A full-day (11–12 hour) trip from Pattaya to Bangkok’s old town: the Grand Palace with the Emerald Buddha, then Wat Arun across the river. The drive is about two hours each way, so expect an early start. Entry fees are extra — 500 THB for the Grand Palace, 200 THB for Wat Arun. From around 1,900 THB.
Tour Highlights
- Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
- Wat Arun, the riverside Temple of Dawn
- Chao Phraya river crossing by public ferry
- Air-conditioned transport both ways (~2 hours each direction)
- Guide handles tickets, dress-code checks and timing
Itinerary
- 106:30Early pickup from your Pattaya hotel — leaving before 07:00 beats the worst Bangkok traffic.
- 209:00Arrive Grand Palace at opening (08:30 gates): Wat Phra Kaew, the Emerald Buddha and the throne halls.
- 311:30Riverside lunch near Tha Tien.
- 412:45Cross the Chao Phraya by ferry to Wat Arun; climb the lower terraces of the central prang.
- 514:30Short river or canal boat option, or free time in the old town.
- 616:00Depart Bangkok.
- 718:30Drop-off at your Pattaya hotel.
What's included
- Return transport from Pattaya
- English-speaking guide
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Bottled water
Not included
- Grand Palace entry (500 THB)
- Wat Arun entry (200 THB)
- Lunch
- River ferry (a few THB per crossing)
Who is this tour best for?
- Visitors basing the whole holiday in Pattaya but wanting Bangkok’s headline sights
- First-timers in Thailand — the Grand Palace is the country’s single most famous site
- Cruise passengers docking at Laem Chabang with a full day ashore
- Travellers who prefer a guide to handle Bangkok logistics
Where to book & compare
| Provider | From | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY by bus | ~130–200 THB each way | Buses from Pattaya (North terminal) to Ekkamai, then taxi/metro across town — doable but eats 2+ extra hours. |
| Private car hire | from ~3,500 THB per car | Flexible timing, no guide unless added. |
| Join-in guided tour | from ~1,900 THB pp | Guide, tickets logistics and dress-code advice handled; fixed schedule. |
| GetYourGuide | from $169.03 | Bangkok temples full-day tour departing from Pattaya hotels — the premium guided option (rated 4.9 from 29 reviews). |
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bangkok from Pattaya?
About 150 km — roughly two hours each way by motorway in normal traffic, longer at Bangkok rush hour. That is why day trips start around 06:30 and run 11–12 hours door to door.
What is the Grand Palace dress code?
Strictly enforced: shoulders and knees covered for everyone, no ripped jeans, no see-through fabrics. Long trousers or a long skirt plus a sleeved top is safest; sarongs can be bought near the gate but at tourist prices.
How much are the entrance fees?
The Grand Palace (including Wat Phra Kaew) is 500 THB for foreign visitors; children under 120 cm enter free. Wat Arun is 200 THB, paid in cash at the gate. Both fees are separate from the tour price.
Is one day enough for Bangkok?
Enough for the old-town essentials, not for the whole city. The Grand Palace and Wat Arun fill a comfortable day with the drive included. If you also want Chatuchak Market, Chinatown or the malls, consider an overnight instead.
When is the best time of year for this trip?
November to February is coolest and driest. In April–May heat, start as early as possible — the Grand Palace grounds are exposed, and morning visits are far more comfortable.