Bangkok is the bustling capital of Thailand, renowned for its astounding blend of modernity and high-tech with traditional architecture and customs.
I’ve spent quite a few months in Bangkok throughout the years, and I still find it a fascinating place to be. Not to mention there’s always something new to discover!
As the busy, large metropolis it is, Bangkok offers a plethora of entertainment options, cultural experiences, must-see temples, and splendid gardens worth visiting… Besides more malls than you could count.
The sheer number and variety of things to do in Bangkok make it a real paradise for city lovers. But as it usually happens when the offer is so vast, it can be super difficult to choose what to do or how to pack your itinerary with all the activities!
For this reason, I’ve compiled the greatest selection of Bangkok tours that will help you discover the city like few people do. From sampling street food to cruising along the Chao Phraya River, or getting lost in buzzing markets, the choice is yours. Read on, and start planning your Bangkok itinerary!
Why should you trust my suggestions? I have a decade of experience in the travel industry, and have developed a knack for identifying extraordinary tours. That, combined with my numerous trips to Bangkok and Thailand in general, has helped me craft a list of excursions that showcase the best of the city and are high-quality, led by professionals, and offer great value.
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Limited time? These are the best tours:
TOUR FOR FIRST-TIMERS | Temples & Long-tail Boat Tour with Lunch |
PRIVATE TOUR | Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Private Tour |
FOOD TOUR | Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk |
MARKETS TOUR | Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market |
AYUTTHAYA TOUR | Ayutthaya Temples Small Group Tour with Lunch |
OUR PICK: The BEST Bangkok Tour for First Timers
Want to discover Bangkok’s top attractions in a single day? Check out this comprehensive Bangkok: Highlights, Temples and Canal Tour with Lunch.
Start with a visit to the dazzling Emerald Buddha Temple, and then spend time exploring the Grand Palace. This official royal venue is fascinating, and your guide will tell you all about it.
Next, marvel at the massive statue of the Reclining Buddha, and soak up history at Wat Pho, one of the earliest centers for public medical education. You’ll also be visiting Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) famous for its splendid tower.
Hungry? Dive into local street food at Tha Tien, and cap off your adventure cruising Thonburi’s canals on a long-tail boat. It’s one of the most comprehensive boat tours in Bangkok, covering its most important cultural landmarks.
Why is this the best tour? This trip is super comprehensive, ensuring you get a deep dive into Thailand’s culture and history while exploring Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll do everything from temple-hopping to river cruising in a day, led by an informative guide.
Read what the reviews say:
“This was an excellent way to see the important places in Bangkok as well as experience local ways of travel and life. I reccommend everyone choose the full experience as the canal trips on the long tail boats and local lunch was a highlight for me. Mina was a terrific, attentive and knowledgeable guide who helped explain all the history and context of what we were seeing at the palace and each temple.’
GetYourGuide Traveler – Read more reviews
This tour includes: A professional guide, all entrance fees, street food lunch, water, and a longtail boat ride. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Bangkok by Night: Food & Temples
Experience the enchanting side of the city after dark on this Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food Tuk-Tuk Tour. Cruise through the city’s shimmering lights, admiring ancient temples and modern skyscrapers.
Your guide will introduce you to the nightlife scene as you visit bustling markets and sample street food. Then, delve into history with a visit to Wat Prayoon’s captivating lit-up stupa.
Explore lively Chinatown and end the night with delectable desserts. You can choose between a small group (10 people) or a private tour for an exclusive experience.
This tour includes: Tuk-tuk transfers, a professional guide, snacks, dinner, dessert, and beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The BEST Private City Tours in Bangkok
▶️ Are you ready for a temple-hopping experience? You’ll get it by joining this Bangkok: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun Private Tour. Start with the awe-inspiring Grand Palace, a massive complex that served as the Thai royalty’s home for centuries.
Then, be enchanted by the Emerald Buddha Temple, and learn about its fascinating history from your guide. At checkout, you can also add a visit to Wat Pho if you want to see the Reclining Buddha statue, or opt for a trip to Wat Arun.
Afterward, pass by the lively Tha Thien Market to witness locals doing their daily shopping.
This tour includes: Roundtrip hotel transfers, entrance fees, a guide, a cold towel, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Check out this Bangkok: Full-Day Customized Tour with Local Transportation that you can join with your group of friends. No sticking to strict itineraries or visiting places you’re not interested in: the tour is yours to plan!
