Temples & culture in Bangkok

IllustrationBest time: Right at opening (8:30 am)

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Temples & culture

The Thai royal palace, with golden spires and ornate roofs. Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is inside the compound.

  • Hours Daily 8:30–16:30; tickets sold 8:30–15:30 The Grand Palace (official) · checked 2026-10-26
  • Admission Foreigners ฿500 (includes Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles); at the gate or online The Grand Palace (official) · checked 2026-10-26
  • Dress code No sleeveless or see-through tops, shorts, mini skirts, torn or tight trousers The Grand Palace (official) · checked 2026-10-26
What to eat
  • Thai iced teaSweet orange milk tea, a must in the heat
Tip Agree a tuk-tuk fare before you get in — unbargained rides can cost more than a taxi.

In these courses: Bangkok + floating market

IllustrationBest time: Around midday

Wat Pho

Temples & culture Spa & massage

A temple next to the Grand Palace, home of a giant reclining Buddha and of the Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical School, which gives Thai massage on site.

What to eat
  • Kuay teowThai rice noodles in clear broth with meatballs
Tip Shorts above the knee are not allowed for women, and shoes come off before entering temple buildings.

In these courses: Bangkok + floating market

IllustrationBest time: Around sunset

Wat Arun

Temples & culture

The "Temple of Dawn": a tall riverside spire decorated with porcelain. Its sunset silhouette from across the river is the famous view.

What to eat
  • Riverside dinnerRooftop restaurants facing Wat Arun across the river
Tip The cross-river ferry from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho, lands at Wat Arun.

In these courses: Bangkok + floating market

IllustrationBest time: Around 7 am

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Temples & culture Street food

An old floating market about 80 km from Bangkok, where vendors row boats loaded with fruit, snacks and souvenirs along the Damnoen Saduak Canal.

What to eat
  • Boat noodlesSmall bowls of noodles cooked right on the boat
  • Coconut ice creamServed in a coconut shell
  • Fresh mangoCut to order in season
Tip Around 7 am is when the most vendors are out rowing — an early start pays off.

In these courses: Bangkok + floating market

IllustrationBest time: Time it with the train

Maeklong Railway Market

Street food Temples & culture

A market of about 100 metres right beside the tracks at Mae Klong Station. When a train comes, vendors pull down their umbrellas and clear their goods, then set up again behind it.

What to eat
  • Fried fish & dried seafoodLocal snacks from the market stalls
Tip Trains pass only a few times a day, so check the current timetable before you go.

In these courses: Bangkok + floating market

Courses with temples & culture