Bangkok is a city full of contrasts – modern skyscrapers meet historic temples, bustling markets meet tranquil river landscapes.
If you really want to get to know the city, you shouldn’t miss out on one or two guided tours.
Whether it’s an exploration of the old town with its beautiful temples, a culinary street food tour or an adventurous tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok at night – the possibilities are endless.
But there are also impressive excursion destinations outside the city. From the floating markets and the old royal city of Ayutthaya to tropical islands and national parks – a day trip is worthwhile to discover Bangkok’s surroundings.
In this article, we present the best Bangkok tours and excursions that will make your trip unforgettable.
Bangkok tours within the city: culture and sights
Bangkok can be explored in many ways, but guided tours offer a particularly deep insight into the fascinating history and vibrant life of the city.
Bangkok in a Nutshell!
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These Bangkok sights are definitely not to be missed.
Those interested in culture and architecture can take part in a temple tour and visit impressive sights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho with the reclining Buddha or the golden temple Wat Arun.
If you want to experience Bangkok in an unusual way, you can take a boat tour through the old Khlongs or discover the city on a night tour by tuk-tuk. Whether culture or adventure – Bangkok offers tours for every taste.
Guided tour of the temple and market
A guided tour of the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho is one of the best ways to discover Bangkok’s cultural and historical highlights in one day.
The tour begins with a visit to the Grand Palace, which was once the residence of the Thai kings and impresses with its gold-decorated buildings and ornate mosaics.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), where the most important Buddha statue in Thailand is worshipped, is particularly worth seeing. The tour then leads to the nearby Wat Pho, which is known for its giant reclining Buddha and artistic murals.
A local guide provides fascinating insights into the history and symbolism of these sacred sites, while participants experience the magnificent architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
Wat Pho and Wat Arun – guided tour on foot
A guided tour to Wat Pho and Wat Arun offers a fascinating journey through two of Bangkok’s most impressive temples.
The tour starts at Wat Pho, which is known for its gigantic reclining Buddha – a gilded statue 46 meters long that is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Thailand.
In addition to the impressive murals and ornate statues, the temple is also famous as a center for traditional Thai massage.
After exploring Wat Pho, take a short boat trip across the Chao Phraya River to the majestic Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn.
The towering central pagoda is decorated with colorful porcelain mosaics and offers one of the most beautiful views of Bangkok.
Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise
An evening dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya is an unforgettable way to experience Bangkok from a whole new perspective.
On board a luxurious ship, guests glide along the illuminated Chao Phraya River and enjoy a first-class buffet with international and Thai specialties.
During dinner, the ride offers spectacular views of some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and the Rama VIII Bridge, which are particularly impressive when illuminated after dark.
Live musical entertainment creates an elegant atmosphere, while the gentle river breeze makes the ride particularly pleasant.
Whether as a romantic experience for two or as a special opportunity to enjoy Bangkok in a relaxed atmosphere:
Longtail boat canal cruise
A longtail boat tour of Bangkok offers a unique opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective.
Away from the busy main streets, the canals, also known as khlongs, lead through quiet residential areas and green landscapes that reflect traditional life by the water.
During the trip, guests pass charming wooden houses, floating markets and hidden temples that preserve Bangkok’s historic charm.
The tour not only offers impressive insights into old Bangkok, but also the opportunity to experience the contrast between the modern metropolis and the traditional water world up close.
A relaxed and atmospheric way to discover the city from a new perspective.
Muay Thai Boxing tickets at Rajadamnern Stadium
A visit to the legendary Rajadamnern Stadium offers the perfect opportunity to experience a real Muay Thai fight in an authentic atmosphere.
This traditional sport, also known as the “art of the eight limbs”, combines powerful punches, kicks, knee and elbow techniques and fascinates with its mixture of technique, speed and endurance.
There is a rousing atmosphere in the stadium as the fighters climb into the ring and compete to the cheers of the crowd.
The traditional live music that accompanies each fight heightens the excitement and makes the experience even more intense.
Whether you are a martial arts fan or simply want to immerse yourself in Thai culture:
An evening of Muay Thai boxing matches in the Rajadamnern Stadium is an unforgettable experience.
