Free self-guided walk · Bangkok

Rattanakosin: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the river

A free self-guided walk across Bangkok's royal island, from Sanam Luang past the Grand Palace and Wat Pho to the river pier facing Wat Arun.

Distance
2.9 km
Walking time
38 min
Allow
About 1.5 hours with stops
Stops
4

Open the route in Google MapsBangkok city guide

About this walk

Rattanakosin, the old royal island, holds Bangkok's greatest temples within a short walk of each other. This walk passes the Grand Palace, visits Wat Pho and ends at the river, where a short ferry crosses to Wat Arun.

Temples have a dress code: shoulders and knees covered, for men and women.

  • Terrain: Flat and paved, but pavements are uneven and often blocked by stalls. Very hot and humid; shade is scarce.
  • Best time: Early morning, when the Grand Palace opens and before the midday heat.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Sanam Luang

    Start on the large royal field north of the palace.

  2. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

    The palace complex and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (ticket needed; strict dress code).

  3. Wat Pho

    South of the palace, the temple of the huge Reclining Buddha, and a centre of traditional Thai massage.

  4. Tha Tien pier

    Finish at the river, facing Wat Arun on the far bank. Cross-river ferries leave from here.

Tips

  • Ignore anyone outside the palace who says it is closed today; it is a common scam.
  • Carry water and a hat.
  • Chao Phraya Express boats stop at Tha Tien and run along the river.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.