• Private Tour
• Family Friendly
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Come with me on a private tour through the spectacular Temple District - at the heart of spiritual heritage of the Old Historic City of Bangkok. During the tour you will get a chance to taste the local culture and try the local modes of transportation. It's the best way to get to know the city!

Destination

Bangkok, Thailand

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

5 hours

Transport mode

Public Transport

Available languages

English, ไทย

Included

• Entrance tickets
• Private guide

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Big.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Ratchathewi, Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand - Bangkok to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Meeting point

   Meetup at the BTS Ratchathewi Station

4. Watertaxi ride

   Sail along the canals of Central Bangkok

5. Phan Fa Lilat Bridge

   Marvel at the classical bridge and the Old City Wall

6. Wat Saket

   The temple built on top of a mountain of gold, dating back to the Ayutthaya era

7. Giant Red Swing

   Formerly used in an old Brahmin ceremony

8. Wat Po

   Discover the Reclining Buddha in the heart of Thai Massage

9. Thai Massage

   Optional pit stop to experience the Divine Hands of the National Thai Massage School

10. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Nicolas🇰🇷 Korea, Republic of

27 January 2025

We had a fantastic time with Big. A true condensate of what Bangkok can offer from a typical market or tea shop to wonderful diverse temples. Navigating the city thru khlong or tuk tuk is not an isssue. On top Big is super knowledgeable on both history and budhism. Both kids and parents had a great great time. Highly recommended True local connection

Juliette🇦🇺 Australia

18 December 2024

What an excellent experience our tour with Big was. Not only do you get everything that os outlined in the description, but with added humour, history, and a fascinating look at how modern Bangkok has arrived to where it is today. Loved every minute! Beyond expectations

Tom🇺🇸 United States

3 November 2024

We had a great tour getting to know Singapore. It was our first time to the city and Big did a great job explaining the culture and history.Fun time in Singapore

Stephan🇩🇪 Germany

4 June 2024

Natürlich, Stephan! Hier ist der angepasste Entwurf für eine Bewertung auf einer Webseite: Titel: Unvergessliche Tour durch Bangkok mit Guide Big Wenn ihr Bangkok auf eine ganz besondere Art und Weise erleben wollt, kann ich euch nur empfehlen, Big als euren Guide zu buchen. Wir hatten das Glück, zwei Tage lang von ihm durch diese faszinierende Stadt geführt zu werden, und es war einfach phänomenal. Big hat unsere Tour perfekt geplant und uns zu Orten geführt, die weit abseits der üblichen Touristenpfade liegen. Seine zuvorkommende und individuelle Art, auf unsere Interessen einzugehen, machte jeden Moment der Tour besonders. Er war nicht nur überaus sympathisch, sondern auch äußerst kompetent. Big konnte jede unserer Fragen detailliert beantworten und seine umfassenden Kenntnisse über die Stadt waren beeindruckend. Es war ein einzigartiges Erlebnis, Bangkok durch seine Augen zu sehen und tiefer in die Kultur und Geschichte einzutauchen. Ich kann Big wirklich wärmstens weiterempfehlen. Er ist die ideale Wahl für alle, die das echte Bangkok jenseits der bekannten Pfade erleben möchten.Unvergessliche Tour durch Bangkok

Bill

22 November 2023

Had the opportunity to spend a half day or so with Big. We he met us at a coffee shop he recommended, and we took a water taxi, then a tuk tuk to the morning markets! I know we booked a temple tour but he was able to weave other local experiences into the day that made it a mega highlight of our time in Bangkok! We were able to see the morning markets, he took us to get Thai teas, and then took us to see a temple. Seeing the temples with a person who understands the processes and cultures was important to me- and holy cannoli was I blown away! Big actually lives at a temple. I learned a lot about Buddhism, got to feed turtles, got to see the flower market, all of it was so good. Cannot recommend this man enough. BIG IS THE MAN!!

Jay

19 October 2023

No notice of cancellation of and yet to receive a refund. Will not use again nor recommend.Very poor.

Emma🇬🇧 United Kingdom

17 July 2023

As a group of 5, parents and 3 young adults with only 2 nights in Bangkok we wanted to pack in as much as possible in our 6 hours. Big was a fantastic guide who kept us all fully engaged despite the challenging heat! We were introduced to parts of the city we would never have found on our own and had brilliant insight into Thai culture. Big also made some great recommendations which ensured we got the most of our short time in this amazing city.Fantastic personalised tour of Bangkok

Maria🇵🇹 Portugal

20 April 2023

What an experience! Going with Big was a 5 star day! He´s so fun and tells about the city with enthusiasm that it´s impossible not to like. Our daughters were super engaged all day and we got to try so many different drinks and foods! This experience was probably one of the best we had for you can really immerse in the culture and experience and Big is sort of a walking encyclopedia with so much to tell!!! More than Temples!

