8 Amazing Things to Do in Nusa Ceningan, Bali

Planning a trip to Nusa Ceningan island or all three Nusa islands on the Southeast Coast of Bali, Indonesia? That sounds like an amazing plan!

You must now be looking for all the best things to do in Nusa Ceningan. That’s great because you opened the right article, my friend. From the Blue Lagoon to Secret beach and cliff jumping at Mahana Point, get ready to read everything you need to know to visit Ceningan island!

If you’re planning an extensive trip to visit all three Nusa Islands, these two blog post will be useful to you as well:

8 Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan Island, Bali
6 Things to Do in Nusa Penida, Bali

Or, if you’re looking for a round-up on all three, this is the full blog post for you:
Complete Guide to the Nusa Islands, Bali.

Where is Nusa Ceningan Island?

Nusa Ceningan Bali is a small island a short boat ride away from the Balinese coast in Indonesia. The boat actually drops you at the larger island of Nusa Lembongan, which is connected to Nusa Ceningan by a narrow yellow bridge.

Whether you choose to stay on popular Nusa Lembongan or prefer the more remote Nusa Ceningan, you can easily explore both by scooter as the islands are easily covered in a few hours or a day trip.

With crystal-clear waters, palm trees, dramatic cliffs and fun, social beach club vibes, many come here in search of the tropical island life feel that Bali mainland seems to have lost.

Here’s a map of Nusa Ceningan to see exactly where the below places are located:

map of Nusa Ceningan and other Nusa Islands

Round up of the best things to do in Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Ceningan Bali is the smallest of the three islands, with a laid-back vibe, perfect for relaxation away from the crowds.

Keep in mind that there aren’t as many restaurants and bars here compared with the other two above. But still, with tons of awesome things to do, you won’t get bored!

Here are some unmissable things to do in Nusa Ceningan by travel style:

Best for first trip visitors – Blue Lagoon
Best for nature lovers – Diving with manta rays
Best for beach bums – Visit the Secret Beach
Best for poolside cocktails – Chill at Driftwood Bar
Best for adrenaline junkies – Mahana Point cliff jump
Best for active travellers – Zipline around Nusa Ceningan

1 – Cliff jump at the Blue Lagoon

Cliff jump at the Blue Lagoon Nusa Ceningan

The Blue Lagoon has one of the most beautiful shades of turquoise I have ever seen and it’s definitely up high on everyone’s itinerary for Nusa Ceningan.

But there’s more to the Nusa Ceningan Blue Lagoon than you might expect! If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill, this is the place for you.

The rocky cliffs around the cove of the Blue Lagoon is the best cliff jumping point in Bali for experienced cliff jumping. I’m talking drops between 4 and 13 meters (wowcha!).

Not feeling adventurous? If you’re not down for a cliff jump, you can just sit on the rocks and enjoy the view at Nusa Ceningan Blue Lagoon.

The glittering water, the scenic landscape, the waves crash into the cliffside, the setting sun… just hope you don’t see anyone belly flop!

2 – Swim with Manta Rays

Snorkelling diving with manta rays Indonesia

There are some incredible diving and snorkelling spots around the Islands. The most famous spot is Manta Bay. Here you can swim with a squadron of gigantic manta rays, amongst other sea life while exploring the incredible underwater world.

Private or group tours to Manta Bay can be arranged from any of the three Nusas.

Some great diving tours:

Find more tours here

3 – Visit the best beaches in Nusa Ceningan

Everyone knows Bali has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and Nusa Ceningan, although such a small island, is no exception.

At the ends of the bumpy roads of Nusa Ceningan, you can find some incredible spots with different features, from paradisiac sandy beaches with quiet waters to rocky shores where the waves crash.

My favourite beaches are: Secret Beach (which is now not-so-secret-anymore) and Song Tepo Beach.

You can also add The Sand Nusa Ceningan as a notable beach with plenty of good reviews, but we didn’t get to visit it.

4 – Surf or cliff jump at Mahana Point

Mahana Point is a cliffside restaurant that offers amazing ocean views and three of the best cliff-jumping platforms on the islands. The restaurant has three cliff jumping diving boards and the system of pay-per-jump, where visitors can jump and climb back up using the ladder.

Mahana Point is also the name of the surf spot, named after the restaurant, a reef break for intermediate level surfers.

In case you’re not interested in surfing the waves or taking the leap at Mahana Point cliff jump, you can simply chill out, grab a bintang (local beer) and admire the view.

TIP: If you want to cliff jump, make sure you visit at high tide when the water is deepers.

Price: 50,000 IDR (3.50 US$) for the higher cliff jump and 25,000 IDR (1.75 US$) for the smaller cliff jump.

5 – Enjoy a cocktail at a beach club

Beach clubbing is a rising trend and Bali provides some of the best. Whether you’re looking for a secluded poolside hidden gem or a fun and social atmosphere, Nusa Ceningan has some great beach club options for a sunny day session.

My favourites in Nusa Ceningan are Sea Breeze Beach Club for its fun, social vibe, or if you are feeling something fancier, check out Klyf Club on the other side of the island with views of the Blue Lagoon and great food options.

6 – Take pictures with the beach swings

You’ll find sets of swings hidden across the beaches on the islands. Some set in the water, some on the white sand – either way, they’re fun for a chill or to take a photo!

Keep your eyes open for them!

Below are the ones we found:

Nusa Ceningan: The Sand, Seabreeze, Secret Point, Song Tepo Beach
Nusa Lembongan: Dream Beach

7 – Cross the iconic Yellow Bridge to Nusa Lembongan

Yes, the Yellow Bridge that connects Nusa Ceningan to Nusa Lembongan is an attraction by itself! I recommend crossing it in order to take some pictures, but also to visit Nusa Lembongan – it would be a shame not to!

Aferall, this famous yellow bridge is a landmark in itself!

The bridge isn’t wide enough to let cars cross, so you’ll need to take a scooter or walk.

8 – Zipline across the water

Here’s another suggestion for the adventure-seekers: you can go zip lining across the cliffs at Abyss Zipline, which is right at Nusa Ceningan Resort.

Afterwards, you can unwind and enjoy the cliff top pool while sipping on a cocktail or a beer at the bar (Driftwood Bar).

How to get to Nusa Ceningan

You cannot get to Nusa Ceningan directly from Bali. The most popular route is via Nusa Lembongan (where most people tend to stay during their trip) to Nusa Ceningan.

Bali to Nusa Ceningan Island

First time coming here?If you want to find out how to reach Nusa Lembongan from Bali, I recommend reading my complete Nusa Lembongan guide – I explain everything here on how to book a direct ferry and how to make sure you get on a fast boat!

Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan Island

There’s a famous yellow bridge connecting Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan called the “The Bridge of Love” as it has been renamed after its reconstruction in 2017. You can easily cross it by scooter or walk, but it’s too narrow for cars.

Nusa Penida to Nusa Ceningan Island

If you, on the other hand, want to reach Nusa Ceningan from Nusa Penida island, you can take a local boat at Toya Pakeh harbour. The ride only takes 15 minutes and the price is 50.000 IDR (3.50 US$) per person one-way.

RELATED READ: 6 Unmissable Things to Do in Ubud, Bali

Where to stay in Nusa Ceningan Island

Here are my hand-picked recommendations for the best places to stay on Nusa Ceningan during your trip:

RESORTS:

Twilight Ceningan

A gorgeous 4-star accommodation that has literally everything you can think of: beach access, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, a bar, a restaurant and countless opportunities for snorkelling and fishing as well. A perfect place for some world-class relaxation!

Blue Lagoon Avia Villas Nusa Ceningan

Located pretty close to Devil’s Tear, Blue Lagoon Avia Villas is a beautiful 4-star Nusa Ceningan hotel with an infinity pool where you can stay and splash all day. If you’re bored, you can relax in the garden or sip a cocktail at the on-site bar!

MID-RANGE:

Le Pirate Beach Club

In case you’re looking for a good value beachfront accommodation, this one’s for you! They have free wifi, cute decor, excellent seating areas, sea views and everything in-between!

Tatak Bunut Villa

This 3-star accommodation is not far from the Blue Lagoon Nusa Ceningan and it has a great on-site restaurant, yummy breakfast, an outdoor pool and even rooms with a sea view!

BUDGET:

Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas & Restaurant

A great location, pretty private rooms, private bathroom and a laid-back vibe – this accommodation is simply a good choice! They also have a sun terrace and the possibility to book various activities around the island through them.

Ceningan Inn

The breakfast is included in the price here and this already sounds amazing! This cosy inn has great prices, clean rooms, free Wi-Fi and more and it’s also located very close to Song Tepo Beach.

Find a hotel in Ceningan

How to get around Nusa Ceningan island

If you’re only visiting Nusa Ceningan, the good news is that you can easily explore Nusa Ceningan on foot or bike, without the need to rent a scooter. Walking is completely free (a great advantage) and bikes cost 60.000 (4.20 US$) for an entire day.

But if you want to visit Nusa Lembongan as well, for example, I recommend renting a motorbike or scooter, especially if you’re a confident driver.

It’s a fun and easy way to explore the island and see the hidden and hard-to-reach places. The roads are much quieter than on mainland Bali and with less traffic, it feels much safer too.

There is a small yellow bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan, so it’s easy to cover both islands in a couple of hours’ drive.

NOTE: Thinking about renting a car? Think again! You can only reach Nusa Ceningan by bike as the connecting bridge is not wide enough for cars to pass.

Where to eat in Nusa Ceningan island

Although small, Nusa Ceningan offers enough good places to eat so you won’t get bored during your visit. Here are my best recommendations:

Sea Bree ze Warun g – More than a restaurant, Sea Breeze Warung is already a well-known attraction; they have created a space by the sea for people to hang out and socialise, with hammocks, comfy seating, a pool and even some swings.
Next Level Cafe – A cute little open-air cafe with good coffee, good food and a beautiful view of the water. The brunch here is damn good too!
Le Pirate Nusa Ceningan Beach Club – a cool beach bar where you can eat, drink and, if you pass the minimum spend, you can also take a jump in their pool!
Klyf Club – with amazing views of the blue lagoon, come here to chill out and enjoy a luxury pool club vibe at the beach bar.

This was my complete guide that contains all the best things to do in Nusa Ceningan as well as the best places to stay, restaurants and info about how to get there and how to get around the island.

From laying on the beach or splashing around in infinity pools to cliff jumping at Mahana Point or the Blue Lagoon, sipping cocktails at the beach bars and tasting all that amazing island food, I promise you won’t get bored on this beautiful island in Southeast Asia!

Nusa Ceningan is a perfect destination if you’re a couple, a digital nomad, for solo travelers, or if you’re visiting with your family and more!

Need more help with planning your Bali holiday? I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about this place that I consider to be my second home. And here you will find all my articles and adventures in Indonesia.

xoxo

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bali?

Check out all my Bali Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your boat to get to the Islands? Head over here.
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Bali so you don’t miss a thing!

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A complete guide to Nusa Ceningan Bali Indonesia

8 Unmissable Things to do in Nusa Ceningan Bali Indonesia

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Ultimate Guide to the Munduk Waterfalls Trail, Bali

To most people, Bali means rice fields, beaches, villas and resort living at its finest. But this gem of a location in Indonesia is so much more than that! Bali has lots of natural wonders and today I’ll tell you all about the Munduk Waterfalls Trail that will take you to no less than 4 beautiful waterfalls in Bali.

This hidden paradise is located within the lush forests of the Munduk Mountains in North Bali and it’s the best idea for waterfall lovers. This part of the country is not typically visited by many tourists, so you can rest assured that you’ll be able to enjoy a more laid back atmosphere and some peace of mind.