Food tours and other culinary highlights
Bangkok is a paradise for foodies, and a guided food tour is the best way to discover the city’s culinary diversity.
Whether at bustling street markets, in traditional cookshops or in hidden backyard eateries – authentic dishes with intense flavors beckon everywhere.
On a street food tour, you can try classics such as Pad Thai, grilled satay skewers, spicy papaya salads and freshly prepared mango sticky rice.
Particularly exciting are tours through Chinatown or the Bang Rak district, where centuries-old recipes and influences from different cultures come together.
If you prefer something more exclusive, you can take a tour with stops at upscale restaurants or let a local chef guide you through Bangkok’s culinary secrets.
Thai cooking course and market tour
A Thai cooking class with a visit to the market is a great way to get to know Bangkok’s authentic cuisine.
The tour begins with a walk through a local market, where fresh ingredients such as fragrant herbs, exotic spices and crunchy vegetables are bought.
Then it’s off to a professional but cozy cooking school, where traditional dishes are prepared under the guidance of experienced chefs.
From classics such as Pad Thai and green curry to fragrant mango sticky rice – each participant learns to create the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty and spicy.
Finally, the home-cooked dishes are enjoyed in a convivial atmosphere.
Chinatown Walking Food Tour
A culinary discovery tour through Bangkok is the perfect way to experience the city with all your senses.
This guided food tour takes you to hidden cookshops, lively street markets and traditional restaurants where you can sample a selection of ten authentic Thai specialties.
From spicy soups and aromatic curries to grilled satay skewers and sweet mango sticky rice – the whole variety of Thai cuisine is on display here.
A local guide provides exciting insights into the ingredients, preparation methods and culinary traditions as the tour takes you through the bustling alleyways and hidden corners of the city.
An ideal activity for those who not only want to see Bangkok, but also taste it.
Hidden Bangkok bike and food tour
The Hidden Bangkok Bike and Food Tour offers an exciting combination of activity and culinary enjoyment.
Off the beaten tourist track, you cycle through narrow alleyways, quiet residential areas and hidden markets, giving you an authentic insight into local life in Bangkok.
During the tour, there are numerous stops to sample traditional Thai specialties – from freshly prepared street food classics to sweet treats.
An experienced guide leads you through lesser-known corners of the city and tells exciting stories about the culture and culinary traditions of Thailand.
Midnight food tour by tuk-tuk
The midnight food tour by tuk-tuk is an exciting way to discover Bangkok by night and sample some of the city’s best street food specialties.
A tuk-tuk takes you at breakneck speed through the nocturnal streets, past illuminated temples and bustling cookshops.
The program includes stops at hidden eateries and famous street food stalls where dishes such as Pad Thai, crispy pork or spicy soups are freshly prepared.
The nocturnal atmosphere makes for a very special experience, while a local guide provides exciting insights into Thai food culture.
Backyard food tour with over 15 tastings
The chef-designed food tour for small groups is an exclusive way to experience Bangkok’s culinary highlights from a new perspective.
In a group of a maximum of eight people, an experienced guide takes you to carefully selected restaurants, cookshops and street stalls that are known for their outstanding specialties.
The tour offers a flavorful journey through the different regions of Thailand – from spicy northern Thai curry to freshly grilled seafood from the south.
In addition to the delicious dishes, there are exciting insights into the ingredients, cooking techniques and culinary traditions.
The personal atmosphere leaves plenty of time to ask questions and enjoy the variety of Thai cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Perfect for gourmets who value quality and insider knowledge.
Bangkok tours and excursions on the outskirts of the city
Bangkok is not only a fascinating city, but also the perfect starting point for exciting day trips in the surrounding area.
Those interested in history should take a trip to Ayutthaya, where the impressive temple ruins of the former royal city offer an insight into Thailand’s glorious past.
Another highlight are the floating markets, such as Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa, where traders sell fresh fruit, Thai snacks and souvenirs directly from the boat.
Nature lovers can make a detour to the Erawan National Park with its turquoise-blue waterfalls or visit the elephant sanctuary near Kanchanaburi.
The famous Maeklong Railway Market, through which a train runs, is also a popular destination for day trips.
