drift through Bangkok’s canals, ride a tuk-tuk, and explore on foot
- Step inside the Grand Palace and feel Thailand’s royal heritage
- See the Emerald Buddha and hear the stories behind its importance
- Wander Wat Pho’s courtyards and meet the iconic Reclining Buddha
Description
This is the Bangkok you came for: real canal life, great city views, and the royal landmarks everyone wants to see. Join Discova’s freshly upgraded classic Bangkok experience as you move from the canals to one of the city’s best viewpoints at the Golden Mount, and then on to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, completing a route that brings Bangkok’s most iconic areas together in one perfect experience.
Meet your guide at BTS Ratchathewi Exit 1 & 3 (bus stop near BTS Ratchathewi Exit 1 & 3) then take a short walk to Hua Chang Pier. If you book the Private Tour option, your journey begins with a private hotel transfer by van to Hua Chang Pier. Hop on a public boat and glide along Saen Saep, passing through local Muslim communities around the Jim Thompson house that have lived along the canal for generations. Then, step off near the edge of the Old Town and walk into a different Bangkok. Along the way, we’ll pass near sections tied to the original town walls and a small white fort, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a monitor lizard cruising the water at a canal crossroads.
Then it’s time for one of the best views in the city: Wat Saket, the Golden Mount. Climb the winding steps, ring the bells, and watch the skyline open up in every direction! Your guide keeps it light but meaningful: a simple introduction to Buddhist symbols you’ll see throughout the day, and why this hilltop temple is known as the “Golden Mountain.”
From here, jump into a classic tuk-tuk ride and head straight to Bangkok’s royal heart: arriving at the Grand Palace, your licensed guide leads you through the most important sections of Thailand’s former royal residence, including visiting the revered Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred image. By the end of the visit, you will understand why such a small image holds such deep importance in Thai culture. After exploring the palace, continue on foot to nearby Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and most significant temple complexes. Visit the hall of the Reclining Buddha, then continue through courtyards lined with chedis and murals as your guide leads you beyond the main statue to explore the wider temple grounds and understand why Wat Pho holds such an important place in Thai Buddhist tradition.
Your tour ends at Wat Pho, but this part of Bangkok is perfect to keep exploring on your own. You can stay in the area for a relaxed lunch at a riverside café with views of Wat Arun, or simply hop on the quick ferry across the river if you’d like to visit it. From here, you’re in one of the most walkable and atmospheric corners of the Old Town!
Note: If you booked the Private Tour, you may follow our tour guide, who will ensure a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.
Includes
English-speaking guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (available for Private Tour only)
Admission fee
Tuk-tuk ride
Drinking water
Public transportation fee during the tour
Excludes
Gratuities
Meal
Important Information
- Please kindly provide the full name of each participant for insurance purposes
- Dress code at the Grand Palace: Shoulders and knees must be covered, and long trousers are required. If needed, appropriate clothing can be purchased from vendors outside the entrance before entering
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