The entire trek takes around 3 hours to see all 4 Munduk waterfalls. Round Trip. There are, however, some important things to know before you go and I will tell you everything in the article below.

Let’s go!

First of all, where are the Munduk waterfalls located?

Munduk waterfalls are located 15 minutes away from Munduk Village, in North Bali, in Bali’s countryside. The starting point for the Munduk waterfall hike is located 2 hours from Ubud and a few hours from Lovina by car.

Munduk waterfall trek map

There are many more falls in this area’s lovely scenery, but I selected the 4 most popular and stunning waterfalls that I recommend you visit (and that are typically part of this trek). Here they are on the map below:

TIP #1: For ease of orientation, I recommend downloading the maps.me application and the offline map for the region, so you can get around easily in case you get lost. It will be useful especially for making your way back. Just set “Laangan Melanting” as your destination and follow the route suggested. You can also take a physical map from the guesthouses around, but the app is better.

TIP #2: There are two ways of doing this hike, as it’s a loop-shaped trek. I recommend starting with Golden Valley Waterfall and ending with Melanting. You can also do it the other way around, but the option I’m recommending will ensure you’re not hiking the path uphill a lot, so the entire trek will be much easier.

TIP #3: The entire trek will take approximately 3 hours if you want to take your time and see all the waterfalls I’m mentioning in this article. They’re only a short walk away from each other, but it’s best to take your time (and maybe have a swim!).

How to reach Munduk Waterfall

As I mentioned above, the Munduk waterfall location is in North Bali, Indonesia. Here is the travel time by car from some well-known cities:

1 hour from Lovina;
1 hour from Singaraja;
2 hours from Canggu;
1h30’ from Ubud

They’re also conveniently located near some other well-known tourist attractions such as the Twin Lakes, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (or simply Pura Bratan) and Handara Gate. This means you can easily include a trek to the falls in your Bali itinerary!

NOTE: In case you’re touring Bali with a rented motorbike or scooter, you should note that the Munduk area is quite hilly, so it’s not really recommended to navigate it on two wheels if you’re not very experienced or very comfortable with your driving skills.

Most tourists that decide to do this trek will choose to spend at least 1 night (preferably 2) in Munduk Village. This way you ensure you won’t have to book a private driver to take you to the starting point; you can simply walk from the village to the first stop on the itinerary or, even better, you can ask for transportation at the accommodation – some of them offer complimentary shuttles.

In case you don’t want to spend the night before the hike, the best idea would be to book a private driver to take you to the starting point (it’s a 5-minute drive from Munduk Village).

If you decide to get there by scooter, set “Munduk Waterfalls Parking Lot” as your destination on Maps. The parking fee is 2.000 IDR (0.14 USD).

Once you arrive in the parking lot, you must continue walking downhill (you can either take the walkway or the paved steps) to the waterfall entrance, 15 minutes away. Then cross a small bamboo bridge and you have arrived at the first waterfall!

RELATED READ: 6 Unmissable Things to Do in Ubud, Bali

The trail – explained

IMPORTANT NOTE TO KEEP IN MIND: my recommended route below will take you from the top down, which means all the walking will be a lot easier to do instead of doing it in reverse and having to climb a steep path and lots of stairs.

1 – Munduk Village

This small village is the starting point, where I recommend spending the night before the trek to recharge your batteries if you can. There are various accommodations here, including Ekommunity, which I definitely recommend. You can find some other hotel recommendations in the dedicated section below.

2 – Golden Valley Waterfall

Golden Valley is the first waterfall on the trek and I recommend starting with it – it’s only a 10-minute walk from the starting point and it’s pretty quiet too. It’s definitely not as impressive as the next three waterfalls (some even say it’s the least impressive), but it’s still a lovely spot to start your adventure. You can also start your day with a good breakfast and some delicious Bali coffee at the Eco Café (Eco Cafe 1 on Google Maps) nearby, and take in the view of Golden Valley falls at the same time – it’s a glorious viewpoint!

DIFFICULTY: easy

ENTRANCE FEE: 10.000 IDR (0.70 USD)

SWIMMING: no, this waterfall doesn’t have a swimming area

3 – Munduk Waterfall / Red Coral Waterfall

Red Coral Waterfall, also known as Munduk Waterfall, is relatively close to Golden Valley. It’s also one of the busier spots in this trail, but it’s truly gorgeous and really high, even though it may look small in some pictures! Here, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the waterfall itself surrounded by lush nature.

TIP: Prepare to get wet, though, as Red Coral Waterfall is quite powerful, and make sure to protect your camera from the spray of the falls.

DIFFICULTY: easy – very few stairs. The only tiny challenge to manage will be a (not too risky) bamboo bridge at the end of the hike.

ENTRANCE FEE: 20.000 IDR (1.4o USD)

SWIMMING: no, this waterfall doesn’t have a swimming area

4 – Labuhan Kebo Waterfall

After a 10-minute hike from Red Coral and about 100 steps down, you’ll reach the third waterfall: Labuhan Kebo waterfall. This area is flocked by a lot of tourists because it’s the best place to take a dip and enjoy the cold water of the falls. This waterfall has two rock pools where you can swim and a toilet where you can change into your swimming outfit.

Labuhan is pretty impressive and powerful too, so make sure you protect your camera! There’s also a lot of sun glare here, so it might be challenging to take good pictures if you’re visiting on a sunny day.

DIFFICULTY: medium; although getting there will be easy peasy with only 100 steps to descend, getting back up might be a tiny challenge as you’ll have to climb the same steps again to continue your journey

ADMISSION FEE: 10.000 IDR (0.70 USD)

SWIMMING: yes, this is the best swimming waterfall out of them all; it has a big swimming pool at the base, splitting into two smaller rock pools with relatively shallow water

5 – Melanting Waterfall / Laangan Melanting

To end your trek, you’ll have to traverse a rocky track that leads to the beautiful Laangan Melanting waterfall. They keep the best for last because Melanting is really the most beautiful and powerful waterfall of them all! This means it also gets busy, being so close to the village, but it’s definitely worth it to take your time and enjoy it.

DIFFICULTY: medium; there are 470 solid yet steep steps to get to Melanting Waterfall, so you may need to take a few breaks along the way

ADMISSION FEE: 10.000 IDR (0.70 USD)

SWIMMING: no. Although this waterfall has a pool at its base, there is water flowing with such power that I really don’t recommend swimming here.

From Melanting, which is the final waterfall, you just need to get back to the village by descending away from the waterfalls instead of going up the stairs. The road can get quite muddy at times (it’s a dirt trail, mind you), so keep this in mind when choosing the right shoes for your trek – find my recommendations in the ‘Packing list’ section below. You’ll soon reach the main road again.

TIP: You can also visit Banyumala Twin Falls if you have the time, although it is not close to Munduk Village like the ones on this route. But if you’re planning on going to Sekumpul or Gitgit, it’s definitely worth adding this one to your itinerary as well. This double stream fall is said to be one of the most gorgeous ones out of all the Bali waterfalls and you can also swim there.

Where to stay in Munduk, Bali

As I mentioned before, staying in the village before you proceed on your Munduk Waterfall journey is a great idea – especially considering this is quite a budget location! There are various homestays and local hotels where you can book a room for an excellent price.

Here are my recommended accommodations, sorted by budget:

LUXURY: Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa – brilliant location overlooking the valley and flawless service

MID-RANGE: Munduk Menir Villas – a nice guesthouse where you can book rooms or entire villas with private pools for some very accessible prices.

BUDGET: Nadya Homestay – a great budget option with a restaurant (nice, tasty lunch options here), snack bar, terrace and outdoor pool. Plus some pretty unbeatable prices!

Find more places to stay in Munduk

My top travel tips for doing the Munduk waterfall hike

Trekking this trail requires enough preparation for you to get the most out of your hike. And I’m here to tell you all my precious travel tips to keep in mind!

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHOES.

Make sure that you’re wearing comfortable shoes with good grip so it’s easier to traverse uneven and uphill parts of the trail. There are some portions with dirt trails, so I definitely recommend against wearing flip flops.

USE AN OFFLINE MAPS APPLICATION.

You can either use Google Maps or, even better, maps.me which has an offline map function. Even though you can also get your own physical map of Munduk Waterfall from the village, the online one works better for me.

START YOUR ADVENTURE EARLY.

It’s good to start early to avoid the crowd and the midday heat.

BRING WATER AND SNACKS.

Although there are a few warungs along the scenic route where you can buy coffee, water or food, it’s important to bring your own as well, and especially enough water. You’ll have enough stairs to climb and the last thing you want is to get dehydrated, trust me! Some snacks to munch on while trekking will also be more than welcome.

BRING CASH.

They don’t accept any credit card for the admission fee, so make sure you have small bills with you.

FAQs about the Munduk Waterfall trek

Now let’s find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting the waterfalls in Munduk:

1 – How much does it cost?

Visiting the waterfalls in Munduk on this trail is one of the best budget activities you can do in Bali, Indonesia. Each of the falls has a fixed fee of either 10.000 or 20.000 IDR, which makes the total Munduk Waterfall entrance fee 50.000 IDR (3.50 USD). The parking fee is 2.000 IDR per bike, which is literally nothing (0.14 USD).

TIP: They only accept cash at the entrance, so make sure you have it with you. No credit card accepted.

2 – How difficult is the Munduk waterfall loop trek?

I say it’s pretty easy, moderate at maximum. Plus, it doesn’t take long either – 2-3 hours if you do it in my suggested order and if you’re relatively fit. Melanting Waterfall (the last one)is probably the most challenging one out of them all, so if you know you’re not good with steps, you can always skip it.

3 – How long does the entire hike take?

It really depends on how much you stop in one place and how long you want to swim, but it usually takes 2 to 3 hours in total as a round trip.

4 – Best time to visit

The best time to visit Bali is, in general, the dry season (April-October). As for the trek, I recommend doing it early in the morning so you can avoid the crowds and the midday heat. And yes, you can do it as a day trip.

5 – Packing list

Sturdy shoes with good grip – no flip flops and no sneakers if you want to be on the safe side. There are some steep stairs, dirt paths and there might also be some wet parts on the road, so you want your Munduk waterfall trek shoes to be appropriate. The last thing you want to do is get injured!
Enough water and snacks – water is compulsory and snacks are good to recharge your energy increase the warungs along the way are closed;
Sunscreen – to protect you from the burning sun, especially if midday catches you hiking;
Bug spray – just in case;
Waterproof camera and/or phone case – to protect your equipment from the waterfall sprays

6 – Do I need to pack food and drinks?

I know I answered this already, but I just can’t stress this enough: yes, pack enough water (and snacks if you want them) for a moderate 3-hour trek, just to be on the safe side! There are a few basic restaurants along the way, but it’s always good to have your own supplies as well.

7 – Do I need a guide?

No, not at all, especially if you have your smartphone map on hand just like I mentioned in my Tips section above.

This was my complete, straight-forward guide on doing the amazing Munduk Waterfall trek! This route will take you on a wonderful hike to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Munduk where you can swim, take pictures and admire the beautiful nature. My guide above includes ALL the things you need to know before going: how to get there from Central Bali, what to pack, what to keep in mind and everything in-between.

In case you need more information and advice that will help you plan the perfect Bali itinerary, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about this place on Earth that I like to call home. And here you’ll find all my posts about Indonesia.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bali?