You can marvel at the opulent Grand Palace, discover the serene beauty of Wat Pho, or stand in awe in front of the beautiful Wat Arun. Alternatively, go on a shopping spree at iconic malls like MBK and Siam Paragon.
Travel like a local hopping on the Skytrain, riding tuk-tuks, or cruising on canal boats with your savvy guide. Finally, savor the flavors of the city’s street food scene at Chinatown or the Chatuchak Market.
This tour includes: A Bangkok private tour, hotel pick-up, a customized itinerary, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Get ready to see the best the city has to offer on this Full Day Bangkok City Tour With Locals – Wat Trimit & Wat Pho tickets. Among the wonderful places you’ll visit is Wat Traimit Temple, where you’ll marvel at the golden Buddha, and the bustling Chinatown market.
You’ll also embark on a tuk-tuk adventure, discover the birthplace of Thai massage, and soak in panoramic views from the Golden Mount.
Your guide’s local expertise ensures an unforgettable experience. Flexibility in starting time makes it even more convenient. Plus, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a refreshing drink at a local hotspot.
This tour includes: A private, CO2-neutral tour, a guide, public transport, entrance fees, and a drink. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Bangkok Food Tours
▶️ Indulge in mouthwatering local bites by joining this Bangkok: Backstreets Food Tour with 15+ Tastings. It’s a culinary adventure through Thailand’s capital city.
Led by a top chef and expert foodie guides, this 4-hour tour delves into the history of Thai-Chinese cuisine.
With a small group of just eight guests, explore the alleys of Yaowarat, Bangkok’s Chinatown, eating your way through it. The tastings include crispy chive dumplings, satay, slow-braised pork, and fragrant shrimp dumplings.
This tour includes: Food tour, a guide, bottled water, and all tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown at night during a Bangkok: Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk. Satisfy your taste buds with Michelin-recommended street food, fishball egg noodles, and Chinese Pa Tong Go.
After stuffing on Nai Ek’s rolled noodles and crab-fried rice, leave some room to eat at Jay Fai, the only Michelin-starred street stall in Thailand. Join a small group with an expert guide for a flavorful adventure, all in the comfort of an air-conditioned van.
This tour includes: Tuk-tuk transfers from a meeting point, a guide, bottled water, and all food tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Bangkok Bike Tour
Discover the city’s green side on a 4-hour Bangkok Jungle Bike Tour Including Lunch. Hop on your two-wheeled vehicle and start your journey at Wat Khlong Toei Nok, crossing the river to Bang Kra Jao on a long-tail boat.
There, pedal through the lush Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and the Botanical Garden. Stop for a coffee break at Bangkok Tree House and visit the unique Maha Devalaya Hindu Temple.
On weekends, a visit to the lively Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market is included. Refuel with a delicious Thai lunch, and enjoy a car ride back to your hotel. Nature meets urban chaos in this tour!
This tour includes: Bike and helmet rental, a Bangkok guided tour, river crossing, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The Best Cooking Class in Bangkok
Dive into the world of Thai cuisine with a vibrant Bangkok: Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour.
Get cozy with a small group of six, and start the experience with a visit to a bustling local market. There you’ll handpick the freshest ingredients for your class.
Under the expert guidance of a skilled chef, you’ll master the art of creating four delectable Thai dishes. After your hands-on cooking session, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. It’s a foodie expedition at its finest!
This tour includes: A market tour, a welcome drink, a cooking class with all ingredients, and a meal. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Dinner Cruise in Bangkok
Embark on a Saffron Luxury Dinner Cruise on the River of Kings for a lavish night out. You’ll be welcomed aboard with a cocktail, and relish a 4-course meal while gliding past iconic spots. Keep your eyes peeled to see the Iconsiam, Guan Yu Shrine, and Santa Cruz Church.
Admire the Grand Palace’s illuminated beauty and the dazzling Temple Of Dawn from the distance. Finally, cruise beneath the Rama VIII Bridge before ending your journey near the Bank of Thailand Museum.
This tour includes: A cruise, a 4-course dinner, and a welcome cocktail. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Bangkok Canal Tour by Longtail Boat
Check out this Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride to discover a different side of the city that not many visitors get to see. Aboard a longtail boat, sail along the canal ways, and catch a glimpse of local life as you glide past the Thonburi district.