Johann🇩🇪 Germany

6 March 2023

Big is a very friendly easy going fun person that knows not only exactly where to go and what to see but is also able to judge what would be fun (or not) to do depending who you are! We had a perfect time - many thanks, Big!Just the perfect tour with Big

stephen🇬🇧 United Kingdom

8 November 2022

Well where do i start BIG was amazing, we met at the BTS station with introductions and then set of one one of our stand out days of our trip to Thailand. just a few hundrad meters from the BTS we jumped on a canal boat and saw sight that i would never have seen if it was not for BIG. We walked through the local markets and got a better understanding of how the locals lived in the City. BIG took use to some of his local stop off places for Tea, food more Tea and some cake which BIG paid for. We got to see every thing we wanted to see and more and with BIGs knowledge we got a better understanding of Thai culture which was the main reason for booking this tour. Me and the wife had been to Wat Pho before but this time BIG seemed to explain things in a way that made more sense to the point that even our grand children 9 and 6 sill remember what BIG said (colours of the day, why Buddha was laying down and the Nagha Buddha as it was Saturday) So i would defiantly say that this tour with BIG is excellent for all ages, BIG is amazing and hope to see him again soon.A BIG day in Bangkok

Joe🇺🇸 United States

5 November 2022

Simone🇮🇱 Israel

8 October 2022

Walking around the Old City and the Temple District with Big was like meeting with an old friend over the best bag of iced Thai tea and at the same time discover hidden gems and hearing stories about one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It did not feel like a guided tour and this is why it was our best day in BangkokBangkok at its best with the Notorious BIG

cjpaull🇬🇧 United Kingdom

5 October 2022

Apart from slight meet up hitch (my phone's fault)., I had a great time with Big who is very entertaining and a font of all knowledge. Unfortunately the humidity had taken my appetite away as normally I would have loved to try the tasters he offered. Amongst interesting facts gleaned was that you can tell if a Thai restaurant is authentic as it will have a photo of the royal family on the wall. Also the royal family have their own language so you would need an interpreter should you be lucky enough to meet them! Big is best!

Khoi 🇺🇸 United States

22 September 2022

I booked a temple tour for myself and my parents; Big was very accommodating in showing us things that we had planned before hand while keeping the pace chill and more like a walkabout rather than a tour. He was informative and knew lots of facts but kept it really natural. It wasnt fact dumping but would answer questions we had! We got to see Golden Mountain, Wat Po and another smaller but beautiful local temple, in between he walked us around and we got to snack, drink authentic tai tea and eat tofu! The experience was really nice and it was truly “with locals” as he ended it by showing us his home ! Great experience overall and I enjoyed the pace that kept it from being overwhelming especially in the humid Bangkok air. Well paced and chill

Spencer🇨🇳 China

28 February 2020

Big showed me and my family around Bangkok. It was a terrific experience. He knew a lot about the temples and history of the city. Our favorite part was walking through the alleyways of Bangkok and hearing about the daily lives of the people living there. It was a unique look into Bangkok that most tours don't cover. Thank you, Big.Best Bangkok Day with Big

Nicole🇺🇸 United States

6 February 2020

My husband and I took a full day Bangkok highlights tour with Big and it was an amazing experience. Big has a unique and incredible personality and showed us a side of Bangkok we would not have otherwise seen. We had a ton of fun and alot of laughs while spending the day with Big. We would highly reccomend taking a tour with him and letting him blow your mind with the wealth of knowledge he holds. Amazing day in Bangkok!

John🇺🇸 United States

23 January 2020

Fun (if not obvious) fact: don’t trust google maps in a foreign city during rush hour or you might be late. No matter, Big quickly adjusted our itinerary and showed us an awesome time while being considerate of my mother who is a bit older and not used to the extensive walking and Bangkok heat. While he is more than happy to take you to touristy areas, ask him to show you the sides of Bangkok that he enjoys. You will be treated with a local experience that will give you a greater appreciation on the history and culture of Bangkok, and Southeast Asia and world history more broadly. Big—thank you for being an excellent host and we would recommend to anyone and everyone. Cheers! Big is as knowledgeable as he is flexible

AUDREY🇺🇸 United States

13 January 2020

We had a wonderful day with Big - he was extremely accommodating and thoughtful, and we got to see a great many of the highlights of Bangkok in a limited amount of time. He gave us a real feeling for the city, the food, and the lives of the local people. He left us wishing we had more time to spend, and wanting to return. Thank you for a great experience!