Check out all my Bali Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Bali so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

Want To Stay In The Loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Wat Pho in Bangkok – The Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho Temple (Wat Phra Chetuphon) is one of the many famous historical spots in Bangkok and I’m pretty sure it’s on your itinerary for the city as well. At least it should be! Thousands of people from all over the world come to visit this stunning temple in Bangkok each year, mostly to see its impressive Reclining Buddha statue and, if you’ll be one of them in the near future, this article is here to tell you everything you need to know!

Below you’ll find lots of precious info about visiting Wat Pho Temple – when and how to visit, the cost of entrance, which tours to take, how to dress and more. Plus my best tips to keep in mind before going to Wat Pho temple, which will help you save precious time and energy!

All right, let’s go:

First of all, why should you visit Wat Pho?

Melissa in front of the spires at Wat Pho Temple

Portrait of Melissa petting a cat with a Wat Pho spire in the background

99% of people visit Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha, which is 100% a legit reason to visit because this IS the highlight of the temple! Aside from the impressive statue of the Reclining Buddha, the entire temple complex of Wat Pho is really pretty and it’s full of intricate decorations and golden Buddha images in the shapes of statues and paintings. If I think about it, this may just be my favourite temple in Bangkok, so a visit here is definitely worth it!

RELATED READ: Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the Grand Palace are said to be the three must-visit tourist sights in Bangkok, located very close to each other. If you want to read more about each of the other two, I recommend checking out my dedicated articles:

Everything you need to know about visiting Wat Pho, Bangkok

Quick info about Wat Pho

Wat Pho was once Thailand’s first public university with a focus on science, literature and, of course, religion. There are more than 1.300 inscriptions on marble talking about medical sciences around the temple complex (which is why visiting with a guide makes everything much easier to understand!). It is believed that Wat Pho was established in the 16th century and it was later used as a Royal Temple for King Rama I of the Chakri Dynasty.

Nowadays, Wat Pho is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Bangkok and a famous traditional Thai massage and medicine centre. Moreover, Wat Pho has been a UNESCO Memory of the World (MOW) since 2008.

RELATED READ: For my complete list of unmissable highlights and cool activities in this city, I recommend checking my dedicated article: 5 Unmissable Tourist Places to See in Bangkok – A Complete City Guide

What to see at Wat Pho Temple complex

The Reclining Buddha

As I mentioned before, the most iconic site in the temple complex is the Reclining Buddha – a Buddha figure in the ‘Nirvana’ or enlightenment pose. Why is this so interesting, after all? That’s a legit question. First of all, the statue is massive – it’s 15 metres tall and 46 metres long.

The Buddha’s feet are 5 metres long and they’re decorated with painted images and ‘laksanas’ (characteristics) of Buddha. Second of all, the statue is covered in gold leaf, so you can imagine how impressive it looks in person, right? It’s kind of interesting to see how big the Reclining Buddha is, really, it looks like someone squeezed it into the place!

NOTE: Before entering the Reclining Buddha room, you’ll have to take your shoes off.

108 coins

person placing a coin inside one of the 108 vases

For 20 baht (0.65 US$), you can purchase a small bowl that contains 108 coins. As a meditative practice, you walk along the wall on the backside of the reclining Buddha and drop a coin in each of the 108 buckets. Why 108? 108 is a holy number in Buddhism and the coins you provide as this meditation is used for the upkeep of the temple. And you can also make a wish!

The rest of the temple complex

statues lined up against a wall at wat pho

Except for the famous Reclining Buddha, there are some other cool things to admire on the site. For example, there are 4 chapels with beautiful Buddha images, gold Buddha statues lined up, complex murals and some pretty cool and colourful stupas and Chinese statues in the courtyards. Visitors have access to all these with their entrance ticket and you can even book a guide on-site for 200 or 400 baht (6.40 or 12.80 US$).

Wat Pho massage – Traditional Thai Massage School

person giving a thai massage to a lied down person

Wat Pho is considered the first public university for teaching Thai Massage. They also teach Thai medicine in this temple and you can get a variety of traditional Thai massages here. Although you can search and find a better rate out and about, the historical significance of this school seems to draw in the tourists.

Thai massage 30 min: 260 Baht (8.30 US$)
Thai massage 1hr: 420 Baht (13.40 US$)
Foot massage 30min: 280 Baht (9 US$)
Foot massage 1 hr: 420 Baht (13.40 US$)

How to get to Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok

Map of Bangkok with the three main attractions marked on the map

Wat Pho Temple is located on the river banks, next to the riverboat pier, very close to the Grand Palace, across the river from Wat Arun and right behind Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Wat Pho address: Maharat Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand. Find it on Google Maps here.

The closest MRT station to Wat Pho is Sanam Chai on the blue line. The temple is only a 7-minute walk away from the station. You can also get there by boat if you get on at Tha Tien pier. There are different ways to get to Wat Pho, depending on where you’re staying in the city. I’ll talk about the most popular options below:

GETTING TO WAT PHO FROM SIAM:

Grab / Taxi: 20-minute ride (depending on traffic)
BTS Skytrain and boat: 41min duration, BTS to Saphan Taksin station, Boat shuttle to Tha Chang
Bus: 50min duration, 47 or 508 Bus from Siam Centre

GETTING TO WAT PHO FROM SUKHUMVIT:

Grab / Taxi: 30-minute ride (depending on traffic)
MRT: 47min duration, MRT blue line to Sanam Chai

GETTING TO WAT PHO FROM KHAO SAN ROAD:

Grab / Taxi: 10min duration (depending on traffic)
Public Transport: 25min duration, 404 or 59 Bus from Ratchadamnoen Klang Road

Grab is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber, where you can order on-demand taxis for cheaper and less hassle than regular taxis. When using Grab, the price of the fare will show before you order a taxi, you can pay in cash or card through the app, and the taxi picks you up and drops you off at a location of your choice.

TOP TIP #1: Use the Grab App to price check how much a trip should cost when you are getting a regular taxi. This way you’ll have a reference when haggling with Taxi drivers and will protect you from getting ripped off.

TOP TIP #2: If you’re visiting the Grand Palace first, it’s best to take a tuk-tuk ride to Wat Pho next. The entire ride is very short and also pretty fun! Another very good option is walking.

Wat Pho opening hours

portrait of girl around the world in between two spires at wat pho

Melissa walking between the colourful spires of Wat Pho temple

Wat Pho temple is open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The massage service is available until 6:00 PM.

Best time to visit Wat Pho Temple

AIM FOR: Getting to Wat Pho first thing in the morning when it opens. This way you will miss both the harsh midday heat and the overwhelming crowds that come hand in hand with so many of the popular temples in Bangkok (usually from 10:00 AM on).

Personally, we arrived at Wat Pho at 7:30 AM and they let us into the temple complex early. It was so nice to get the site completely to ourselves. We stayed for 1h30’ before heading to Wat Arun (15min away), so we got to see both these sites while they were still uncrowded. An excellent tip if you want to avoid the long lines and it’s definitely worth it to wake up so early in the morning!

AVOID: Visiting on weekends or public holidays. It also gets pretty busy in the afternoons.

RELATED READ: To read more about visiting Wat Arun, read my dedicated blog post: A Complete Guide to Visiting Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Pho entrance fee

Entrance fee: 200 Baht (6.40 US$).

The fee includes a small water bottle as well. Your ticket allows you to visit everything in the temple complex without any extra fees. The massage is paid for separately (I mentioned the prices above). If you want to book a guide at the gates, the prices are 200 to 400 baht and they speak very good English.

You can purchase tickets on arrival at the gates or pre-book them online here with hotel pick-up included!

Best Wat Pho tours

monks walking through wat pho towards the main temple

In case you don’t want to waste precious vacation time trying to organise your itinerary around Bangkok, I wholeheartedly recommend booking an organised tour. This way you’ll have the entrance covered and a knowledgeable local guide will tell you all kinds of interesting information about the sights you’re visiting. If you ask me, the best idea would be to book a multi-temple tour (Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which will save you a lot of time. Here are the best ones I selected for you:

Find more Wat Pho tours

Wat Pho Temple dress code

Melissa going through a doorway with a huge spire in the background

Like most places of worship, the temples in Bangkok have a strict dress code for those wishing to visit. The most important thing to remember is to cover your knees and shoulders and to take off your shoes before entering the Reclining Buddha room. If you would like to check out the complete list of guidelines for visitors, you can find a breakdown on Wat Pho’s official website here.

The most important things to bring with you to Wat Pho

Of course, I couldn’t NOT share with you a useful packing list for Wat Pho (or any other temple or attraction in Bangkok, really):

800 baht in cash – the cost of the entrance ticket, massage for 1 hour and a little extra just in case;
Water – hydration is key, especially in the midday heat!
A hat – to protect you from the midday sun;
Sunscreen – same;

BONUS #1: What to visit near Wat Pho in Bangkok

Melissa walking through a doorway while visiting the grand palace

When planning your itinerary for the city, you’ll quickly realise that there are many other beautiful landmarks located within walking distance of the Grand Palace. Here are the best nearby attractions:

Grand Palace – probably the most famous attraction around Bangkok. The Palace is only a short walk or tuk-tuk ride away from Wat Pho. You can read all my most precious tips for this attraction here.
Wat Arun / The Temple of Dawn – another gorgeous Buddhist temple located across the river from Wat Pho and a must-see during your stay in Bangkok. You can take a water taxi to it.
Wat Mahathat – a great place for Vipassana Meditation and buying cute souvenirs. It’s also among the oldest temples in Bangkok;
Bangkok National Museum – one of the biggest museums in Southeast Asia and the best place to see some beautiful local art;
Kao San Road – 20 minutes walk from Wat Pho.

BONUS #2: Recommended camera gear for visiting Bangkok

Picture of canon camera on a deck in nature.

Here’s our camera gear that we take all around with us, perfect for Bangkok too. It has everything you’ll ever need!

CAMERA: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

EVERYDAY LENS: Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens

WIDE ANGLE LENS: Sigma 10-20mm f3.5 EX DC

PORTRAIT LENS: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG

GOPRO: GoPro HERO8 Black

TRIPOD: Benro Mach3 Tripod Ser 2 Alum 4 Sect

NV FILTER: Hoya 82mm Variable Density Screw-in Filter

CAMERA BAG: Manfrotto MB MA-BP-BFR Advanced Befree Camera Backpack

HARD DRIVE: LaCie 4 TB

RELATED READ: If you want to read more about our photography gear, I recommend checking out my dedicated article: What’s in my Camera Bag – All My Travel Blogging Gear

This was my complete guide for everyone visiting the Reclining Buddha Temple in Bangkok! I have told you everything you need to know above, from ticket prices to the different ways of getting there – and much more!

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bangkok?

Check out all my Bangkok Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book a tour in the city? Head over here.
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Bangkok so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

A Complete Guide to Visiting Wat Pho Temple

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A Complete Guide to Visiting Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn or Wat Chaeng among locals, is one of the highlights of Bangkok and an unmissable place to visit during your trip to Bangkok. It’s located right on the riverside of Chao Phraya and it has incredible architecture.

If you’re planning a visit soon, you’re in the right place! The complete guide below will tell you everything you need to know before visiting Wat Arun in Thailand, from opening times to ticket prices, tours, how to get there and more.

Are you ready?

First of all, why should you visit Wat Arun Temple?

Melissa sitting on the stairs of one of the sides of Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok

portrait of Girl Around the World in front of the tiles at Wat Arun

It isn’t hard to see why Wat Arun is considered one of the prettiest temples in Thailand and one of the main attractions in Bangkok! Standing majestically on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the temple is an impressive sight at both sunrise and sunset when Wat Arun shines golden in the light.