Choose a morning or afternoon tour with a small group of up to 10 people for an intimate experience.
This tour includes: A longtail boat ride, a guide, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Railway & Floating Market Tours from Bangkok
▶️ Explore Thailand’s markets on this fun Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market.
Visit the unique Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors swiftly clear the tracks for passing trains. You’ll get to experience the adrenaline of being there when it happens!
Then, hop on a paddleboat to the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. There you’ll dive into local flavors like pad Thai and mango sticky rice while enjoying the laid-back Thai lifestyle. It’s a market-hopping adventure you won’t want to miss!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, bottled water, and an ICONSIAM Tourist Card for discounts. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Hop on this Private Excursion to Maeklong Railway and Floating Markets and explore Bangkok’s most unique markets with your group of people.
The first stop is the Maeklong Railway Market, famous for being on the tracks of a train! Witness as the sellers swiftly pull their stalls away when the train passes.
Then, set sail on a private long-tail boat to Damnoensaduak Floating Market, Thailand’s first of its kind. Taste Thai treats, shop, and soak in the unique vibe as your guide tells you all about the markets and ensures you don’t miss a thing.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a tour guide, a boat ride, fruits, desserts, and a drink. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Ayutthaya Guided Tours from Bangkok
▶️ Ready for a captivating journey into the past? This Ayutthaya Temples Small Group Tour with Lunch from Bangkok is the way! It’s a guided day trip that unveils the splendor of four historic temples, starting with Wat Lokayasutha.
Home to a colossal reclining Buddha image that stands as one of the few intact relics of this ancient capital, it’s an unmissable landmark! Continue your journey to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the spiritual core of the royal palace complex.
Marvel at the famous Buddha head nestled within the roots of a Bodhi tree in Wat Mahathat Ayutthaya.
To top it all off, enjoy a delectable Thai lunch at a local restaurant. Conclude your adventure at Wat Chaiwattanaram, a riverside temple inspired by the Angkor Wat complex.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, all entrance fees, a la carte lunch, water, and insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Escape the city bustle with a Ayutthaya Private Full-Day UNESCO Trip from Bangkok. As Thailand’s former capital, Ayutthaya is a place steeped in history and home to various still-standing temples.
During this tour you’ll Explore five UNESCO temples, including the historic Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and the famous Wat Mahathat. This is where you’ll see the Buddha head nestled in a tree root and Wat Ratchaburana.
You’ll also dive into history at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum, relish a tasty lunch, and end your journey at Wat Chaiwattanaram.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off from certain Bangkok areas, a guide, entrance fees, water, lunch, and insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Tuk Tuk Tour in Bangkok
Buckle up for a 4-hour Bangkok Tuk Tuk Tour with Hotel Pick Up and Dinner. Cruise through Chinatown’s vibrant chaos and climb the Golden Mount for a stunning sunset.
You’ll also explore the unique Wat Ratchanadda, soak up Khao San Road’s lively vibes, and roam the historic Rattanakkosin Island.
You’ll also savor delicious street food, and wrap it up at the colorful Pak Khlong Talat flower market. This tour’s got it all, with pick-up and drop-off included!
This tour includes: Pick-up and drop-off, dinner, all transfers, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Bangkok Night Tours
▶️ Curious about Bangkok’s after-dark secrets? Join this Bangkok Midnight Food Tuk Tuk Tour, a trip filled with sizzling street food and illuminated landmarks.
Zip through the city, feasting on sizzling classics like pad thai and chicken rice noodles. You’ll also dive into the buzzing flower market for a deliciously scented stroll.
Admire Wat Pho’s nighttime glow, and relax at a secret rooftop bar with stunning views and a cold beer. It’s a whirlwind of flavors and sights!
This tour includes: Tuk-tuk transfers, food tastings, a driver/guide, bottled water, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Escape the daytime heat by heading out in the nighttime with this Bangkok: Evening Tour with Wat Arun, Wat Pho & Tuk Tuk Ride.
You’ll see Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha and be dazzled by Wat Arun while learning about the history and significance of the temples from your knowledgeable guide.