Natalia🇮🇹 Italy

22 November 2019

Big greeted us after our 14 hour fight with a traditional egg custard for breakfast and after letting us relax for a few, we left on our all-day journey that took us off the beaten path and sharing tons of history and giving us a locals perspective!! Thoroughly enjoyed our day and can’t wait to come back to get a bath tour!! ;) Strolling with a lost friend!

Gigi🇺🇸 United States

7 August 2019

Our time in Bangkok would not have been the same without Big. He is filled with knowledge about the history about everything and beyond what we saw. In addition to giving us the tours, he continued to help us out with anything we asked about Bangkok after the tour. I highly recommend Big, please get a tour with him while you're here if you get the chance! He really is as great as all the other reviewers claim, in every dimension!Greatest tour one can have in life

Ronald🇳🇱 Netherlands

31 July 2019

We did the temple tour with Big. What a day! Seen so much and learned a lot. Big is very entertaining and tells a lot. We used all kind of transportation. Definitely recommended!! We had a great day!Temple tour

Courtney🇺🇸 United States

22 July 2019

We had a great time hanging out with Big. He does such an amazing job of bridging two cultures. He also gave us great advice about things like hailing and paying for tuk-tuks that we used our whole time in Bangkok. Awesome morning!

Libby🇦🇺 Australia

10 June 2019

Very informative, funny & friendly guide. Enjoyed the entire time.Great experience with Big.

Sean🇵🇭 Philippines

28 April 2019

My partner, daughter and I were lucky enough to spend a total of 11 hours with Big. He kindly agreed to combine his Private Spiritual Morning with Thai Monks together with his Unique Temple Tour at very short notice, and the result was the undoubted highlight of our amazing 5-day stay in Bangkok. Besides the day we spent together, we also did a variety of other activities with some great guides during our time in Thailand, but for me personally, nothing came close to rivalling our experience with Big. This was the first time we'd used Withlocals, and that's precisely what our time in Big's company felt like the whole day - a local giving us a unique insight into everyday life, which we simply could't possibly have been able to get in any other way. I think what I liked most about Big was his easy-going manner, and his passion for what he does. He's a cultured and intelligent guy, able to talk in depth about a huge variety of topics. I've been to Thailand many times before, but nobody has ever really been able to deepen my understanding of Buddhism. Big did exactly that, and it was just so enjoyable hanging out with him. In addition, he showed us some great little places well and truly off the beaten track, each of which served in its own way to give us an idea of the ways in which locals here live their lives. If you're looking for an enlightening and educational experience with a down-to-earth guide, I can't think of anybody I could recommend more highly than Big. I was even hoping I could persuade him to venture out further afield into the country at large with us the next time we're in Thailand, but for now I think he's quite happy with the services he's currently offering. My advice would be make the most of him while he's there. I can't imagine there's anyone better in Bangkok. Thanks again for an incredible day Big. Jacky, Lulu and I will definitely be back to see Ayutthaya with you.The most interesting and enjoyable tour we

Jackilynne

26 April 2019

Big is obviously the most knowledgable guide, gifted with remarkable story-telling ability that I am most envious about. For how can one tell narratives integrating some physics, finance, Buddism, and mindfulness peppered with historical accounts, spontaneously? It's amazing! Taking us for some stroll, he knows his way in and around the area that even the resident alley cats know him! It's a superb experience so as a product, the tour itself is a gem. As a guide though, Big is gold! Not a single dull moment

Jeet🇬🇧 United Kingdom

17 March 2019

I had a great day exploring the local attractions with Big, he’s really knowledgeable about history as well which made it more of an interesting experience. The 7 hours flew by and we covered a lot of ground. Big was also flexible and accommodated an additional stop I requested. Very knowledgable

Lin🇺🇸 United States

12 March 2019

I highly recommend this tour with BiG! It was informative and delightful. Fantastic Morning with the Monks

Brigit🇳🇱 Netherlands

19 February 2019

Thanks to Big this was a really unique Tour . The trip was full of education, a great variaty in ways of exportation and things to see/taste and experience! Big shared his knowledge about the buddhism, Bangkok and looked after our wellbeing. Very good

