After pickup from your central Bangkok hotel, head to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue at the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit), where you can absorb the massive size and history of the 700-year-old icon for about an hour. Next, do a little shopping with a guided walk through Chinatown and a visit to the colorful flower market, Pak Khlong Talat.
Explore Thai religion and royalty at the dazzling Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and Grand Palace, before recharging with a buffet lunch. In the afternoon, glide down the city’s main waterway on a cruise down the Chao Phraya River in a traditional longtail boat. It’s a scenic way to travel to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), known for its high Khmer-style tower. Cross the river to tour the impressive Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), before returning to your hotel.