Lonely Planet Experiences Private Bangkok Tour: Temple & River of Kings
Bangkok, Thailand
Office phone number: +66 (0) 92 906 7575
Lonely Planet Experiences Private Bangkok Tour: Temple & River of Kings
Bangkok, Thailand
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
In between the skyscrapers, towers, traffic and buzz of humanity, Bangkok hides a secret: a network of waterways that you can travel on without the stress of fighting traffic. Join this private Bangkok tour to ride a longtail boat along the canals to see another side of Thailand's relentless capital.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of four travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for four travellers.
Experience the best travel stories for yourself. Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world's leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
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Highlights
- Feel like a king on the River of Kings, gliding through the waters of the Chao Phraya River on a longtail boat
- Experience famous sights and hidden gems through the eyes of a local
- Prepare to be wowed by Bangkok’s Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho
- Marvel at the dazzling Grand Palace and revered Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew
- Discover secret Thai communities that live amongst the ‘khlongs’ or canals
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- This tour hires local longtail boatmen who own their own boats directly. These boatmen rely on tourism to supplement their income as modern transport routes mean fewer locals need to use their boats.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Meeting point:
Inside Sanam Chai MRT station at the bottom of the escalators of Exit 1 (Museum Siam).
If you come by taxi please enter the MRT station in the grounds of Museum Siam and go down 2 sets of escalators.
- Starting time: 8.30 AM
- Ending point:
Wat Pho
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, entrance fees as indicated, transport as indicated.
Exclusions: Drop off transfer, items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for drivers or guide.
Forget your guidebook — the real stuff comes from the mouths of the locals! Explore some famous landmarks as well as hidden gems on this Bangkok day tour that takes you through the city by boat and on foot.
You’ll begin this private Bangkok tour by walking to the pier, where you’ll board a longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River, also known as the River of Kings. The name of the river perfectly reflects this part of the tour; you’ll feel like royalty on your relaxing journey! This river is also the reason why Bangkok is known as the ‘Venice of the East,’ and you’ll explore this nickname further as you glide through the network of khlongs, or canals. Many of the khlongs have been filled in over the years and converted into roads. These roads have turned into little Thai communities, and as you swoop through the waters you’ll discover insights into these neighbourhoods. This area of Bangkok feels like a world away from the busy streets and chaos, and a welcome break from the bustling city centre!
You’ll continue by heading over to the Grand Palace. Strolling through the palace grounds feels like walking through an Asian version of Alice in Wonderland — the buildings are so beautiful they almost don’t feel real. But bet your bottom dollar, they’re real alright! Your local guide will tell you all about the history behind the palace and the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew. This place is considered to be the spiritual centre of the nation, making it a visit that you cannot afford to miss.
From one beautiful temple to another, you’ll move on to Wat Pho, another temple that is integral to the Buddhist religion in Thailand. It’s home to the famous golden reclining Buddha and is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. This is one of the most popular things to do in Bangkok, and with our local guide to take your through the temples, you’ll hear all the secret stories and local knowledge about the place.
Your private tour will finish up at Wat Pho, from where you can continue to explore, or your local guide will be happy to give you directions back to your accommodation. This tour shows you a truly unique side of the city that you won’t find on any of the other day tours in Bangkok, and it gives you the opportunity to visit both famous sights and hidden spots, exploring them through the eyes of a local.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of four travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for four travellers.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, entrance fees as indicated, transport as indicated.
Exclusions: Drop off transfer, items of a personal nature, tips / gratuities for drivers or guide.
Dress standard: Dress requirements to enter the Grand Palace are very strict. Please ensure your clothes cover your shoulders and waist (scarves or shawls worn over sleeveless tops are not permitted). Trousers must be ankle-length, and skirts below the knee. Please do not wear ripped, torn or see-through clothes or items that are very tight fitting such as yoga pants or leggings.Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot and humid Bangkok climate.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Closure of sites: The order of touring and route of the khlong (canal) tour may change depending on the water levels in the river and individual khlongs.
Child Policy: Children under the age of 6 are not permitted to join this tour. For children above that age, please count them as an adult.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +66 (0) 92 906 7575
Email address: info@bangkokurbanadventures.com
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