Kendra🇩🇪 Germany

12 February 2019

We had a wonderful day with Big in Bangkok. He showed us around and we experienced great places, temples, traditional food... very high recommendation!!Great day with Big :-)

Cheerag🇺🇸 United States

27 January 2019

BIG was BIG. Thanks for showing us a great time. The tour was a great idea instead of us doing it ourselves. We saw a lot of stuff we wouldn’t have normally seen. He personalized it well for us and the history lessons were great. Je Som Tum

Melissa🇺🇸 United States

23 January 2019

We had a great time. Good conversation, tons of history, background and delicious snacks. He knows everyone in Bangkok, it seems and has a big heart!Insightful

Jennifer🇺🇸 United States

23 January 2019

Big is an awesome tour guide - funny, cheerful and cool to hang out with. Highly recommend him to be your guide. He's got a nice mix of Western and Eastern personality, having been born in Thailand, but grown up in S.F. Definitely, book him for this tour!Big is AMAZING

Mike🇺🇸 United States

8 December 2018

We absolutely loved our tour with Big! This wasn’t your normal tour, it felt more like a long time friend was showing us around. Before we went on our tour he gave us a crash course on Thailand life and where to find everything we might need. On our way to our first temple he took us on a canal boat that was a great way to get around (and a lot quicker than all the street traffic). Big told us the histories of each of the temples and we even got blessed by a Buddhist monk! After sightseeing he took us to an authentic Thai restaurant that had some of the best food we had in Bangkok. We ended the day with coffee and a massage. This was definitely the highlight of time in Bangkok and we would definitely recommend a tour with Big!Most authentic tour out there!

Dafni-Georgia🇨🇭 Switzerland

24 November 2018

A perfect day tour Big is a funny, intelligent guy who loves his city and he has a big rage of knowledge!!!! Thank you BigUnique Temple Tour: Wat Saket, Wat Arun & Wat Po

Katherine🇫🇷 France

14 November 2018

We spent 2 out of 3 days of our trip with Big in Bangkok.Did the temple tour and morning visit with the monks. Very enriching. Big provided us a view of Bangkok from a completely different angle. Well versed in bangkok's history. He is an extremely interesting guide where he not only shares his knowledge of bangkok but also his joy, humour and his outlook of life. Returning back to his hometown and leaving silicon valley... If you are looking for a journey of discovery, fun and soul searching. Spend some time with Big. He will make a difference in your life. He did in mine. Thanks BIG. Merci pour le rencontre!Unique and enriching experience

Catherine🇺🇸 United States

27 October 2018

We had the best day with Big!! Perfect English, great knowledge of Thai history, Buddhism and Hinduism. We didn’t feel like we were on a tour - we were just spending the day with Big as we traversed the city and visited the temples. Super Thai massage at the end. Highly recommend this tour! Awesome tour!!!

Heidi🇪🇸 Spain

4 August 2018

Thank you so much Big! The tour was amazing! His knowledge of the country and culture is never ending! It was a fun and enriching experience, we got to see places and taste things that we never would have our own. Highly recommend this tour!!Amazing experience!

charlote🇩🇰 Denmark

11 July 2018

Big is an amazing guide! He knows a lot about almost anything/anyone/anywhere in Bangkok. We had an incredible morning with him and would reccomend to anyone. Thank You Big!!Amazing experience

Richard🇺🇸 United States

21 June 2018

Big was great and really took us to some places we would have never found on our own. We did the Unique Temples Tour which of course took us to the temples but taking the tour with him really brought us to some neat places with neat food and sights along the way. Sure, we could have gone to these places on our own but going with him really gave us a lot more substance along the way and was really the local feel that we were looking for from a local guide. If you're at all worried about ending up with a guide that doesn't speak English well have no fear, Big speaks perfect English. For someone like me with bad hearing I have a particular issue with heavy accents and was very pleased with our day with Big. I would 100% book a tour with him on our next trip back.Big is a fantastic guide

Gary🇳🇿 New Zealand

16 June 2018

Hi had a great day. Big has a fantastic knowledge about all things Bangkok. Interesting

Alan🇬🇧 United Kingdom

13 March 2018

We had a wonderful day with Big who took us around places we would never have gone ourselves. His knowledge of the area, religions and culture was outstanding and he imparted facts and information with enthusiasm and humour. We visited temples , took a tuc tuc ride and long boat trip. We went to a wholesale store for monks, drank a local tea with cake and had icecream and we particiapted in a ceremony with monks when offering them a gift. The tour ended with a massage which was an experience in itself and we then all shared a meal together. We would say that big is an excellent guide and you would not go wrong choosing him.Fabulous day in Bangkok with Big

