Bangkok is famous for all the different types of local transport. Rather than going around in a car, this tour gives you a chance to explore all the must-see sights in the city using the various transports such as sky train, canal boat, long tail boat and of course the famous Thai tuk tuk. This has been one of our most popular day tours in Bangkok and we highly recommend it, particularly to first-time visitors to the city.
Below is a map showing the route of the day tour:
Private day tour
This is a private day tour which means you do not join other tourists in a group. The tour will be arranged with your personal, local tour guide. The itinerary is roughly what we suggest, however it is totally flexible — feel free to discuss any changes with us prior to the tour or during the tour with your guide.
Itinerary
9:00AM / PICK UP AT YOUR HOTEL – JIM THOMPSON’S HOUSE
Your guide will meet you at your hotel or a pre-arranged location. We start by taking the sky train to Jim Thompson’s house. The house, now a museum, is a former home of James H.W Thompson who was the founder of world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. Tour the house and learn about its history, Thai architecture and silk.
10:30AM / CANAL BOAT TO GOLDEN MOUNT TEMPLE
Travel by canal boat to Wat Saket, also known as Golden Mountain Temple. Climb the 318 steps to the top of the temple (the climb is easy and only takes 10-15 minutes) Along the walk you’ll pass a series of bells that can be rung for good luck, some benches to relax and catch your breath on, and a little cafe just in case you feel the need for some refreshment halfway up.
11:00AM / WAT PHRA KAEW AND GRAND PALACE
Next mode of transport is the famous Thailand Tuk Tuk which we take to the most famous temple in Thailand – Wat Phra Kaew, or the Emerald Buddha Temple. We will also tour the Royal Grand Palace.
12:30PM / LUNCH
Your guide will suggest a great local restaurant for lunch based on your preference.
1:30PM / WAT PHO, THE RECLINING BUDDHA TEMPLE
After lunch, proceed to visit Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha. This will be within walking distance.
2:30PM / CANALS TOUR BY LONG TAIL BOAT
After Wat Pho, board the famous Bangkok long tail boat for a 1 hour canal tour. You can observe the way of the locals who live around these canals and your guide will point out interesting places you pass by.
3:30 / WAT ARUN, TEMPLE OF THE DAWN
Canal boat will finish at Wat Arun, also known as the temple of the dawn. If you feel up to it we highly recommend climbing the stairs to the top for a beautiful, panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River.
4:00PM / TRANSFER BACK TO YOUR HOTEL
Last mode of transport for the day will be the local river boat taxi, which will take us to the sky train for transfer back to the hotel.
The Trip Cost Includes
- Private tour with local, English speaking guide
- All transportation costs
- All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
- Cold water and local refreshments during the tour
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Lunch (order a la carte)
- Taxi costs (if you get tired and prefer not continue by local transport)
- Personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks during the tour, etc.
Frequently asked Questions
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.