Wat Arun dates back to the 17th century and its beautiful prang (main spire) was only added when King Rama II ruled the country. The central spire of Wat Arun stands over 70 meters high with four smaller spires found at each corner of the main paragon. The surface of the temple is covered with over one million broken pieces of Chinese porcelain tiles (how awesome is that?!) which shine as they catch the light. If you listen closely, you will hear the little bells that dangle from the top of all 5 spires, gently chiming in the breeze.

Named after the Hindu Goddess Aruna, the word “Arun” in Sanskrit translates to “the light of dawn”. It is believed that Wat Arun was built by General Taksin in 1768, who arrived at the temple during daybreak after returning from battle. For a time, it acted as the king’s royal temple and was home to the Emerald Buddha before the statue was moved to the Grand Palace.

You can normally climb the stairway of the main temple but we were unlucky when we went as climbing was not allowed due to reconstruction. The steps to the top are known to be quite steep, but the railing is there to help keep you steady. All in all, it’s a must-visit!

Everything you need to know about visiting Wat Arun, Bangkok

What to see inside Wat Arun Temple

Melissa on her knees praying in front of a monk in Wat Arun

Did you know that Wat Arun is not just one temple, but a temple complex? And quite a gorgeous one, I must admit. You’ll find the Main Temple (also known as the holiest of all temples), the Ordination Hall and Phra Prang. Plus other beautiful buildings, murals and statues that are waiting to be discovered.

I 100% encourage you to visit the rest of the temple complex. So many tourists simply visit the main temple and then leave, but I loved walking around and exploring the smaller temples on the Wat Arun grounds and was lucky enough to receive a blessing from a monk there.

As I was exploring the grounds, I heard chanting from inside a smaller temple. I slipped off my shoes and slowly peered inside. A solo monk sat on a raised area, inviting people forward for blessings. The monk saw me watching from the doorway and beckoned me forward, motioning for me to sit before him with my hands in prayer high by my forehead.

As he recited a blessing, he gently sprinkled holy water across my head and shoulders. The monk then directed me to put my arm out before him and lightly tied a sai sin (blessed bracelet for good luck and protection) around my wrist. He was so deft, effortlessly tying the string not too loose or too tight, without ever coming in contact with my skin.

It was such a special experience, both to witness and to have for me.

How to get to Wat Arun, Bangkok

Wat Arun is centrally located, on the West bank of the Chao Phraya River, which divides Bangkok in two. Its location is right on the opposite side of Wat Phra Temple. By far, the easiest way to reach it is by ferry. You can catch a ferry from Tha Tien Pier, which will drop you right in front of Wat Arun and vice-versa on return. The terminal is small and surrounded by food stalls, restaurants and souvenir shops. You really can’t miss it if you stick to the riverside.

NOTE: The ferry can get pretty full around midday, so you may need to stand, but the journey is so, so short (literally 5min) so it isn’t too inconvenient.

There are other options to get to Wat Arun by road, but I really wouldn’t recommend it (unless, of course, you are staying on the West side of the river). It’s far by road and the journey length really doesn’t make sense when getting a boat is so cheap and easy!

Boat price: 4 baht/person, each way (0.13 US$)

Leaving: Every 5-10 minutes or once the ferry is full from Tha Tien Pier

Journey duration: 5 minutes

Wat Arun address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600

Co-ordinates: 13.743704, 100.488877

Wat Arun opening hours

Wat Arun Temple is open every day, year-round, from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The last admission is at 4:40

PM.

Best time to visit Wat Arun Temple

AIM FOR: If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Wat Arun is in the morning. Most tourists head to the Grand Palace first, so heading to Wat Arun early is a nice way to get it all to yourself.

Around 10:00 AM Wat Arun starts to get busier and by midday, it’s all hot and crowded. You’ll find yourself dancing around the central spire searching for a spot of shade. After 3:00 PM the temperatures cool down a bit and the crowds die down too (the last admission is at 4:40 PM), so the late afternoon is another good time to visit. In short, aim for sunrise or sunset.

AVOID: Peak hours between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM

TIP: Head to the East side of the river for jaw-dropping sunset views over the temple. As the sun begins to sink, the sky turns red and the temple almost lights up before plunging into a dark silhouette.

HOW LONG TO SPEND AT WAT ARUN

At least 1 hour, ideally 2 hours. During our visit, it took about two hours to slowly wander around Wat Arun and its grounds.

Wat Arun entrance fee

The Wat Arun grounds (which include a few smaller temples) are free to enter and explore, but you will need to purchase a ticket at the entrance to access the main temple.

Wat Arun ticket price: 50 baht (1.60 US$)

Best Wat Arun tours

Melissa facing the opposite way on one of the sides of Wat Arun

Here’s an idea: instead of losing precious vacation time trying to organise your itinerary to the main highlights of the city such as the Grand Palace with its Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho Temple and Wat Arun as well, why not book an organised tour with a local guide? A combo tour is great for saving time and seeing as much as possible in a short given time. Here are my hand-picked recommendations for combo tours for Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the famous Grand Palace.

Flexi Walking Temple Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun – one of the most popular tour options for seeing all 3 temples! Entrance tickets included.
Bangkok in a Day: Must-Visit Highlights Tour with a Guide – for travellers that only have a short time in Bangkok and want to see as many attractions as possible;
Bangkok: 4-Hour Night Bike Tour with Wat Arun & Wat Pho – for active travellers willing to take a night tour!
Best Of Bangkok: Temples & Long-tail Boat Tour with Lunch – boat ride included!
Bangkok: Instagram Spots & Half-Day Temples Tour

Find more Wat Arun tours

Best restaurants with a view of Wat Arun

Girl Around the World on the balcony of a hotel room facing a river overlooking Wat Arun

Here are the best spots for sipping a drink and admiring an amazing view of the temple, especially at night:

My top recommendation: the rooftop bar at Sala Arun Hotel called “Eagle Nest” – a great place to see the sunset from the opposite side of Wat Arun! You can find more details about it here. No need to be a guest to visit and the view is simply incredible. Get ready for some beautiful photos!
Eat Sight Story Deck
Vivi The Coffee Place
Supanniga Eating Room
The Deck by Arun Residence

Wat Arun dress code

Melissa placing her shoes at a stand for shoes in front of Wat Arun

Like many religious sites, there is a dress code to abide by when visiting Wat Arun. Visitors must cover their shoulders, chest and knees. Men should wear pants and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops) and women should wear pants or skirts that pass their knees. If in doubt, just keep in mind that this is a place of worship and dress modestly.

However, if you find you don’t have clothing that fits the requirements, don’t stress too much. You can cover up by renting a sarong at the entrance for 20 baht (there is also a 100 baht deposit).

RANT: One of my personal pet peeves that I saw happen around Wat Arun (sorry, but I just have to call this out) was women covering their legs and shoulders to get past the entrance and then altering their clothes for photos once inside. I am serious. I actually saw women changing their outfits to be more revealing, I am guessing ‘for the gram’.

This is so ridiculous to me. Beyond ridiculous. This should be obvious, but just to clarify – it is not okay to hitch up your skirt or unbutton your blouse for an Instagram picture when visiting a religious site. Wat Arun is not the place to go for a sexy photo shoot. It’s disrespectful and quite frankly, it makes you look daft. Save the ‘oh la la’ for the poolside, ladies.

Packing list for Wat Arun

Remember to bring:

sunscreen – the sun hits harshly during the day. Don’t become a tomato!
a sarong or a scarf – to cover your chest and shoulders in the temple.
a bottle of water – hydration is key!
60 baht in cash – for the ticket entrance and small notes for the return ferry costs.

What to visit near Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok

Golden Stupa at The Grand Palace in Bangkok

Except for the Temple of Dawn, there are some other unmissable attractions to tick off your list on the banks of the Chao Phraya River:

Grand Palace – one of THE most popular attractions in Bangkok. It’s quite hectic most of the times, so if you want all the best tips about visiting the Grand Palace, I recommend checking out my dedicated guide: Visiting The Grand Palace in Bangkok – Guide and Useful Tips
Wat Pho Temple – this is another beautiful temple where the Reclining Buddha is located, a 46-meter-long statue that’s just as impressive as the Emerald Buddha. You can either walk to Wat Pho, take a water taxi or a tuk-tuk.
Wat Mahathat – a great place for Vipassana Meditation and buying cute souvenirs. It’s also among the oldest temples in Bangkok;
Bangkok National Museum – one of the biggest museums in Southeast Asia and the best place to see some beautiful local art and statues;
Museum of Siam – only a boat ride away, this discovery museum is the perfect place to learn more about Thai life, both history and present times;

BONUS #1: My best tips for visiting the Temple of Dawn

Wide angle photo with Melissa on the bottom stairs of Wat Arun

Portrait of Melissa leaning on the tiles at Wat Arun

I just couldn’t miss the opportunity to give you the most precious tips I found out when I visited Wat Arun, am I right? Here goes:

The best time to visit is very early in the morning or late in the evening;
If you want to visit the main temple and pagoda, keep in mind that the stairs up are quite steep so be careful at all times;
Don’t forget about the dress code – dress appropriately if you want to be allowed inside the temple! This is true for all religious sites and temples in Thailand;
Photography is allowed free of charge everywhere inside the location;
King Rama II placed his crown on the top of the main pagoda – make sure to check it out!
Don’t miss the other attractions nearby on the banks of Chao Phraya, either on the same side or on the opposite side. These are all mentioned above!

BONUS #2: Recommended camera gear for visiting Bangkok

Here’s our camera gear that we take all around with us, perfect for Bangkok too. It has everything you’ll ever need!

CAMERA: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

EVERYDAY LENS: Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens

WIDE ANGLE LENS: Sigma 10-20mm f3.5 EX DC

PORTRAIT LENS: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG

GOPRO: GoPro HERO8 Black

TRIPOD: Benro Mach3 Tripod Ser 2 Alum 4 Sect

NV FILTER: Hoya 82mm Variable Density Screw-in Filter

CAMERA BAG: Manfrotto MB MA-BP-BFR Advanced Befree Camera Backpack

HARD DRIVE: LaCie 4 TB

RELATED READ: If you want to read more about our photography gear, I recommend checking out my dedicated article: What’s in my Camera Bag – All My Travel Blogging Gear

You have reached the end f my complete travel guide for Wat Arun Temple (Temple of Dawn) in Bangkok. This gorgeous temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River is one of Thailand’s treasures, a place full of history, with superb architecture! I truly believe this is one of the unmissable spots that should be part of your Bangkok itinerary for sure.

If you want to visit some other unforgettable attractions located in Bangkok such as Wat Pho or the Grand Palace, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about Bangkok.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bangkok?

Check out all my Bangkok Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book a tour in the city? Head over here.
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Bangkok so you don’t miss a thing!

Pin me for later!

A Complete Guide to Visiting Wat Arun in Bangkok

An Ultimate Guide to Visiting Wat Arun in Bangkok

Want to stay in the loop? Join my exclusive mailing list, plus you’ll gain access to my ever-growing free resource library!

Visiting The Grand Palace, Bangkok – Guide and Useful Tips

Are you planning on visiting the Grand Palace Bangkok? It’s Thailand’s most sacred temple and the #1 tourist attraction in the entire city, should there’s a good chance it’s on your list!

Before your visit, there are some things you need to know such as the opening times, entry fees, dress code, common scams to avoid and some useful tips that will help you a lot during your time spent here. Luckily for you, this article will tell you everything you need to know!