Magdalena🇩🇪 Germany

7 February 2018

We loved the whole experience! Big is an amazing guide. We had only one day in Bangkok and he really made the most of it. He knows extremely much, telling us various facts about Thailand's history, Buddhism and how it developed and so many other interesting things (which I won't tell you, because that would spoil the fun). On top of that he also offered an unique insight into Bangkok - we went down so many small streets, into backyards and to small neighborhood markets - we surely wouldn't have covered all of that on our own. Big also knows so many good food stalls and we could fully enjoy that. The massage at the end was just the cherry on the top - super relaxing and restorative. Seeing the timeframe of 7h one might be a little bit intimidated, but the time flies by and it really is totally worth it!Funny, informative and super tasty food

Gustavo🇧🇷 Brazil

28 January 2018

Big is the best guy we've ever had because from a very predictable temple tour, we saw the city as it's really is, we knew very local markets, foods and scenes, and we had some privileges, as using the bathroom inside a monk residence, which became possible because Big lives there with them. We knew the boat transportation from a small canal just steps from our hotel. We could have a tasting of the fantastic Thai traditional massage. And we could pray and do the rituals of Buddhism. It was 20% temples and 80% real life and unexpected experiences. It depends on tour expectations. For ours, the tour was remarkable. A really local. Temples and real life

Christopher 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

27 January 2018

Had the best day in Bangkok with Big, his knowledge of the City is truly amazing we walked and talked all day, my partner & I loved our time with Big he is truly an ambassador for your company and for Bangkok. So much so that going forward we will use Withlocals everywhere we go The best tour we have ever done

Armen🇺🇸 United States

17 January 2018

We had a great time with Big! Extremely informative and fun person to be around. Awesome tour guide!

bruce🇺🇸 United States

17 October 2017

We were a group of 5 who took Big's 7-hour temple tour and food experience. Big's unique experience made this a very very enjoyable and educational tour. Big lives as a temple boy and uses his experience to explain the inner workings of the temple along with the historical importance of each temple. We enjoyed Thai tea, a tasty lunch on the river with a view of Wat Arun and fruit from the local market. We ended our long day with a wonderful Thai massage! It was a long day with a lot of sights but well worth it!Big's Background Makes This Tour Unique

Sean🇺🇸 United States

20 August 2017

The perfect tour for me! Big's relationship with the monastery at Wat Pho gives him and his guests unparalleled access to see the daily lives of the monks there. The morning began with a trip through the flower market--which could be an hours-long tour all to itself--as we made our way to the monastery grounds to observe the 5 am monk chant there. After that, Big gave a great tour and explanation of the goings-on at the monastery and temple. And then, for me, the best part: going along with a pair of monks as they made their morning rounds. On previous trips to Thailand, I had been fortunate enough to make offering to monks on these morning rounds; but to be able to follow them through their complete rounds, to witness the interactions along the way, was a phenomenal experience for me. This is a real departure from virtually any other tour out there, and one of the ways Big sets himself apart from other guides. Do not hesitate to take advantage of this 'peek behind the curtain' of a day in the life of a Thai monk; you'll enjoy and appreciate the rare experience, and probably feed your own soul while you're at it. I also recommend taking his Unique Temple tour, which is a great companion to this tour; may want to separate them by a day due to timing, but they complement each other very well.Share a Morning With Thai Monks

Silje🇳🇱 Netherlands

19 May 2017

We had a great day with Big! We fell in love with the city the beautiful tempels and the wonderfull food. And of course the great stories and background information told bij Big. Really unique tempel tour

Nadia🇨🇭 Switzerland

12 April 2017

We thoroughly enjoyed the unconventional temple and food tour with Big. We learned loads and were taken to lots of places we would never have come across on our own. Thanks again!Truly 'unique' tour

Michael🇺🇸 United States

17 March 2017

Big was fun and energetic and had a great knowledge of Bangkok. He helped us learn and experience things we would not have been able to do on our own. Took us to some "locals" type places that were really fun and interesting. Great knowledge of all the places we visited. Speaks great English, was on time for our tour which required him to be at our hotel rather than a "meet" spot which we appreciated. He even showed us where he lives and introduced us to people which made him feel like a friend and not just a guide. Highly recommend. Great day experiencing Bangkok