Bangkok Temple Tour: Explore the River of Kings by Longtail Boat
4.6
132 Ratings
Khwaeng Somdet Chao Phraya
Embark on a thrilling temple tour in Bangkok, cruising along the Chao Phraya River on a longtail boat. Explore iconic landmarks like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, and uncover hidden gems in the city's canals.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Sanam Chai - 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.
  • Chao Phraya River - You’ll begin this 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!
  • The Grand Palace - 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.
  • Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan - 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 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.

What's Included
  • Visit the revered Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew
  • Explore Bangkok by boat and on foot
  • Board a longtail boat down the River of Kings
  • Experience famous sights and hidden gems with a local guide
  • Marvel at the Grand Palace
  • Receive tips on local attractions and cuisine
  • Visit Wat Pho, a key temple in Thai Buddhism
  • Guided by a friendly local English-speaking guide
What's Not Included
  • Hotel Transfers
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Experience regality on the Chao Phraya River, sailing on a longtail boat. Witness renowned landmarks and unexplored spots from a local perspective. Be prepared to be mesmerized by Wat Pho, Bangkok’s Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Gaze in awe at the glittering Grand Palace and the worshiped Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew. Find out about the covert Thai societies that inhabit the ‘khlongs’ or canals.

  • Minimum age is 6 years
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • While we strongly recommend that all travellers are vaccinated against COVID-19 to reduce the risk of transmission and avoid putting undue strain on healthcare services, vaccinations are not a requirement to join an Urban Adventures tour.
Location
Sanam Chai
ถนน พระปกเกล้า
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.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(132 Ratings)
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Christ590
Oct 6, 2023
Great tour! - We completed this tour yesterday with our teenage family. We had a great day, very enjoyable and informative. Our guide ‘Ole’ was excellent; very knowledgeable, personable, professional and fun. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracy_e
May 30, 2023
Great tour!! - We had a great day seeing some of Bangkok’s most beautiful sites. The Grand Palace and Temple were amazing and we enjoyed learning about the history and meaning of different things. We loved the boat and tuk tuk rides and had the best guide, Pam. We would highly recommend!!
Review provided by Viator
Fellowtraveler281804
Apr 25, 2023
Amazing tour - I loved the longtail boat ride and the Queen’s textile exhibit. Everything was amazing and Apple was a great guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paige_a
Apr 22, 2023
Guide that felt like family - Absolutely fantastic tour! I was the only person signed up so I got a totally private and customized tour :) my guide shared so much interesting information, and even got me snack and water along the way. It was extremely hot on the day of the tour (42C) but well worth it!!
Review provided by Viator
675roxanneh
Apr 8, 2023
Nice experience - Recommend this tour, covers a good amount of places. Carry water and wear appropriate clothes. Couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Apple. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_g
Mar 12, 2023
Great intro to Bangkok - Great introduction to some of Bangkok’s main attractions. Our guide Pam was friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. It was great to see the city from the river during the longboat ride. The Grand Palace is a big area with a lot of significant places, so you do a lot of walking. (Be prepared.) The air conditioned bus ride to Wat Pho, although short, was a welcome relief from the heat. Overall, a great tour for anyone who can handle a lot of walking in hot weather.
Review provided by Viator
Mazack
Mar 11, 2023
A great mix of experience - One of the best tour I have joined in my years of travelling. The tour has little bit of everything. Walking, tuktuk, longtail boat and live traditional dance show. It covers temples, palace, river and a royal theatre. I was lucky that no other people joined so it became like a private tour. Tour guide Pamela is such an angel! She is knowledgeable, very attentive and caring. And she takes great photos! She knows where are the great angles and where I should be positioned to get great snapshots. I never felt rushed and in the end she helped me at the metro station to go back to my accommodation.
Review provided by Viator
Matthias
Mar 3, 2023
Wonderful tour with great info - Wonderful tour with a very knowledgeable guide who spoke perfect English. We had a great time looking at the temples and the boat tour was a good time to recover from walking.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Weelyn_h
Oct 1, 2022
Excellent tour, a must do in Bangkok - The tour guide Nine was excellent- knowledgeable and friendly. The tour progressed smoothly despite the on and off drizzle. The Grand Palace was large and required a bit of a walk, but Nine was able to tell us stories about the history and buildings. The river cruise on the Chao Praya was an eye opener, the river locks were fascinating. Wat Pho was awe inspiring. We had a good time and felt we covered a lot of ground despite the rain.
Review provided by Viator
Sf5q57mpzx
Aug 25, 2022
Fun and meaningful - must see! - Wonderful guide and tour! Incredibly knowledgeable about Thai culture and history. Helped me see the context and the beauty — plus great fun!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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