MapVivid
Wat Arun and around
A day in Bangkok · 9:30–17:30 · 6 stops
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mapvivid.com/bangkok/itineraries/wat-arun-and-aroundA walking day around Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Grand Palace, with a lunch break nearby and Wat Saket (Golden Mount) to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Wat Arun ↗1 hSunset
Temple of Dawn with a towering porcelain-clad prang.
- Climb the prang steps
- Best sunset view from across the river
↓ 9 min walk
10:452Wat Pho ↗1 hLate afternoon
Home to the giant Reclining Buddha and Thai massage school.
- Get a massage on site
- Pair with Wat Arun by ferry
↓ 7 min walk
11:453Grand Palace ↗1 hGo early · Dress code
Dazzling former royal residence with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
- Beware scammers claiming it is closed
Lunch
12:45Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 21 min walk
Afternoon
14:154Khao San Road ↗1 hAt night
Backpacker hub of bars, hostels and street food.
- Busiest at night
- Watch for tuk-tuk scams
↓ 9 min walk
↓ 27 min walk
16:306Wat Saket (Golden Mount) ↗1 hSunset
Hilltop temple with 360-degree views of old Bangkok.
- Climb 344 steps
- Visit at sunset
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Bangkok tips
Cultural
- Respect the monarchy: Criticism of the royal family is illegal; stand for the royal anthem before cinema screenings.
- Mind your head and feet: The head is sacred and feet are lowly; do not touch heads or point feet at people or Buddha images.
- Greet with a wai: Pressing palms together with a slight bow is the traditional greeting; return one when offered.
Local Hacks
- Visit temples early: Arrive at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho right at opening to beat heat and tour groups.
- Shop at Chatuchak on weekends: The huge weekend market has everything; go in the morning before it gets hot.
- Escape to Bang Krachao: Rent a bike in this green area across the river, often called Bangkok's green lung.
Saving
- Eat street food: Hawker stalls and food courts serve pad kra pao, khao man gai and noodle soups for very little.
- Drink tap-filtered water: Refill bottles at coin-operated water machines found in many neighbourhoods.
- Withdraw less often: Thai ATMs charge a fixed fee per foreign card withdrawal, so take out larger amounts at once.
Security
- Ignore the closed palace scam: Strangers saying the Grand Palace is closed today often steer you to tuk-tuk rides and gem shops.
- Agree tuk-tuk fares first: Tuk-tuks rarely have meters; settle the price before you ride and decline shopping stopovers.
- Mind traffic and pavements: Motorbikes may ride on pavements and ignore crossings; look both ways every time.
Transportation
- Ride the BTS and MRT: Bangkok's Skytrain and subway beat the traffic; a Rabbit card works on the BTS and contactless bank cards on the MRT.
- Take the river boats: Chao Phraya Express boats are a scenic, cheap way to reach the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and the old town.
- Use Grab or Bolt: Ride-hailing apps give upfront prices and avoid taxi drivers who refuse the meter.
Weather/Clothing
- Plan for heat year-round: Bangkok is hot and humid all year, hottest in March to May; wear light, breathable fabrics.
- Carry an umbrella in rainy season: May to October brings heavy afternoon storms and occasional street flooding.
- Pack temple clothing: Covered shoulders and knees are required at temples like Wat Pho; carry a scarf or light trousers.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/bangkok/itineraries/wat-arun-and-around
Day 1 of 19:30–17:306 stops
Wat Arun and around
A walking day around Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Grand Palace, with a lunch break nearby and Wat Saket (Golden Mount) to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hTemple of Dawn with a towering porcelain-clad prang.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Climb the prang steps
- Best sunset view from across the river
- Rent a traditional dress
📷 Photos
9 min walk
210:45 · 1 hHome to the giant Reclining Buddha and Thai massage school.
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Get a massage on site
- Pair with Wat Arun by ferry
📷 Photos
7 min walk
311:45 · 1 hDazzling former royal residence with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Dress code
1 tip
- Beware scammers claiming it is closed
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 12:45
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps21 min walk
Afternoon
414:15 · 1 hBackpacker hub of bars, hostels and street food.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Busiest at night
- Watch for tuk-tuk scams
- Good for cheap souvenirs
📷 Photos
9 min walk
515:30 · 30 minWhite riverside fort in Santichaiprakan Park.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Great at sunset
- Free
- Breeze from the river
📷 Photos
27 min walk
616:30 · 1 hHilltop temple with 360-degree views of old Bangkok.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Climb 344 steps
- Visit at sunset
- Small entrance fee
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Bangkok. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.