Scroll down to find my complete guide for the Grand Palace and some important tips that I learned before I went there:

Quick info and a brief history of Bangkok’s Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is without a doubt the most famous tourist destination in Thailand. After all, it’s the place where Bangkok was born!

The incredible complex of buildings in central Bangkok was the royal family’s official residence from 1782 (when King Rama I started the construction) until 1925. Even though the royal home has moved to Dusit Palace afterwards, the Grand Palace still holds most of the major monarchy events such as royal ceremonies and state functions.

With gold-plated buildings and walls covered with precious stones, the Grand Palace is hard to miss even from outside the palace walls. But the real treasure can be found within Wat Phra Kaew’s temple, which holds the most sacred Buddhist relic in South East Asia – the Emerald Buddha, also known as the Jade Buddha.

The Emerald Buddha was carved out of a single block of Jade and is wrapped in a golden coat, which is changed seasonally by the King of Thailand himself. By the way, two of the golden coats were created by King Rama I himself for the Buddha!

It is said that the Emerald Buddha watches over the Thai Nation, protecting it from harm. Moreover, it is believed that this Buddha will protect whichever country it is placed in, and was fought over by the neighbouring nations for many years until it landed in Thailand in 1779. The statue moved to Bangkok in 1784 and has remained here until the present day.

WHY IS IT WORTH VISITING?

First of all, for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) where you can see the famous statue. Second of all, for the beautiful green gardens and the mesmerising murals found all around the palace complex. Plus a couple of other nice buildings I’ll mention below!

What to see inside the Grand Palace

I must tell you right from the start: the Grand Palace complex is quite BIG! It’s 218.400 sqm big, to be more precise and it has a square shape surrounded by 4 walls.

Here’s everything that you can see there on this Grand Palace Bangkok map:

map of the grand palace with every building's history written out

The Palace is divided into three main sections:

Outer court – all the buildings related to the King’s “duties” such as the treasury and the army building;
Center court – the palace and temples;
Inner court – residencies and all the buildings where the royal family lived;

Now I know there are many different buildings inside the Grand Palace, but here are the real highlights that are worth visiting while you’re walking around the grounds:

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) – no. 10 – the holy grand temple where the Jade Buddha is showcased;
Phra Mondhop – no. 7 – the scripture crypt with superb green and golden glass mosaic;
Phra Viharn Yot – no. 5 – the treasury with the ancient treasures, including King Ramkhamhaeng’s throne, dating from the 13th century;
Chakri Maha Prasat – no. 26 – Great Chakri Palace / Grand Palace Hall / Royal Reception Halls – a true insight into the royal lives of the kings – you can find beautiful paintings and portraits inside. Prasat Phra is actually the place where the royal family used to live;
Prasat Phra Debidorn – no. 9 – the Royal Pantheon with full-size statues of former kings. Unfortunately, travellers can only see the inside on the 6th of April each year, during Chakri Day. But the outside of the Royal Pantheon is really pretty too!
Model of Angkor Wat – no. 6 – the model version of the real Angkor Wat carved in stone and used for the planning of the famous temple in Cambodia. You will find the mini Angkor Wat right across the Emerald Temple.
Dusit Maha Prasat – no. 31 – Great Dusit Hall – this traditional Thai hall was the place where King Rama used to receive his guests while sitting on a gorgeous throne. Now, the beautiful hall is open to visitors and you’ll get to see some original furniture inside.

When to visit the Grand Palace

Girl Around the World walking down the steps in front of a golden and purple building in the grand palace

Melissa behind a pillar at The Grand Palace Bangkok

There’s only one bad thing to note about the Grand Palace (and it’s quite a heavy one): It is the most crowded tourist destination I have ever visited in my ENTIRE LIFE of being a traveller!

It is said that the only way to beat the crowds is by being ready to enter when it opens, right at 8.30 AM. I have also heard that later in the day, just before closing time, the palace starts to get less crowded, but try and avoid the midday rush if possible.

OPENING HOURS: 8.30 AM – 3.30 PM. The Grand Palace is open every day of the week including national and religious holidays; it can only be closed during very rare Royal ceremonies;

IDEAL SCENARIO: enter the temple at 8.30 AM
WORST SCENARIO: visiting at midday, on weekends or public holidays

If you struggle in crowded spaces, seriously, consider giving the whole thing a miss. Due to the temple’s importance, thousands of tourists visit every day, making the experience really stressful. During your visit, there will be lots of moments when you will be crammed up against hundreds of other people. It can be hot and frustrating and a lot of people lose their manners and morality in the chaos.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Honestly, seeing the Grand Palace was beautiful and incredible, but the experience itself was horrible, hectic and one that I would never do a second time. We entered first thing in the morning and it was still extremely crowded. As the morning went on it only got busier, so I recommend you go early while it’s still less busy and the midday heat hasn’t added to the stress.

The palace grounds themselves are really beautiful, so if this sounds like something doable for you, then go for it! If not, don’t stress, scroll down to find my recommended attractions in Bangkok to visit instead of the Grand Palace, so you won’t feel like you’re missing too much.

Grand Palace Bangkok entry fee

Melissa sitting in front of a statue at The Grand Palace

Grand Palace admission fee: 500 baht (16 US$) per person

Audio guide: extra 200 baht (6.40 US$) – recommended if you want to do a self-guided tour; it’s full of interesting information and it’s available in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and more.

What’s included in your ticket: entry to the palace grounds and inside Wat Phra Kaew temple and museum, Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

You have two choices: you can either buy your ticket at the booths at the entrance gate (Wiseedtschairi Gate) or, if you don’t want to waste time in long lines, you can also pre-order your ticket online (at least 24 hours before your visit) and collect it from the dedicated booth/window on the day of your visit. If you decide to book it online, you can do so on the official website here.

TIP: Remember not to purchase tickets on the day from anywhere else apart from the official ticket office as scams are common around the gates of the site.

TIP #2: Your ticket also includes entrance to Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall and it’s available for 7 days after your visit to the Grand Palace.

Best Grand Palace tours for your visit

Top of a golden building at Grand Palace

Top of the golden stupa at the grand palace

There are free tours in English taking place at 10 AM, 10.30 AM in the morning and 1.30 PM and 2 PM in the afternoon. If you feel like the knowledge of a local guide will help you understand this place better, I recommend going for it!

In case you don’t want to be in a large crowd of tourists for the free tour, here are some other, better guided tours I can recommend, as well as some combo tours and unique ways to see the Grand Palace without actually being inside of it:

Grand Palace: English Guided Tour – admission included + 2-hour guided tour;
Private Tour: Best of Bangkok in A Day – if you prefer a private experience instead – includes the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho;
Half-Day Bangkok City Highlights Small-Group Tour – with a delicious Thai lunch on the riverside included!
Flexi Walking Temple Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun – mix and match your favourites;
Best Of Bangkok: Temples & Long-tail Boat Tour with Lunch – includes a visit to the Grand Palace;
Bangkok Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River – superb dinner cruise on Chao Phraya River during which you’ll see the Grand Palace and Wat Arun from afar;

TIP: You can also hire a local guide on the spot at the palace, but you’ll have to negotiate a price with them beforehand.

Find more tours

What to wear – Dress code for Bangkok’s Grand Palace

Melissa sitting at a prayer site inside the grand palace

As The Grand Palace is an active place of worship, it requires a set dress code for visiting:

Men cannot wear sleeveless shirts, vests or shorts;
Women cannot have their knees, shoulders or chest showing
Other items not allowed include ripped jeans, very tight pieces of clothing, see-through or revealing clothing or low V-neck tops, as well as shirts with death symbols, such as heavy metal T-shirts. I know, it may sound silly, but rules are rules.
Avoid flip flops as well if you can, although they sometimes accept them for tourists.

If in doubt, aim for long pants and a T-shirt.

If you’re worried that you may not have the right attire, it’s okay. You can rent clothes (tops and trousers) at the entrance of the premises. However, I would advise you to come prepared to save yourself from the stress of renting and returning clothes.

NOTE #1: This dress code is the same for all active Buddhist sites across Thailand, in case you’re planning to visit other temples too!

NOTE #2: Unlike other temples, the Grand Palace does not allow you to use a scarf or sarong to cover your chest and shoulders. If you try to enter this way they will ask you to rent a proper top from their rental service.

Common scams to avoid at Bangkok’s Grand Palace

huge crowd in front of a main building at the grand palace

Sadly, busy tourist spots like this one attract scam artists looking to make an extra dollar on gullible tourists. Please be aware of the following scams when visiting the Grand Palace:

FALSE: You can’t get inside the palace without purchasing a ticket prior to entry or without a tour guide accompanying you inside. TRUE: The ticket booth is inside the premises, and you can always purchase entry tickets there or pick up your tickets there if you bought them online;
FALSE: You are not dressed correctly and need to purchase some clothing in one of the shops outside of the palace. The reason is that tuk-tuk drivers will want to take you to their preferred shops where they get a commission. TRUE: If you don’t have appropriate clothing, a security official will let you know and direct you to the official Grand Palace’s clothing rental location;
FALSE: The Grand Palace is closed for some reason. You will then be persuaded to purchase a tour of Bangkok and told that you will be dropped at the Grand Palace once it reopens. TRUE: The Grand Palace is closed on very, VERY rare occasions when Royal ceremonies take place, so there’s a 99% chance this is a lie. Just ignore the people telling you this and proceed to enter the palace grounds – you’ll see that the Palace is open.

If you haven’t done your research, it can be easy to fall into one of these traps. We personally weren’t approached by any scammers, but we heard a lot of stories from other tourists we met. Just be ready for anything and only believe what the officials tell you!

How to get to the Grand Palace, Bangkok

The Grand Palace is located right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, on Na Phra Lan Road. Here’s its exact location:

Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Co-ordinates: 13.750039, 100.491420

Getting to the Grand Palace can be a bit tricky depending on where you are staying. The easiest way is to order a Grab (Asian version of Uber), but this could take ages if you accidentally leave during rush hour (the traffic in Bangkok can be quite hectic!) so make sure you double-check before you leave.

NOTE: Grab is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber, where you can order on-demand taxis for cheaper and less hassle than regular taxis. When using Grab, the price of the fare will show before you order a ride, you can pay in cash or card through the app, and the car picks you up and drops you off at a location of your choice.

NOTE #2: When going to The Grand Palace, taxis are not allowed to drop you off right at the gates. Instead, they will drop you off a 5-min walk away from the palace’s gate.

How to reach the Grand Palace depending on your location

Here are the best ways to reach the Grand Palace (express boat, MRT, BTS, bus) from the most popular spots in Bangkok, along with the trip distances:

BY BOAT: take the Chao Phyara Express Boat to Tha Chang Wang Luang Pier, which is within walking distance to the entrance.

FROM SIAM:

Grab / Taxi: 20min duration (depending on traffic)
BTS Skytrain and boat: 41min duration, BTS to Saphan Taksin, Boat shuttle to Tha Chang
Bus: 50min duration, 47 or 508 Bus from Siam Centre

FROM SUKHUMVIT:

Grab / Taxi: 30min duration (depending on traffic)
MRT: 47min duration, MRT blue line to Sanam Chai

FROM KHAO SAN ROAD:

Grab / Taxi: 10min duration (depending on traffic)
Public Transport: 25min duration, 404 or 59 Bus from Ratchadamnoen Klang Road

RELATED READ: In case you’re looking for the best accommodation options in Bangkok’s Old Town (the perfect location near the temple – a 10-minutes walk to the Grand Palace), I recommend reading my dedicated post: Where to Stay in Bangkok – 6 Best Areas and Hotels

The most important things to bring with you to the Grand Palace

The Grand palace complex in bangkok photographed from far away

700 -1000 baht in cash – the cost of entrance ticket, clothing rental and a little extra just in case.
Water – hydration is key, especially in the midday heat!
A hat – to protect you from the midday sun;
Sunscreen – same;
Loads of patience – It can be hectic! Try to keep calm and enjoy the experience, regardless.

