The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
฿500
≈ $14 USD
2–3 hoursGoogle Maps
Bangkok's most expensive ticket and still unmissable ~ home of the Emerald Buddha. Go at 8:30 am opening; ignore anyone outside saying it's 'closed'. It isn't.
Bangkok's temple circuit is astonishing value ~ the three biggest sights together cost about the price of one Singapore ticket. Dress codes apply everywhere: cover shoulders and knees.
Bring $35–45
This covers all the paid entries below plus a day of river boats ~ street food budget not included.
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
฿300 (includes bottled water)
≈ $8 USD
1–2 hoursGoogle Maps
The 46 m golden Reclining Buddha is a 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace. This is also the birthplace of Thai massage ~ treat yourself on-site (from ฿320).
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
฿200
≈ $6 USD
1 hourGoogle Maps
Cross the river from Wat Pho on the ฿5 ferry. Despite the name, it's most photogenic at sunset ~ shoot it from the opposite bank with a riverside drink.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Free entry
Half day (weekends only)Google Maps
15,000+ stalls ~ screenshot section numbers or you will get lost. Go before 11 am, haggle with a smile, and budget for the coconut ice cream.
Jim Thompson House
฿200
≈ $6 USD
1–1.5 hoursGoogle Maps
The teakwood home of the American who revived Thai silk ~ then vanished mysteriously in 1967. Entry is by guided tour, included in the ticket.
Chao Phraya River by Boat
฿16–33 orange flag · ฿150–200 tourist day pass
≈ $0.50–6 USD
FlexibleGoogle Maps
The orange-flag express boat is the local way to hit the riverside temples for pocket change ~ same river, tiny fraction of a cruise price.
Prices are approximate (as of 2026), based on our visits and official rates, and can change with seasons and exchange rates. Always double-check official websites before you go.
Photos are free-license images from Wikimedia Commons ~ tap the credit on any photo for its author and license.