Erawan Park & Kanchanaburi
The small group tour to Erawan National Park and Kanchanaburi is a perfect opportunity to experience the nature and history of Thailand in one day.
The excursion begins with a visit to the famous Erawan waterfall, whose turquoise-blue water flows over seven steps through the dense jungle.
There is plenty of time here to explore the surroundings, swim in the natural pools or enjoy the impressive landscape.
We then continue to Kanchanaburi, where we visit the historic bridge on the River Kwai – a significant relic from the Second World War.
Accompanied by an experienced guide, participants gain fascinating insights into the history of the region.
Ayutthaya & Ayothaya Floating Market Day Tour
The day tour to Ayutthaya with a visit to a floating market is an ideal way to discover the fascinating history and vibrant culture of Thailand.
The trip begins with an exploration of the impressive temple ruins of the former royal city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here, visitors can marvel at historical landmarks such as the famous reclining Buddha and the iconic Buddha heads embedded in tree roots.
The tour then continues to a traditional floating market, where traders sell their goods directly from the boats.
Here you have the opportunity to sample local specialties and experience authentic market life.
Ayutthaya temple tour with lunch
The guided day tour to Ayutthaya with lunch is a great way to discover the former capital of Thailand and its impressive temple ruins.
The tour takes you to the most important historical sites, including magnificent temples, ancient palaces and the famous Buddha head embedded in tree roots.
An experienced guide provides fascinating insights into the history of the former kingdom and its cultural significance.
In between, there is a traditional lunch where local specialties can be sampled.
Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market
The tour to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market is an exciting experience for anyone who wants to experience the authentic market life of Thailand up close.
The day begins with a visit to the Maeklong Railway Market, a unique market located directly on the railroad tracks.
Several times a day, a train runs through the middle of the stalls while the traders move their goods aside at lightning speed – a fascinating spectacle not to be missed.
The tour then continues to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand.
Here, traders offer fresh fruit, exotic snacks and handmade souvenirs directly from their boats.
An optional trip on a traditional longtail boat through the narrow canals makes the experience even more authentic.
Small group tour through the Khao Yai National Park
The small group tour to Khao Yai National Park is a perfect opportunity to explore the untouched nature of Thailand and escape the hectic city life of Bangkok for a day.
The national park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with its lush jungle, impressive waterfalls and abundant wildlife, including elephants, gibbons and exotic birds.
The tour takes you to several viewpoints and hiking trails that offer breathtaking panoramic views.
A special highlight is a visit to the famous Haew Suwat waterfall, known from the movie The Beach.
Accompanied by an experienced guide, participants learn more about the flora and fauna of the park.
Frequently asked questions about Bangkok tours and excursions
Finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions on the subject of “Bangkok tours and excursions”:
What are the best day trips from Bangkok?
The most popular day trips include Ayutthaya with its impressive temple ruins, Erawan National Park with its turquoise-blue waterfalls and Kanchanaburi with the famous bridge on the River Kwai. The floating markets, the Maeklong Railway Market or a boat tour of Bangkok’s old canals are also worthwhile excursions.
How much time should you plan for a trip to Ayutthaya?
A day trip to Ayutthaya usually takes between eight and ten hours. The journey from Bangkok takes around one and a half to two hours, depending on traffic. There are numerous temples and ruins to explore on site, which is why an early departure is recommended.
Which tours in Bangkok are particularly recommended?
Within Bangkok, temple tours, street food tours and night tours by tuk-tuk are particularly popular. A boat trip on the Chao Phraya River or through the old khlongs also offers an exciting perspective of the city. Those who want to explore the nightlife can take part in a guided bar tour or a dinner cruise.
When is the best time for excursions around Bangkok?
The most pleasant time to travel is between November and February, when the weather is dry and not too hot. In the hot months from March to May, it can be exhausting to be out and about for long periods. During the rainy season from June to October, excursions are possible, but sudden rain showers can occur.
Do I need a reservation for Bangkok tours and excursions or can I book spontaneously?
Many tours can be booked at short notice, especially in the low season. However, popular excursions, especially to more distant destinations or with a limited number of participants, should be booked in advance to secure a place.
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