My top tips for visiting Bangkok’s Grand Palace

Melissa walking towards a golden building

Melissa walking down a pathway in the grand palace leading to a building

Now that you know all the practical info you need for the best experience, don’t forget about my most important tips:

ARRIVE EARLY.

I recommend arriving right when the gates open, at 8:30 AM. The bigger groups arrive a bit later so let’s say you’ll have a couple of peaceful moments before it becomes hectic and before the heat settles in. The ticket booths are open from 8 30am to 3 30pm.

BE PATIENT.

Yes, it’s crowded and yes, it’s hot, which can mean you can get frustrated quickly. Try to enjoy your time there without stressing and don’t feel like you have to explore everything on the palace premises. If the atmosphere is too much for you, proceed to some other tourist sites instead such as Wat Arun – for more recommendations, check my list below.

ONCE INSIDE, BE AWARE OF YOUR BELONGINGS.

Make sure you keep an eye on your bag, phone, camera and other valuables at all times, just as you’d do in other tourist places around the world.

WEAR A HAT AND LOTS OF SPF + BRING WATER.

I can’t stress this enough: Bangkok is extremely hot and humid, especially during March, April and May, so a hat, lots of water and sunscreen are essential for your comfort. I don’t advise bringing a sun umbrella with you, as you’ll be bumping into crowds all day and that can get uncomfortable quickly.

WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHES.

I have told you everything you need to know about the Grand Palace’s dress code in my dedicated section above – long pants, decent tops, no sleeveless shirts.

SHOES OFF BEFORE ENTERING SACRED PLACES.

Keep this in mind when deciding what you’re wearing – aim for shoes that are easy to put on and take off.

IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED?

Yes, but you can’t take pictures inside the Emerald Buddha Temple.

GET INFORMED AND DON’T FALL FOR THE SCAMS.

I told you all about the most famous scams at the Grand Palace above – make sure you’re aware of them at all times before you enter the gates!

DON’T GET DISCOURAGED.

Just because the Grand Palace is super touristy and crowded, this doesn’t mean all the places in Bangkok are like this. On the contrary – this is probably the worst one in terms of crowds, so rest assured that you’ll have a more relaxed time at other sites and highlights in Bangkok.

What to visit near the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Melissa looking down from one of the edges of wat arun temple in Bangkok

Wat Pho – this is another beautiful temple where the Reclining Buddha is located, a 46-meter-long statue that’s just as impressive as the Emerald Buddha. You can either walk to it, take a water taxi or a tuk-tuk.
Wat Arun / The Temple of Dawn – another gorgeous Buddhist temple right across the river from Wat Pho and a must-see during your stay in Bangkok. You can take a water taxi to it.
Wat Mahathat – a great place for Vipassana Meditation and buying cute souvenirs. It’s also among the oldest temples in Bangkok;
Bangkok National Museum – one of the biggest museums in Southeast Asia and the best place to see some beautiful local art;
Kao San Road – 25-minutes by foot from the Grand Palace.

RELATED READ: For my complete list of unmissable highlights and cool activities in this city, I recommend checking my dedicated article: 5 Unmissable Tourist Places to See in Bangkok

BONUS #1: What to visit INSTEAD of the Grand Palace in Bangkok

Melissa posing in the courtyard of Wat Pho Bangkok

Looking up into the highest point of Wat Arun Bangkok

If the Grand Palace sounds too much for you, I completely get it. I know most travellers say this is a must-see during a trip to Bangkok, but I’m not 100% sure of it. In case you decide to skip it, don’t worry, here are some equally cool places to see around Bangkok instead of spending time here:

Wat Pho and Wat Arun – these two temples are located across the river from each other. I recommend visiting them both for a calmer, better-valued experience;
Ayutthaya – a UNESCO World Heritage site that can be visited as a day trip from Bangkok. You can even spend two days here, it’s simply awesome! Ayutthaya used to be the biggest city in the world 300 years ago; now, you can visit the remaining stone palaces and monasteries in this historical site. If you’re interested, I recommend booking this day trip by bus & boat.

BONUS #2: Recommended camera gear for visiting Bangkok

Here’s our camera gear that we take all around with us, perfect for Bangkok too. It has everything you’ll ever need!

CAMERA: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

EVERYDAY LENS: Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens

WIDE ANGLE LENS: Sigma 10-20mm f3.5 EX DC

PORTRAIT LENS: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG

GOPRO: GoPro HERO8 Black

TRIPOD: Benro Mach3 Tripod Ser 2 Alum 4 Sect

NV FILTER: Hoya 82mm Variable Density Screw-in Filter

CAMERA BAG: Manfrotto MB MA-BP-BFR Advanced Befree Camera Backpack

HARD DRIVE: LaCie 4 TB

RELATED READ: If you want to read more about travel photography gear, I recommend checking out my dedicated article: What’s in my Camera Bag – All My Travel Blogging Gear

Phew! This was my complete guide for all travellers visiting the Grand Palace for the first time and, I promise, you’ll have ALL the information you need above; entrance fees, common scams to avoid, when to visit, what to wear and everything in-between! And remember: Bangkok is SO much more than the Temple of the Emerald Buddha!

If you’re interested in reading more tips and precious information that will help you prepare the perfect Bangokok itinerary, I recommend clicking here to read all my articles about Bangkok, Thailand.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bangkok?

Check out all my Bangkok Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your service to get to the Grand Palace and other temples? Head over here.
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Bangkok so you don’t miss a thing!

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A Complete Guide to Visiting the Grand Palace Bangkok

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5 Unmissable Tourist Places to Visit in Bangkok – A Complete City Guide

Heading to Bangkok soon? Phew, there are SO many places to visit in Bangkok, you won’t even believe it! Scroll down to find my complete list of the best things to see in Bangkok, as well as the best places to stay, what and where to eat and more!

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the most exciting destinations in Southeast Asia for sure. It has everything you can dream of: a rich history, incredible gastronomy, awe-inspiring temples and buildings, exciting nightlife and everything else in-between, catering for ALL types of tourists out there. From the Grand Palace to Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples, museums, street food and souvenir markets, your list of fun things to do in Bangkok will be ever-growing.

Map of Thailand with Bangkok's location marked on the map

Okay, enough talking and let’s get going. Here is my hand-picked list of the top things to do in Bangkok, plus many useful tips that will help you properly enjoy this special city:

Top 5 places to visit in Bangkok, Thailand

1 – The Grand Palace / Wat Phra Kaew

Golden building at the Grand Palace Bangkok

Melissa walking down a walkway leading into a spire in The Grand Palace Bangkok

The Grand Palace is, without a doubt, one of the most famous places to visit in Bangkok, if not all of Thailand. This tourist hotspot housed the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the 20th century and it’s located on the banks of Chao Phraya River.

While you’re there, make sure you enter the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to see the… well, the Emerald Buddha, of course – Wat Phra Kaew – one of the most sacred Buddhist relics in the world. Visiting the Grand Palace is definitely a must-do for all first-time visitors!

Grand Palace entrance fee: 500 baht ($16,5).

2 – Go temple hopping

There are literally thousands of temples to see in Bangkok! Most of the tourists’ flock to the more popular ones (Wat Pho and Wat Arun, of course), but there are some smaller, lesser-known temples too, all of them worth discovering if you have the time. These are always less crowded and you’re much more likely to have them all to yourself.

Here’s my checklist of Bangkok temples:

Wat Pho, known as the Temple of The Reclining Buddha – this is the most popular temple in Bangkok, where the huge, world-famous Reclining Buddha statue is!
Wat Arun / The Temple of the Dawn – just opposite Wat Pho temple and another very popular option with the tourists.
Wat Saket / The Golden Mount
Wat Benchamabophit – this golden temple is one of the less visited and stunning for photos.
Wat Traimit
Wat Intharawihan
Wat Suthat

The entrance fees to these temples differ, ranging from 50 to 100 baht per person (1,60 – 3,30$).

3 – Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market

hundreds of stalls at Chatuchak weekend market seen from above

Chatuchak Market is another one of the most famous tourist attractions in Bangkok and a must-visit for all your souvenir shopping! It’s actually one of the largest weekend markets in the world and the biggest market in Thailand as well. Chatuchak Market hosts more than 15.000 stalls, so make sure you don’t get lost while you’re searching for those handicrafts, Thai silk dresses and ceramics. By the way, you should also take this as an opportunity to indulge in some yummy food here at some of the many food stalls!

4 – Airplane Graveyard

Inside of a cockpit of an abandoned airplane at the airplane graveyard bangkok

For a unique experience, the aeroplane graveyard is one of the more adventurous sites to visit in Bangkok. Here you’ll find the carcasses of three abandoned aeroplane bodies – two of them are small, but the other one belongs to a huge 747 that you can enter and explore. If you’re feeling creative, this location is a photographer’s paradise! As this “graveyard” is further out of the city, it’s less visited by tourists than other attractions!

By the way, you will most probably need to pay a fee to enter the plane, as there’s a local family living there. They usually ask for 200 to 300 baht/person (6,50 – 9$).

5 – Floating Market

river with dozens of merchant boats at a floating market in bangkok

Visiting a floating market in Bangkok is a unique experience where you get an insight into the history of Bangkok back when the city heavily relied on water transport. There are a few different floating markets to choose from where you can take boat tours to explore the different stalls and produce.

Some great ones are Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Amphawa Floating Market and Taling Chan Floating Market.

BONUS: Extra things to do in Bangkok

The list above included the 5 must-visit Bangkok attractions for just a couple of days, but the city has so much more to offer! If you have more time on your hands before heading over to other destinations in Thailand, below are some cool places and activities that I recommend you add to your list. Just mix and match the most exciting ones for you:

Jim Thompson House – If you’re passionate about Thai silk, then Jim Thompson House will be one of the best places in Bangkok for you, as you’ll be able to learn a lot about this craft here!
Erawan Shrine – a cute little shrine with a golden Buddha that promises to make your promises come true;
Khao San Road – wander around, grab a drink and people-watch. Eat some insects, from scorpions to tarantulas, if you’re feeling adventurous!
Explore Chao Phraya River on a boat trip – there are tons of superb canals that will take you around the city. After all, Bangkok isn’t called the “Venice of the East” for nothing!
Siam Paragon – a super popular shopping mall where you can shop ‘til you drop. You know what I always say: visiting Bangkok will be an incomplete experience without a shopping spree! You can also go to MBK mall, which is another great option, instead of Siam Paragon;
Bangkok Art and Culture Center – if you’re a fan of contemporary art
Traditional Thai massage – Getting a traditional Thai massage is one of the best things to do after a full day of exploring the city!
Bangkok National Museum – if you’re a fan of Thai culture and art, then a visit to Bangkok National Museum is a must!
Lumpini Park – for a relaxing walk in the middle of nature;
Chinatown – go near Yaowarat Road to find one of the most colourful neighbourhoods in the city and the ideal place to indulge in some street food;
Pak Khlong Flower Market – a market that’s open 24/7 with all types of exotic flowers such as orchids;
Watch some Muay Thai – did you know that kickboxing (called muay Thai) originated in Thailand? Get your VIP ticket here!
Do some bar crawling – partying in a club is one of the best things to do in Bangkok at night, and the night scene here is pretty much insane.
Soi Cowboy – a vibrant nightlife district with tons of bars and neon lights;
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World – largest aquarium in Southeast Asia.