Stroll along Maha Rat Road, learn about Rattanakosin Island’s history, and catch a glimpse of the Grand Palace on your way to Chinatown. Get immersed in its lively streets and find street food delights to indulge in.
You’ll also get to cross the Chao Phraya River by boat, a really beautiful evening experience. Limited to just nine participants, the tour promises an intimate experience.
This tour includes: A tuk-tuk ride, ferry tickets, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Sak Yant Tattoo Experience in Bangkok
Check out this Bangkok Ink Experience – Getting a Sak Yant with Ajarn Neng and mark your skin in the most traditional way: with a bamboo tattoo. In Asia, these tattoos are considered sacred and are believed to offer protection to the wearer – it’s much more than body art!
A local guide will act as your translator and help you understand the ceremony of getting a sak yant, which involves a ritual both before and after the tattooing. You’ll also have a conversation with the Ajarn to decide on the best design for you before it’s permanently inked on your body.
A delicious lunch afterward is included, and then you’ll be taken back to your hotel by either taxi or public transportation.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, a trained guide/translator, a consultation with the ajarn, offerings, food, and a sak yant. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
An Instagram Tour of Bangkok
Uncover the Instagram-worthy wonders of the Thai capital in a Bangkok Instagram Tour: All-Inclusive. Get dolled up and choose your favorite outfit before joining your private guide on a trip around the prettiest corners of the city.
Visit iconic spots such as the Marble Temple, the magnificent Wat Arun, and the awe-inspiring Loha Prasat temple. All of them are glorious architectural wonders. Immerse yourself in Chinatown’s history and art while savoring delectable street food.
Then, explore the vibrant Pak Khlong Talat flower market, a symbol of Bangkok’s charm. Your guide doubles as a personal photographer, ensuring Instagram-worthy shots. A delicious lunch is included as well!
This tour includes: Private transfers, entrance fees, wet towels, a guide/photographer, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other GREAT Day Tours from Bangkok
▶️ Ditch the city buzz for a day in nature with this Khao Yai National Park Small-Group Day Trip from Bangkok. Hike the park’s diverse trails and keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife – which may include elephants!
Capture the beauty of Haew Suwat and Haew Narok Waterfalls, and sip coffee at The Birder’s Lodge. During the dry season (April-May) you’ll get to ascend Nong Phak Chi Observation Tower for sweeping vistas.
This tour includes: Optional hotel pick-up and drop-off, National Park’s entry, a guide, a park ranger, drinking water, and insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Travel back in time with this 10-hour Historical Day Tour to River Kwai from Bangkok. Discover the dark history of the “Death Railway” at the Thailand-Burma Railway Center.
Experience the original railway route, crossing the famous River Kwai Bridge – whose story was the center of a celebrated 1950s movie. Pay your respects at the War Cemetery, the resting place for 9,000 Allied soldiers, and gain profound insights into the WWII era.
You’ll break the day with a delicious lunch stop at a local restaurant. When it comes to Bangkok day tours, this is the one you should join for a deeply moving and historical experience.
This tour includes: Transportation, a guide, porterage, basic train fee, entrance tickets, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Ditch the city bustle for a day in Coral Island by joining this Day Trip to Pattaya City & Koh Larn Island Tour From Bangkok.
You’ll embark on a 2.5-hour ride to Pattaya City, followed by a 40-minute boat trip to Naban Beach on Koh Larn. There you’ll get to snorkel, sunbathe, jet ski, or parasail (own expense)…whatever rocks your boat!
Tuck into tasty local grub on the beach, and go for walks along the shore…unless you feel like banana boating on the sea!
The tour group is capped at 15 people, ensuring an intimate experience and the chance to meet fellow adventurers. However, you can also choose to make the trip private for you and your gang.
This tour includes: Transportation, a guide, boat fees, lunch on the beach, and beach chairs. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Discover Thai history on this Erawan Park & Kanchanaburi Small-Group Tour from Bangkok. You’ll explore the JEATH Museum, a solemn tribute to Allied Prisoners of War.
Step onto the historic Bridge over the River Kwai, and walk across it as you take in the beautiful surroundings. Then, continue your trip to Erawan National Park, where you’ll immerse yourself in nature.
This small-group adventure is for up to nine people with transfers and a knowledgeable guide included.
This tour includes: Optional hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, a guide, insurance, drinking water, and a walking tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE