Walking Tours in Bangkok

Thailand’s colorful and vibrant capital provides a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells for visitors to soak up. While taking a solo walk around the city can be an exciting experience, joining a walking tour in Bangkok is the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the top attractions.

Gain an understanding of Bangkok’s layout as you follow your local guide through the bustling city streets, stopping at famous landmarks along the way. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs and see the sights without having to navigate on your own!

Here's all you need to know about walking tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Bangkok.

What are the best walking tours in Bangkok?

City highlights walking tour in Bangkok

Spend the morning discovering the best of what Bangkok has to offer with this city highlights walking tour. After meeting your guide, you’ll make your way to the Emerald Buddha Temple, or Wat Phra Kaew — undoubtedly one of the most important temples in the city.

You’ll also get to explore the Grand Palace, which was once home to Thailand’s kings and queens. There is also the option to visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. On the way to this incredible site, you’ll pass by a local market and learn more about Thai history, traditions and culture.

Chinatown walking tour in Bangkok

Bangkok’s Chinatown was first built over 200 years ago, making it one of the city’s oldest and most historically important areas. Discover this charming and colorful neighborhood when you book a Chinatown walking tour in Bangkok.

Your local guide will lead you down narrow alleyways and the bustling Sampeng Market, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. This tour provides the perfect opportunity to hunt for souvenirs at the market and local shops. Some of the other highlights of the tour include food tastings, a sit-down meal and a visit to a local temple.

Street food walking tour in Bangkok

Thailand is world-famous for its delicious local cuisine, which is packed full of flavor and fresh ingredients. Taste some of Bangkok’s favorite dishes as you discover the city on a street walking tour of Bangkok with an expert local guide leading the way.

On the food tour portion of your excursion, you’ll visit friendly street food vendors and local eateries. Some of the dishes you’ll get to try traditional Thai coffee, papaya salad, pork with sticky rice and fresh fruit. Your guide will teach you more about Thai cuisine and culture while pointing out historical landmarks as you make your way through the city.

Free walking tour in Bangkok’s Old Town

Stroll around Bangkok’s Old Town, marveling at the stunning architecture and the many fascinating landmarks. Your tour guide welcomes you and leads you on a walk around the Old Town that explores the city’s costumes and culture. Get a better understanding of Bangkok’s past and present as you visit famous Buddhist temples and other attractions.

Free walking tours in Bangkok aim to provide an authentic yet affordable introduction to the city, and are perfect for newcomers and returning visitors alike! The tour ends at Chao Phraya River, where you can relax and admire the beautiful views before heading back to your hotel.

Private half-day walking tour in Bangkok

See the beautiful temples of Wat Pho and Wat Arun, two of Bangkok’s most famous and important Buddhist temples, on a private half-day walking tour in Bangkok. Your local guide is with you every step of the way and provides fascinating information about the temples’ history.

One of the highlights of the tour is crossing the mighty Chao Phraya River by shuttle boat as you make your way to Wat Pho. This gives your legs a break and the opportunity to take in the beautiful views of the river! As you and your travel companions will be the only tour participants, you’ll be treated to a personalized and customizable experience.

Which places are visited?

Some walking tours focus on a specific neighborhood of Bangkok, such as Chinatown, while other tours aim to give you a broader overview of the city’s main attractions. No matter what type of walking tour you book, you’re sure to see a variety of famous landmarks and sites.

Bangkok is probably most famous for its incredible temples, including Wat Saket, Wat Arun and Wat Pho among dozens of others. In some cases, you may visit these temples, and in others, you may simply walk past and admire them from the outside.

Another integral part of Bangkok is the Chao Phraya River, which runs through the city. Most walking tour operators will include a walk alongside this integral waterway in their itineraries, giving you the chance to marvel at its greatness.

Some of the other places that you may visit on a Bangkok walking tour include the city’s famous floating markets, local eateries, museums, the Grand Palace and other points of interest.

How much do walking tours in Bangkok cost?

The most affordable ways to explore Bangkok on foot are free walking tours. Keep in mind that while these are free, you are generally expected to tip your guide at the end of the tour.

Basic walking tours in Bangkok usually cost around US$40 per person for an excursion that visits main highlights, such as the Grand Palace and other famous temples, admission fees included.

Chinatown walking tours in Bangkok typically cost around US$50 per person. Food-focused walking tours can vary in price, but prices start at US$65 per person, which includes several food tastings at various local eateries.

Private tours range quite significantly in price, between US$50 and US$150 per person, depending on the length of the tour, group size and other inclusions.

What is included?

Walking tours in Bangkok typically include the services of a professional licensed guide, and all admission fees to sites you visit. Food-focused walking tours include samples and tastings, but you’ll be responsible for drinks. In any case, always check the specific tour inclusions before you make a booking.

Where does it start?

When you book a walking tour in Bangkok, you’ll meet your guide at an easy-to-find location in the city, such as Hua Lamphong, River City Bangkok, Saphan Taksin BTS Station and other centrally located landmarks.

You should aim to arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the tour’s starting time so that you don’t keep anyone waiting.

How long does it last?

Walking tours in Bangkok have a typical duration of 2 hours. However, there are longer excursions, lasting 3 to 5 hours, for a more comprehensive experience if the city.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Due to the general nature of walking tours in Bangkok, as well as the accessibility of popular attractions on walking tour itineraries, these excursions are not suitable for wheelchair users or travelers with reduced mobility.

When is the best time for a walking tour in Bangkok?

The best time for a walking tour in Bangkok is during the cool and dry months between November and February. To avoid the heat of the day, start your tour early in the morning or late in the afternoon, regardless of the season. Bangkok's vibrant street life, markets, and food stalls can be especially fascinating in the early evening.

Travel tips

• You'll be on your feet for several hours, so wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• The heat in Bangkok can be intense. Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• If your Bangkok walking tour includes religious sites like temples, remember to dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees.
• It is important to respect local customs, which includes removing shoes when entering temples and not pointing your feet at Buddha images.