Best tours of Bangkok by type of traveller

Girl Around the World posing in front of Benchamabopit Temple in Thailand

person holding a fried scorpion on a stick in front of khao san road in Bangkok

Yep, indeed, there are tons of Bangkok tourist places and your bucket list might be super long in the end. In case you don’t want to spend endless hours planning the perfect Bangkok itinerary for your trip, a great idea would be to book some organised tours. Here are my best recommendations:

Bangkok tour in a Day – simple and clear – if you only have one day in the city;
Full day customized Bangkok city tour – for those of you that want the freedom to choose from different attractions in the city;
Flexi Walking temple tour – a flexible tour during which you will visit the Grand Palace and then you can choose from Wat Pho and Wat Arun – good for all temple hoppers;
6-hour Floating Market tour – great for all adventurous foodies out there;
Bangkok by night tuk tuk tour – for night owls eager to explore some Bangkok nightlife;
Chao Phraya River dinner cruise – for the luxurious ones that want to experience the city with a different view, from Chao Phraya River.

Find more Bangkok tours

Where to stay in Bangkok

Girl Around the World sitting on the balcony facing the park at Hotel Indigo Bangkok

Melissa sitting in front of the infinity pool at Hotel Indigo Wireless Road Bangkok

RELATED READ: What you’ll find below is just a quick round-up. For an in-depth look at the best areas and hotels in the city, I recommend checking out my complete article: Where to Stay in Bangkok – 6 Best Areas and Hotels

To be completely honest, choosing the best place to stay in Bangkok can be quite an overwhelming task! There are tons of accommodation options here, from high-end hotels to hostels, apartments and more. With so many different neighbourhoods to stay in this gigantic city, the easiest way to go about it is to filter accommodations by area, depending on what you want to visit during your trip.

In order to make things easier for you, I’ve made a hand-picked selection with some of the best places to stay in Bangkok in each of the most popular areas for tourists:

RECOMMENDED HOTELS:

Historic Old Town – Sala Arun Bangkok

Sukhumvit – Hotel Indigo Bangkok – this is where we stayed!

Chinatown – Shanghai Mansion

Siam – Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

Khao San Road – Riva Surya Bangkok

Book a place in Bangkok

Best places to eat in Bangkok & what to eat

When it comes to food, Bangkok is bursting with endless choices! Thai cuisine is extremely flavourful and interesting, and indulging in some traditional dishes HAS to be one of the best things to do in Bangkok! If you feel me, here’s my list of some must-try dishes during your visit to Bangkok, together with the food places where you can try them:

PAD THAI

Pad Thai is possibly the most popular dish from Thailand. It’s basically stir-fried noodles with shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu and egg, topped with crushed peanuts. The most famous place to have Pad Thai in Bangkok is Thip Samai which happens to be one of the oldest restaurants to serve this dish, dating back to World War II. The original place can be found at Maha Chai Road.

TOM YUM

Tom Yum is a signature Thai dish; this sweet and sour soup is made with lemongrass, fish sauce, lime juice, kaffir lime leaves and some chilli to give it a bit of a kick. For a good street food restaurant that serves it, try Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu. For a less, spicy version of this dish, look out for Tom Kha Gai, which is made with coconut milk instead.

PANANG CURRY

A bit less spicy than the other curries in Thailand, Panang curry is a tourist favourite in the country. A good place to have Panang Curry is Krua Apsom – so good, in fact, the Thai royal family often visits!

MANGO STICKY RICE

A must-try dessert when visiting Thailand! It’s a simple and easy to find dish in Bangkok, made up of rich, sticky coconut rice, condensed milk and sweet mango slices. It’s insanely indulgent. A well-known place for making amazing mango sticky rice is Kor Panich.

Getting around Bangkok

Okay, now that you know what to do in Bangkok and which places to visit during your trip, how do you actually get around Bangkok? There isn’t one single way to get from point A to point B, but several! Here are the best options for travellers:

tuk tuks on the road at the chinatown of bangkok

SKYTRAIN (BTS)

Probably the easiest and most convenient way to travel around the centre of the city. One-way tickets start at around 15 baht (0,50$) per person. By the way, the so-called “sky train” is one of Bangkok top tourist attractions actually and taking a ride around the city with this special means of transport is an unmissable activity – as odd as this may sound!

SUBWAY (MRT)

In case you prefer not to be up above, then let’s try something down below. The MRT covers a larger area than the Skytrain and you can even change between the two at Silom or Asoke station.

TUK-TUK

In all honesty, this is a must-do for first-timers in Bangkok, at least for fun! A tuk-tuk is a three-wheeler commonly found in most Asian countries. Okay, they’re not extremely comfortable and they’re super loud as well, but they have their own, authentic charm. Compared to other means of transport, all tuk-tuk ride fares must be negotiated right when you set foot in the vehicle, so this is a touristic experience in itself!

MOTORCYCLE TAXI

These ones are pretty similar to the tuk-tuks, but they’re… motorcycles. You can find tons of them outside Skytrain or MRT stations and they’re extremely affordable, making them great for short distances. Don’t forget that the ride price must be negotiated beforehand, just like for the tuk-tuk! Work on your haggling skills!

TAXI

Cheap and convenient, especially after midnight, when there’s no public transportation operating. Insider tip: when you enter a taxi in Bangkok, make sure the driver turns on the meter and doesn’t try to negotiate a fixed fee instead; they have a bad reputation for ripping off tourists! Starting fare is 35 baht.

CHAO PHRAYA RIVER EXPRESS BOAT

How about you go from one attraction to the other by boat instead of train or taxi? There are boats departing every 20 minutes (5 minutes during rush hours) that can take you to all the main attractions in the city for small fees.

Round-up of my Bangkok city guide

If you were looking for a complete guide to Bangkok, Thailand – now you have it! In this article, I have covered your most burning questions about the best tourist places to go in Bangkok and tours, as well as some excellent hotels, unmissable dishes to try and how to get around the city.

Bangkok offers endless activities and things to do for all types of travellers out there – and I mean all! Regardless if you’re a backpacker ready to raid some food markets, a culture lover with a list of beautiful temples to see or a luxurious traveller who wants to stay in a superb hotel and go on a shopping spree, followed by a night out clubbing, rest assured that Bangkok is THE place to do all this and more!
But as wonderful as it may be, Bangkok is not the only amazing destination in Thailand. If you want to further discover this unforgettable country, I recommend checking out all our adventures and articles about it here.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Bangkok?

Check out all my Bangkok Travel Guides here.
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book your tour of the city? Head over here.
Not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Bali so you don’t miss a thing!

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Ultimate Guide: Things To Know Before You Visit Belem Tower, Lisbon

Belem Tower (“Torre de Belem” in Portuguese) is located in Lisbon, Portugal and it’s one of the most famous tourist attractions in Portugal. If you’re planning a trip there soon, you’re in luck! My ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about this historic site – how to get there and when to visit Belem Tower, how much it costs, things to keep in mind and things to avoid. And more!

One thing to keep in mind: because it’s such a popular landmark, Torre de Belem is visited by thousands of people, so the queues to enter can be VERY LONG and the process of buying your ticket can be a bit tedious. No worries though – just follow my tips below for a smoother experience. You can thank me later for it!

Let’s go:

First of all, is Belem Tower worth visiting?

Melissa balances on a low wall outside Belem Tower in Lisbon Portugal

Melissa sits outside of Belem Tower in Portugal Lisbon

Yes, yes and yes. After all, Belem Tower is not the most iconic attraction in Lisbon for nothing, right?! The tower is 500 years old, it’s located on the northern banks of the Tagus River and it’s standing proof of Portugal’s glorious Age of Discovery. The tower was built in Manueline architecture (with hints of other architectural styles such as Italian, Islamic, Moorish and North African) and it’s truly stunning – both on the outside and on the inside.

The Belem Tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and it was inaugurated in 1521. Inside, there’s a spiral staircase to be explored, a rooftop terrace for incredible views and lots of intricate architectural details and beautiful rooms to admire. In short, Torre de Belem is a real gem worth exploring by anyone visiting Lisbon!

Now that I’ve convinced you to check it out, let’s find out all the important things to know before visiting Belem Tower:

Everything you need to know before you visit Belem Tower in Lisbon

A brief history of Torre de Belém

Let’s start at the beginning. The construction of the tower began under the initiative of Francisco de Arruda (a military architect and sculptor) and it lasted from 1514 until 1520. The main goal was to create an imposing structure that would guard the mouth of the Tagus River, which was the main gateway to Lisbon. You can still see the cannons on the lower level today, which were placed there for this exact purpose – defence.

The tower was first known as “Castelo de São Vicente de Belém” (Castle of Saint Vincent of Bethlehem). The purpose of the tower switched to be a state prison in 1589. This lasted about 250 years. Then Belem Tower became a customs port, then a telegraph station, then a lighthouse.

Belem Tower became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it stands as proof of Portugal’s maritime powers and its Age of Discoveries. A full restoration and conservation took place in 1998, bringing Torre de Belem to the state you can see it in right now. Last but not least, the tower was classified as one of the “Seven Wonders of Portugal” in 2007.

Where is Portugal’s Belem Tower?

Belém Tower is located in the Belém district, around 9 km from Lisbon city centre.

ADDRESS: Avenida da Brasília, Belem, Lisbon, Portugal 1400-038
COORDINATES: 38.691854, -9.216083
WEBSITE: torrebelem.com

Here’s a map that will show you its exact location:

Map of lisbon with Belem Tower and Lisbon City Centre marked on the map

How to get to Belém Tower

Although Belém Tower is not located in the heart of the city, it’s very easily accessible. To get there, you can take:

TRAM no. 15 or 15E or 127 – these depart from Praça da Figueira and connect central Lisbon to the Belem district. You need to head in the direction of Algés Jardim and get off at Mosteiro dos Jerónimos or Largo da Princesa. Travel time is 30 minutes.
TRAIN – take the Cascáis Line departing from Cais do Sodré station. After 3 stops, get off at Belem station. Travel time is 7 minutes.
TAXI – the cost is around 15€ from the city centre
YELLOW HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS – the route taking you to Belem is called “Tagus Tour” and it departs from Praça da Figueira. Check the routes and get your pass here.

NOTE: If you’re going by car, please keep in mind that there is limited street parking nearby.

Belem Tower opening hours

October-April opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The last entry is at 5 PM

May-September opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The last entry is at 6 PM.

Closed on: Mondays, 1st of January, 1st of May, Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.

Best time to go to Belem Tower

The tower opens at 10:00 AM, but I recommend getting there at least 1 hour earlier in order to explore the outside of the building and take some pictures (that’s when the sun is in front of the tower, not behind it, so you can take the BEST photos). The tourist crowds will arrive late in the morning (usually 30 mins before opening time) and they last until the afternoon. So, I recommend visiting as early as possible or at the end of the day, a bit before the last entry – maybe you’ll catch the sunset too!

How long should you reserve for the visit: 45 minutes will be enough. No need to reserve an entire day for it!

Tickets for Belém Tower in Lisbon

Landscape with Lisbon hills and Belem Tower

Here is the complete list of Belem Tower ticket types:

Adults: 6€ for Torre de Belem only, 12€ for the tower + Jerónimos Monastery, 16€ for the tower + Jerónimos + Ajuda Palace
Children younger than 12 years old: free
Seniors over 65 years old: 50% discount
Students + Youth Card: 50% discount
Families (2 adults + 2 children or more under 18): 50% discount
Free entry if you have the Lisboa Card (more details below)
Free entrance for Portuguese residents on Sundays before 2:00 PM

WHERE CAN YOU BUY YOUR TICKETS:

on-site when you arrive at the tower
at Jeronimos Monastery
online – I recommend purchasing your ticket here. Pssst: these tickets have free cancellation compared to the ones on the official website, which is great if you’re unsure about the date of your visit.

