9 Best Tours in Bangkok

Bangkok has hundreds of temples, but this particular tour is a must-do because it introduces you to Wat Pho, home of the Reclining Buddha, and Wat Phra Kaew, otherwise known as The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a spiritual icon carved from jade that towers above all others in its holiness. What’s more? It also takes you to Thailand’s foremost historical and cultural landmark, The Grand Palace. Allow up to 4 hours to enjoy this tour.

The pioneer of all floating markets, Damnoen Saduak continues to offer a delightful experience despite its increasingly touristy atmosphere. Imagine small thin canals teeming with longboats piled high with fresh produce, each jockeying for position, and paddled by a lady ready to stop and bargain at a moment’s notice. This visual vibrancy, as well as its popularity, ensures Damnoen Saduak's iconic status. This tour takes up to 6 hours.

Seeing the amazing temples of Bangkok at night while you drift along the Chao Phraya River is not to be missed. Run by Banyan Tree Hotel, the luxury of the Apsara makes for an extra-special night out. Coming to rest in front of the famous sights, passengers are treated to a tasty Thai dinner while taking in the view. The rice-barge ride takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete, travelling past Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).

Calypso Cabaret is the preeminent ladyboy theatrical show in Bangkok, filled with high-kicking action, classic show tunes and Broadway-style entertainment. The production values of the show are incredibly high and the ‘ladies’ will surely surprise you with their beauty and showmanship. Suitable for the whole family, the songs range from Tina Turner to K-Pop. Every ticket comes with a complimentary drink and there is a full bar with staff on hand if you require more. Allow 1 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the show.

Bangkok’s khlongs or klongs (canals) aren’t mere remnants of the past. Many are still functioning transport arteries that play a significant role in city life. This morning tour focuses on the scenic waterways of Thonburi. A longtailed speedboat glides you past floating kitchens, glittering temples and all kinds of colourful river scenery before you step onto dry land to explore The Grand Palace, Thailand's most famous landmark and former seat of the king. The tour takes around 5 hours.

A day trip to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya is the perfect counterbalance to the up-to-the-minute hustle of Bangkok, and this day tour allows you to see many of the majestic ruins from the comfort of a river cruise. This full-day tour starts with a 90-minute coach journey to this peaceful town before you spend the day exploring temples and finding out all about this proud period of Thailand’s past. Allow up to 8 hours for the full experience.

Packing all the splendour of the Land of Smiles into an 80-minute stage show is no easy task. But Siam Niramit succeeds – and spectacularly. How so? Try the world’s biggest stage, a cast of hundreds, and bags of Thai finesse. The first act describes how Siam became a crossroads where civilisations met, the second how karma binds the Thai people, the last how religious ceremony earns Thais merit in this life. Available with or without Thai buffet dinner. The whole experience takes up to 5 hours.

There’s more to the River Kwai than historic WWII sights, and this tour around Kanchanaburi, a lush unspoilt province close to the Burmese border proves it. Visits to the Death Railway, the Bridge over the River Kwai and the memorial museum are tastefully juxtaposed with beautiful mountain scenery, pleasant longtail journeys along the Mae Klong River, as well as activities like elephant rides. This full-day tour includes a Thai buffet lunch and transport to and from your hotel in Bangkok. The whole experience takes about 10 hours.

With a day out at Dream World, you and the kids will be able to experience the spectacular atmosphere of this huge amusement park and explore the exciting shows and rides in its 4 lands of dreams. Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, there are linked paths, pools, legendary castles and more than 15 exciting rides for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with a pickup and drop-off to and from your hotel, it makes travel quick and hassle-free.