Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is also the country’s largest city, and there is a significant amount of ground to cover if you want to see all the major sites. From ancient temples to modern skyscrapers and shopping malls—Bangkok offers something for everyone!

Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Bangkok provide the perfect way to see as much as possible. Enjoy the views as you ride around the city, stopping to get off at the attractions that interest you the most.

Here’s all you need to know about hop-on hop-off tours, one of the most exciting sightseeing tours in Bangkok.

What are the best hop-on hop-off Bangkok bus tours? What are their prices?

Elephant Bus

Elephant’s hop-on hop-off buses have garnered an excellent reputation in Bangkok for being the go-to introductory tour for newcomers. This well-established tour bus company is known for being reliable, trustworthy and on time.

There are 15 exciting stops in total. With Elephant Bus, you get to see Bangkok’s best attractions without having to try to navigate public transport or pay hefty fees for cabs.

Route

The Elephant Bus’s route begins at Siam Paragon and goes in a loop, which visits some of the city’s most iconic sites, including the MBK Center, Wat Trai Mit, Chinatown, Khao San Road, the Giant Swing, Wat Pho and the Mahanakorn Skywalk among other stops.

Get off at any of the locations that interest you and explore to your heart’s content as you wait for the next bus.

Timetable

Buses run every 45 minutes, between 9 AM and 3 PM, every day. The entire loop takes around 180 minutes to complete if you don’t get off at any of the stops.

Tickets

There are three different ticket options available, which last 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively.

24-hour ticket: THB800 (US$24)
48-hour ticket: THB900 (US$27)
72-hour ticket: THB1,000 (US$30)

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 pay half price, while children 5 and under can ride the bus for free, so long as an adult accompanies them.

Siam Hop

Siam Hop is known for its extensive route, allowing you to visit a mixture of famous attractions and hidden gems. Their double-decker buses are open-air for half of the back part, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy Bangkok’s amazing weather.

Siam Hop’s hop-on hop-off bus tours are perfect for those looking to experience the Thai capital in full and see more than just the top places listed in the guidebooks.

Route

Siam Hop offers four different bus routes, namely:

The Heritage Route: This route visits popular cultural attractions such as Chinatown, MBK Center, River City, the Giant Swing, the Grand Palace and many others. In total, this route has 16 stops.
The Shopping Route: Visit famous shopping destinations in Bangkok like the Central Embassy, Terminal 21, Siam Square and MBK, as well as several other stops.
Entertainment Route: Make the most of Bangkok’s entertainment, nightlife and shopping opportunities. This route stops at famous places like the Train Night Market, Central Plaza Rama and others.
CBD Route: See the very best of Bangkok’s CBD, stopping at the Skywalk, Patpong, MBK and many more.

Timetable

As Siam Hop has four different routes, the timetable is slightly more complicated than other tour bus operators. In general, buses run between 10 AM and 9 PM, leaving every hour or second hour.

Tickets

When booking Siam Hop bus tickets, you have the option of purchasing a 1-day pass, a 2-day pass or a 3-day pass.

1-day pass: THB800 (US$24)
2-day pass: THB1,300 (US$38)
3-day pass: THB1,700 (US$50)

Children pay roughly half of the abovementioned prices.

How do hop-on hop-off bus tours in Bangkok work? What is included?

While each hop-on hop-off tour operator is slightly different, many of these tours work in a very similar way. In most cases, you’re able to join the tour at any of the stops, so long you present your digital or physical ticket.

You can make use of this bus ticket for the entirety of its validity, getting on and off as you please. Audio guides should be available in a variety of different languages and you may also be able to download an app that gives you the bus’s live location at any given time.

These tours are specifically designed to help visitors experience Bangkok as easily and conveniently as possible. The entire experience promises to be comfortable, enjoyable and straightforward.

Are there any combined tickets including hop-on hop-off bus tours?

When you book an Elephant Bus tour, you have the option to upgrade your hop-on hop-off excursion to include three walking tours led by an English-speaking guide. If you don’t speak English, there is an audio guide available in 5 different languages.

The three different locations of these walking tours include Siam, Chinatown and the city’s cultural center. Gain a more in-depth understanding of Bangkok’s culture, traditions and history when you have an expert local guide leading the way.

Siam Hop also offers a bus tour and walking tour combo, as well as a bus tour and boat tour combo, allowing you to truly make the most of your time in the city.

Travel tips

To make the most of your day and beat the crowds at popular attractions, start your bus tour as early as possible.
Bangkok is notorious for its heavy traffic. Plan your itinerary but be flexible, as journey times can be unpredictable.
When visiting temples, dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. It may be beneficial to pack a lightweight scarf or wrap in your bag.
Bangkok can be quite hot, especially during midday. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and ample sunscreen. Also, remember to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Bangkok