With its ornate shrines and vibrant street life, Thailand’s capital delivers a powerful punch to the senses – and one of the best ways to enjoy the city is by booking onto an organised tour.
(Photo: Best Double Decker in Bangkok – Elephant Go Go Hop on Hop off Bus Tour)
Home to the boat-filled Chao Phraya River which feeds its network of canals, the royal district with its opulent Grand Palace and sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple, together with bustling markets and glistening skyscrapers that speak to the city’s contemporary focus, Bangkok attracts huge numbers of tourists throughout the year. If you’re keen to explore the city in the company of an expert, then there are several guided city tours on offer. Here are 7 of the best.
The Best Bangkok Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Hop-one hop-off tours are a great way of seeing lots of a city in one go, without having to worry about arduous walking, costly taxis or convoluted metro networks. This Bangkok hop-on hop-off bus tour allows you to see the city at your own pace, with the chance to jump aboard or get off your double decker bus at a choice of 15 stops, all of which will give you easy access to many of Bangkok’s main attractions and places of interest. Bus tickets are available as either 24-, 48-, or 72-hour passes. From $18 per person.
E-Scooter Night Tour with Local Street Food
(Photo: Jamming Thailand Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Explore Bangkok at night on an electric scooter on this 3-hour tour. Following a quick briefing on using the vehicle, accompanied by an expert guide you’ll scoot around the city, marvelling at its ornate temples and Grand Palace lit up at night. There’ll also be stop-offs at Pak Khlong Talat flower market, as well as Wat Pho, the largest temple in Bangkok and famous for its huge reclining Buddha statue. Another highlight will be the chance to sample some authentic local street food. At each stop, your entertaining guide will regale you with fascinating tales and facts about this beguiling city. After a ride along the riverside and winding back streets, you’ll arrive once again at your starting point to conclude the tour. From $28 per person.
Bangkok Classical Bicycle Tour
This 3-hour bike tour is ideal for adventurers who want to extend their knowledge of Bangkok to its extensive Chinatown, historic capital of Thonburi and hidden backstreets. Starting in the heart of Chinatown, you’ll traverse the frenetic market environment, winding through narrow streets and alleyways as your senses come alive to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Pass by shop houses selling everything from Buddhist amulets to recycled truck engines and witness locals worshipping at hidden temples. Cross the Chao Phraya River by ferry, with majestic views of the city skyline behind you, and visit Thonburi, the historic third capital of Thailand before your return journey across the water to end your tour. From $37 per person.
Customise Your Own Private Bangkok City Tour
(Photo: TripGuru Thailand / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
See the places you want to visit at your own preferred pace during this fully customisable Bangkok city tour that can last anything from 5 to 10 hours depending on the itinerary you choose. On booking, you’ll be asked to select up to four attractions to include in your trip, with a few additional sights to help the organisers craft the best schedule for you. The experience is available as a self-guided tour, or you add a local guide to learn more about the history of the sights you see along the way. Or, if you really want to push the boat out, there’s also the option to book a private car and driver. From $120 per group (max 4 people).
Highlights & Hidden Gems of Bangkok
Take in a mix of famous sights and lesser-known gems on this 3-hour tour that can be fully customised. Dive into the origin of Bangkok as you see the city’s main landmarks like Bangkok Flower Market, Wat Arun temple and Memorial Bridge, and then escape the tourist trail to get a view of the city from a different perspective. Hidden treasure highlights include trying a local delicacy courtesy of a cherished neighbourhood eatery. During the trip, your guide will stop at various points to regale you with fun stories and facts about the attractions and places of interest that you pass. From $135 per person.
Private Guided Day Tour: Bangkok with Public Transport
(Photo: :Your Thai Guide Co., Ltd. / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
There’s enough to see and do in Bangkok to keep you occupied for weeks, let alone a full day, but this 8-hour tour does still offer sufficient time to see several parts of the city in one go. Personalised to your preferences, you and your select group of up to 4 family members or friends will be accompanied by an experienced guide to a selection of spots of your choosing, be it neighbourhoods, landmarks, canals, or anything else. Transportation between stop-offs will be via the Bangkok skytrain, or by taxi where needed, and if you want to venture further afield, you will be taken by comfortable minivan. Hotel pick-up is also included. From $101 per group (max 4 people).
Private 2-Day Bangkok City Tour and Ayutthaya Tour from Bangkok
If you have the time and budget, this private 2 day tour is a fabulous way to extend your city tour experience. Over the course of 48 hours, you’ll explore both the old and new capitals of Thailand, with a trip to Ayutthaya tagged on to your exploration of Bangkok. Day one is all about Bangkok as you traverse the city to visit key landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Wat Arun, and more. After being returned to your hotel, the next day you’ll head to the UNESCO-listed city of Ayutthaya to explore ancient temples and the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. The tour price includes a longtail boat ride, a local Thai lunch, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. From $391 per person.