NOTE #1: You’ll have to wait in line to enter regardless if you buy your tickets online or if you have the Lisboa Card. Only after you enter the site does the line split in two – one for the people who need to buy a ticket from the ticket counter and one for the online tickets.

NOTE #2: Yes, the lines can get quite long, that’s why I recommend arriving 30 minutes before the opening time if you’re not keen to wait around (especially in Summer!).

Should I buy a Lisboa Card for Torre de Belém?

Melissa sitting under the MAAT museum, one of the best places to visit in Lisbon

The Lisboa Card is the official city travel card for Lisbon and it offers you:

Free entry to 26 museums and tourist sites including Torre de Belem,
Unlimited free travel – tram, metro, bus, elevators and funiculars;
Free train to Sintra and Cascais – if you’re up for some day trips;
A guidebook for Lisbon
Discounts on various attractions, shopping, nightlife and tours.

In short, it’s a transportation + sightseeing pass that costs 20€ for 24 hours, 34€ for 48 hours and 42€ for 72 hours. You can buy it online here.

GOOD FOR: Travellers planning to explore lots of attractions around Lisbon.

NOTE: To use it, you must exchange your online Lisboa Pass for the actual card (it looks like a credit card) at any Ask Me Lisboa office around the city.

Get your Lisboa Card here

Best organised tours of Torre de Belém

People on one of the best tours of Belem tower

If you want to visit the Belém Tower in Lisbon with a local, knowledgeable guide that will tell you lots of precious information about this 16th-century site, then I recommend booking a guided Belem Tower tour! Combined tours are also a good option if you’re short on time and want to see some other things on the same day. Here are my hand-picked recommendations so you won’t need to search anymore!

Belem Neighbourhood Walking Tour – admission ticket to the Monastery included, but not to the tower; you’ll have to pay for it separately;
Private 4-Hour Tour of Belém District – if you don’t want to be in a big group. Entrance not included, you’ll only visit the exterior;
Private 4-Hour Tour of Lisbon – entrance fees not included, must be purchased separately;
Bike Tours Lisbon – Center of Lisbon to Belém – entrance fees not included;
Sailing Boat Tour in Lisbon – if you want to see the tower from a different perspective.

Find more Belem tours

What can you see at Lisbon’s Belem Tower?

Even though many tourists choose to only see the exterior of Torre de Belem, I recommend exploring the inside as well, at least for the pretty views at the top! Or if you’re a history lover. But this is, of course, a personal choice. In order to help you out, I’ll list what you can see on both the exterior and the interior of Belem Tower down below:

OUTSIDE:

the beautiful ivory limestone used for the construction of the tower
the lower bastion with its cannon openings
the upper bastion with beautiful watchtowers constructed in a Moorish architecture
the intricate carvings and filigree on the external walls, including the rhinoceros gargoyle
the mix of architecture styles – Manueline, Moorish, Islamic, Italian
the river – the spot where Vasco da Gama began his discovery voyage to India
bonus: if you arrive early in the morning, you’ll be able to take some stunning pictures of the tower in the sun

INSIDE:

all 4 floors connected by the narrow spiral staircase
Lower Battery – with its 17 cannons
The Governor’s Chamber
The King’s Chamber – make sure to check out the views from the Renaissance-style balcony
Audience Chamber and the Chapel
Tower Terrace – the highlight of the tower, with superb views of the river, 25th April suspension bridge and the statue of Christ the Redeemer
Upper Battery
the unique rhinoceros gargoyle on the western façade – yes, it depicts a rhinoceros, which is quite uncommon for Europe!

NOTE: The only way to access the floors is by using the narrow spiral staircase. If you have limited mobility or you feel claustrophobic, I would not really recommend visiting inside the tower. The stairway can get quite crowded too.

Where to stay near Belém Tower, Lisbon

RELATED READ: In case you want to read more about the unique neighbourhood of Belem and Lisbon’s other top districts, I recommend checking out my dedicated article Where To Stay in Lisbon, Portugal – 7 Best Areas and Gorgeous Hotels

Belém district is a great area to stay if you’re looking for a laid-back experience away from the city crowds. I also recommend it to families with children. And if you find a hotel close to the tower, that’s even better! In order to make things easier for you, I’ve selected my top pick accommodations in Belem below:

BIG SPLURGE. Altis Belem Hotel & Spa – 500m away, views of the tower

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Palacio do Governador – 400m away

MID-RANGE. Hotel Jeronimos 8 – 2 km away

BUDGET. Casa Amarela Belem – 1 km away

HOSTEL. Lar dois coracões – 1.6 km away

APARTMENT. Belém River Apartment II – 600m away

Find more hotels near Belém Tower

What to do near Lisbon’s Belém Tower

Jeronimos Monastery in lisbon during Sunset

Because the tower is not that close to the city centre, it would make all the sense in the world to explore some other cool attractions nearby while you’re there. Here’s what you can see near Torre de Belém:

Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) – a 15-minute walk away from the tower. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a super religious site. I recommend buying the combined ticket at the entrance to both the tower and the monastery for 12€.
Pastéis de Belém – located only 1.3 km away from the tower, this bakery is said to be the “birthplace” of pastel de nata tart, Portugal’s iconic dessert. There’s quite a hype around it but I must admit, it’s the best one in the city! 100% recommended!
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) – 2 km away. It is right on the waterfront and it’s hosted in an old power station. Make sure you don’t miss the viewing area (free access) for some amazing views.
CCB (Centro Cultural de Belém) – located only 10 minutes away, this is the place to go if you’re a fan of performance art and photography. It also hosts the Museu Coleção Berardo, which is Portugal’s main contemporary art museum.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon) – 1 km away (10 minutes). This is a nice monument right on the waterfront carved with statues depicting the Age of Discoveries.
Museu Nacional dos Coches (Coach Museum) – 1.5 km away. It’s a great place where you can see intricately carved ceremonial carriages and royal coaches;
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda – 2.8 km away. This is a very beautiful national palace full of superb rooms and precious items.

TIP: Alternatively, you can book a Belem Neighborhood Walking Tour (entrance to the monastery included) or a Private 4-Hour Tour of Belém District.

BONUS: My best tips for visiting Lisbon’s Belem Tower

Melissa says visiting Belem Tower is one of the best things to do in Lisbon

ARRIVE EARLY.

At least 30 minutes before the opening time to avoid the crowds, ideally 1 hour if you want to take some pictures of the exterior.

DON’T MISS THE LAST ENTRANCE TIME

Remember that the last entry is 30 minutes before the closing time.

CHECK THE UPDATED INFORMATION.

I recommend checking the official website here in order to check the updated prices and opening times. They might change, especially during these weird times!

KEEP IN MIND THE STAIRS.

The only way of accessing the different levels of the tower and the terrace is by going up and down the one-way narrow spiral staircase. There are 110 steps in total and it can get quite crowded. Not recommended for people with claustrophobia.

DON’T STRESS.

If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands in Lisbon, you can always just admire the exterior of the building – it’s still impressive! Don’t be sad if you don’t get to see the interior too, maybe next time! 🙂

BONUS #2: Fun facts about Torre de Belém

Let’s end this ultimate guide with some fun Belem Tower facts to get you all hyped up for your upcoming trip to Lisbon!

Both the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery nearby are UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983;
The tower has 4 different floors and it’s 30m high;
It was built by King D. Manuel I and designed by Francisco de Arruda;
The original name of the tower was the Castle of St. Vincent or St. Vincent Tower and it’s still used nowadays, especially among locals;
The ivory stone used for building the tower is called “lioz”
The architecture style used for the construction is called the “Manueline” style and it’s the way Portuguese interpreted the Gothic style;
Belém Tower was constructed to protect Lisbon, but it was mostly used as a state prison;
The most impressive part is the southern façade, which is facing the river. This can only be seen by people arriving at the harbor by boat;

This is my complete guide to visiting Belem Tower, one of the best tourist sites in Lisbon and the rest of Portugal! In the article above I have told you everything you need to know before your trip – opening times, entrance fees, whether you should book a guided tour, what to discover in the surrounding area, how to get to Belem Tower from Lisbon and more. You won’t need to search anywhere else!

In case you need some helpful information and advice for planning your upcoming trip to Lisbon, I recommend clicking here to find all my related articles about this beautiful city.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Lisbon?

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Complete Guide to Visit Belem Tower in Lisbon Portugal

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Where is Nusa Ceningan Island?

Here’s a map of Nusa Ceningan to see exactly where the below places are located:

Round up of the best things to do in Nusa Ceningan

Here are some unmissable things to do in Nusa Ceningan by travel style:

1 – Cliff jump at the Blue Lagoon

2 – Swim with Manta Rays

Some great diving tours:

3 – Visit the best beaches in Nusa Ceningan

4 – Surf or cliff jump at Mahana Point

5 – Enjoy a cocktail at a beach club

6 – Take pictures with the beach swings

Below are the ones we found:

7 – Cross the iconic Yellow Bridge to Nusa Lembongan

8 – Zipline across the water

How to get to Nusa Ceningan

Bali to Nusa Ceningan Island

Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan Island

Nusa Penida to Nusa Ceningan Island

Where to stay in Nusa Ceningan Island

RESORTS:

Twilight Ceningan

Blue Lagoon Avia Villas Nusa Ceningan

MID-RANGE:

Le Pirate Beach Club

Tatak Bunut Villa

BUDGET:

Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas & Restaurant

Ceningan Inn

How to get around Nusa Ceningan island

Where to eat in Nusa Ceningan island

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First of all, where are the Munduk waterfalls located?

Munduk waterfall trek map

How to reach Munduk Waterfall

The trail – explained

1 – Munduk Village

2 – Golden Valley Waterfall

3 – Munduk Waterfall / Red Coral Waterfall

4 – Labuhan Kebo Waterfall

5 – Melanting Waterfall / Laangan Melanting

Where to stay in Munduk, Bali

My top travel tips for doing the Munduk waterfall hike

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHOES.

USE AN OFFLINE MAPS APPLICATION.

START YOUR ADVENTURE EARLY.

BRING WATER AND SNACKS.

BRING CASH.

FAQs about the Munduk Waterfall trek

1 – How much does it cost?

2 – How difficult is the Munduk waterfall loop trek?

3 – How long does the entire hike take?

4 – Best time to visit

5 – Packing list

6 – Do I need to pack food and drinks?

7 – Do I need a guide?

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First of all, why should you visit Wat Pho?

Everything you need to know about visiting Wat Pho, Bangkok

Quick info about Wat Pho

What to see at Wat Pho Temple complex

The Reclining Buddha

108 coins

The rest of the temple complex

Wat Pho massage – Traditional Thai Massage School

How to get to Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok

GETTING TO WAT PHO FROM SIAM:

GETTING TO WAT PHO FROM SUKHUMVIT:

GETTING TO WAT PHO FROM KHAO SAN ROAD:

Wat Pho opening hours

Best time to visit Wat Pho Temple

Wat Pho entrance fee

Best Wat Pho tours

Wat Pho Temple dress code

The most important things to bring with you to Wat Pho

BONUS #1: What to visit near Wat Pho in Bangkok

BONUS #2: Recommended camera gear for visiting Bangkok