A free walking tour in Bangkok is the ideal way to become more familiar with the city and unlock its charms for yourself — with its tasty street food, vibrant nightlife, cultural landmarks and natural beauty.

A bustling metropolis and Thailand’s only cosmopolitan city, Bangkok has kept its traditional side and is teeming with cultural attractions. Scattered around the towering skyscrapers are a sheer number of Buddhist temples that you can see while walking around the city.

You will find below all you ned to know about free walking tours, one of the best way for sightseeing tours in Bangkok.

How do free walking tours in Bangkok work?

Free walking tours in Bangkok are all donation based. The tours do not have a fixed price, but at the end of the tour, you give your tour guide a tip.

Please note that you are responsible for paying for your entrance ticket to any temples that you may visit during your walking tour. Temple entrance fees are typically THB40 (US$1) per person.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Bangkok?

As there is no set amount required for tipping your guide, it is up to you to decide how much you would like to give your tour guide.

When deciding the amount to tip, consider how much you enjoyed the walking tour, the information that the guide provided and the overall quality of the tour.

Most people tip between US$10 and US$15, but some tour participants tip as much as US$50. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make.

What are the best free walking tours in Bangkok?

See the best of what this colorful and vibrant city has to offer with one of these top-rated Bangkok free walking tours.

Old district free walking tour

Bangkok’s Thai name is Krung Thep Mahanakhon, which translates to “city of angels and gods.” Explore the old district of Thailand’s capital city and gain insight into Bangkok's rich cultural history by partaking in this free walking tour.

Itinerary

The walking tour begins outside Miramar Hotel. Once you have met your local tour guide and the other tour participants, you’ll walk towards the heart of Bangkok's old district.

Your tour guide will provide you with interesting facts about Bangkok’s history, which dates back to the 18th century and beyond.

Enjoy the buzz of a local food market in the old city and visit a famous Buddhist temple, as well as other landmarks and monuments. It is important that you’re properly dressed to visit the temple.

The tour ends at Chao Phraya River.

Off the beaten paths free walking tour

Bangkok has many tourist attractions, but this tour takes you off the beaten path and allows you to see the city through the eyes of a local. Gain local insight and discover parts of Bangkok that you may have never found on your own.

Itinerary

The tour begins by meeting your local guide outside Miramar Hotel. From there, you’ll walk through the streets of Bangkok, stopping at monuments, various commercial buildings and a Buddhist temple along the way.

Your tour guide will provide you with local insight and interesting historical information throughout the duration of your trip. Towards the end of the trip, you’ll get to experience the hustle and bustle of a local market, and take in the delicious flavors of Thai street food.

Breaks will be given for using restrooms and taking photographs. The walking tour ends at a pier near Chao Phraya River.

Chinatown free walking tour

Discover the secrets of Bangkok’s beloved Chinatown, which is one of the most vibrant and interesting districts of the city. Don’t miss any of Chinatown’s hidden details with this in-depth walking tour.

Itinerary

Meet your guide at the Red Gate, which is the entrance to Chinatown.

The first stop of the tour is the Golden Buddha Temple, which is famous for its massive Buddha sculpture. The next stop is Kuan Yim Shrine, which was established over a century ago.

The main feature of the tour is Talat Kao Market. The market has been around for over two centuries and is Bangkok’s oldest market still in operation. There are over 100 vendors, and the air is bursting with exotic smells and flavors.

This walking tour is designed to uncover the district’s history, architecture, customs and traditions.

In which languages are free walking tours in Bangkok operated?

Two of the three free walking tours in Bangkok are available in English. The Chinatown walking tour is available in Spanish.

Most local guides are fluent in Thai, but no tours are given in this local language.

Where do free walking tours in Bangkok start?

The majority of free walking tours in Bangkok begin on Maha Chai Road, opposite Miramar Hotel.

There is one Chinatown walking tour that starts at the Red Gate outside Chinatown.

Most tour guides provide you with a basic description of themselves so that you’ll be able to spot them among the crowds.

How long do free walking tours in Bangkok last?

Free walking tours in Bangkok have a duration of 2 hours each.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Bangkok?

It is ideal for participating in a free walking tour at the beginning of your stay in Bangkok. This way, you’ll gain local insight and some basic knowledge of the city that you can use throughout the rest of your trip.

You can choose between a morning tour or an afternoon tour. Two of the walking tours begin at 4 PM, while the old district walking tour begins at 10 AM.

Most tourists tend to prefer the afternoon tour, as the weather is cooler and more suitable for walking through the city.

Should Bangkok free walking tours be booked online?

Even though the walking tours are free, it is still recommended that you book your free walking tour in advance. Bangkok is an extremely popular tourist destination, and tours can fill up quickly.

By booking in advance, you can rest assured that your spot on the tour is reserved. Once you have booked your spot, you can also begin planning other aspects of your trip’s itinerary and make sure that you use your time in Bangkok effectively.

There are no costs involved with booking a free walking tour in Bangkok, so don’t hesitate to book as soon as you know which dates you’ll be in Bangkok.

Free Walking Tours in Bangkok