Built in the 17th century, the Grand Palace complex is truly stunning. This snow-white building, accented with vibrant shades of orange, emerald, and glistening gold, boasts unique architecture that blends traditional Thai styles with influences from the Italian Renaissance. Near the complex, discover the mint, ministries, and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). The Grand Palace Thailand was once the heart of the Thai Kingdom. Today, the palace is still used for special occasions, especially the robe changing ceremony for Wat Phra Kaew’s Emerald Buddha statue. This beautiful Buddha statue dons different sets of gold robes for the summer, rainy, and cool seasons. If you choose a Grand Palace tour package, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of these striking monuments.

In the late 18th century, Wat Phra Kaew history began when King Rama I first declared Bangkok as Siam’s new capital. Today, this iconic temple continues to be heralded as the center of Thai Buddhism and is also home to the Emerald Buddha -- the country’s holiest image. This stunning Buddha sits in a meditative position, and it was carved from a single block of jade in the Lanna style of Thailand’s north. The Wat Phra Kaew Emerald Buddha not only remains an important part of Thai religion but also a quintessential example of the country’s vibrant history and culture. In addition, this magnificent Buddha statue and historic temple are found on the grounds of the Grand Palace. Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is an especially impressive example of traditional Thai architecture. You must stop by to see the country’s most important relic.

Bangkok was built around the Chao Phraya River, and Bangkok river cruise tours offer tourists an exciting opportunity to glimpse Bangkok’s sacred temples and traditional buildings from a unique perspective. Bangkok’s waterways, including the picturesque Chao Phraya, are critical to a city that is crammed with traffic. Today, traditional Thai life still takes place along the river’s intricate network of canals. Gently float along on a Chao Phraya dinner cruise to see Bangkok in the evening, when the city is at its most beautiful. Savor delicious Thai cuisine as you take in views of stunning temples and the glittering city, alive with a spectrum of colorful lights. Whether you choose to travel during the day or night, Bangkok river cruises never fail to reveal new aspects of this amazing metropolis.

Even though Wat Arun is known as the Temple of Dawn, this iconic structure is especially impressive at sunset! Located directly opposite of Wat Pho on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun’s spires are adorned with shimmering fragments of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. Wat Arun Temple's tallest spire is almost 230 feet (70 m) high, and it truly defines the city’s striking landscape. Take a Chao Phraya River cruise to this dazzling monument, or catch one of the local ferries that take you past impressive temples and picturesque scenery. Please note, local Buddhists and tourists alike must follow the Wat Arun dress code and keep their shoulders, arms, torsos, and legs covered at all times.

When it comes to Bangkok sightseeing, the beautiful temple of Wat Pho is an absolute must-see. Not only does Wat Pho hold the biggest collection of Buddha statues in Thailand, but it is home to a striking Reclining Buddha -- a gold statue that stretches almost 50 feet (15 m) high and 150 feet (46 m) long! Equally impressive are the Buddha’s feet, adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl inlays that illustrate specific bodily features of the Buddha. Continue exploring Wat Pho chapels to see more beautiful golden Buddhas seated in the lotus position, as well as multicolored murals that depict former lives of the Buddha. Wat Pho is also home to charming Chinese statues that were used as ships’ ballasts from the maritime trade between Thailand and China many centuries ago. As with most sacred sites in Southeast Asia, please remember that the Wat Pho dress code asks visitors to dress modestly.

The Temple of the Golden Buddha in Bangkok’s Chinatown is known for its precious artwork: a solid gold Buddha image that weighs approximately five and a half tons! Likely 700 to 800 years old, this stunning statue is the largest golden Buddha in the entire world. The Golden Buddha story is fascinating. During either the Sukhothai or Ayutthaya periods, it was covered in plaster to protect its true worth from Burmese invaders. In the 1950s, the Buddha’s solid gold interior was finally uncovered when the statue was accidentally dropped, cracking off part of the plaster coating and revealing the priceless precious metal shimmering underneath.