Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 6 hours 5.0 (6)

Bangkok Temples and Markets: Must-Sees & Hidden Gems

Thai culture immersion awaits with iconic temples, shops in energetic markets and indulgent authentic local Thai cuisine

The Skytrain and metro are the fastest and most convenient way of traversing the city

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Gold Buddhas and so much more kick you off on this amazing experience
  • A short ride to Rongros where a delicious Thai meal awaits in stunning surroundings
  • Make your way to Wat Pho, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok with all the tales it holds
  • Water taxis and river strolls to reach Wat Arun Temple, a real favorite of mine and its amazing photo opportunities
  • Sample local delights and local life at Sampheng Street Market
  • Ending with a wonderful dining experience along the Ong Ang Canal
  • Must sees and hidden gems that will live in your memory for a lifetime

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

6 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Per person
Hosted experience lasting up to 6 hours
Private and tailored to your group only
Immersive experience between stops
Entry to the Temples
Ferry and train fares
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Additional transportation costs
Tickets to any attractions other than what has been listed
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Bang Phai, 43 Phet Kasem Rd, Khwaeng Pak Khlong Phasi Charoen, Khet Phasi Charoen, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10160, Thailand

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

In this experience I want to strike the right balance of the must-sees but also some amazing hidden gems. You will get a great sense of Thailand's culture and your host will bring Bangkok to life in a way you didn’t think possible before. Modest clothing is required for some locations, shoulders and knees should be covered so please prepare accordingly. Let’s go, it’s all waiting for you.

 

You will begin in a location that boasts the largest gold Buddha in all of Bangkok. Wat Pak Nam. I want you to make sure you check out Wat Pak Nam Stupa, the top floor is especially impressive - I wont say any more, you’ll have to find out for yourself. Your guide will be able to show you where I think the best photo spot is of the gold Buddha I mentioned. 

 

This experience needs fueling so next you will try some traditional Thai food at Rongros, after a short but lovely train ride. Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, your host will help you in your food selection and talk you through each dish. It gets even better as there is a great view of Wat Arun, a temple you will be visiting shortly. 

 

Flavor-need satisfied, you will move onto Wat Pho, the largest and oldest temple in Bangkok. Be sure to visit the massive reclining Buddha - an impressive sight! There is so much to see and learn about in this location, such as this being the origin of Thai-Massage! Your host will be able to share much more about this magnificent place. You’re going to want to get photos here as well.

 

Moving on you’ll be heading to Wat Arun - the Temple of Dawn, the temple you have already seen. To get there though i’ve planned an experience within the experience. You will take a short taxi ferry across the river. Originally just part of traveling, I found this little boat excursion to be a lot of fun and happily snapped my way along the crossing. It felt like real local immersion.

 

Wat Arun is among the best known of Thailand's landmarks and standing before it feels truly awesome. The temple area is huge and so there are many beautiful buildings, pavilions, and statues to discover. A particularly great place to take spectacular images is the archway with the crown, or the entrance to the Ubosot. The two gigantic statues either side of the doorway are impressive and a particular highlight of mine.

 

Ok I want to up your local energy a little now, moving from the peaceful and idyllic to the hustle and bustle. Head off to the local Chinatown market that offers an array of souvenirs, gadgets, fabrics, crafts, and Asian snacks. The sights, smells and sounds make this an experience highlight in itself. Let your host guide you around the sprawling alleys and hear about the local practices and how the market operates.

 

I hope you haven’t snacked too much at the market, though I must confess, I found it hard to resist. 

 

You’ll end your day dining alongside the picturesque canal. Your host will help you select the best restaurants that are all carefully nestled on the canal bank. This is where their local knowledge really comes in, I tried a few and none disappointed! Heart and stomach full, dont head off just yet. Explore the hidden alleyways and snap more photos against the captivating murals that surround you.

 

Bangkok offers so much and today you will have got just a flavour, a great taste but a small one of whats to offer. I hope you continue your experiences in this amazing location.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

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What travelers think of this experience

David, Mar 2025

He was smart, very friendly, knowledgable of the areas and shared his homeland with us in a very personal way. He designed our tour around our needs and understood what we desired to see and do. He made sure we were rested when needed and entertained when appropriate, while displaying a professional attitude about the city and country. Without his tour, we would not have wanted to see Bangkok again, but are already planning our next visit which will begin with another tour having Tom as our guide.

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AJELDIN, Mar 2025

I highly recommend this tour to foodies and everyone first visiting Thailand. I learned so much about Thai food. I enjoyed everything we ate and the places we went to. Their team communicated well before the tour. The tuk tuk ride was a good experience. I was so full at the end of the tour. Kat was a great tour guide!

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Keith, Mar 2025

Personalized and flexible tour! Tom was great in helping to arrange our day to experience the top highlights of Bangkok. We have used city unscripted in other cities and were just as pleased with this experience. Tom was receptive to our input and being able to flex as needed in our day.

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Keith, Mar 2025

Tom was very helpful in ensuring we could see all of the main sights in Bangkok during our short visit.

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Angela, Mar 2025

We had an excellent tour which Kat planned around our times. We visited Wat Pho and the reclining Buddha in the early morning. Amazing and beautiful with few people around so we could enjoy it. Then we visited Wot Arun The temple of Dawn. The detail of the temple was astounding and Kat gave us time to wander while explaining the history. A memorable tour which Kat guided and made it very interesting.

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Angela, Mar 2025

We had a superb tour with Kat. She gave us a choice of options and adapted things to fit our needs. The temple of truth was amazing and worth the journey. The floating market was fun. Kat explained everything well and gave us a good tour. We thoroughly recommend her both for her knowledge and personality.

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