See Bangkok by public transport, starting your full-day sightseeing tour with pickup from your hotel. From your hotel, follow your guide to the nearest BTS station for a short SkyTrain ride. View downtown Bangkok en route to Saphan Taksin station, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River where you’ll board a public boat. You’ll disembark the boat near Wat Pho, which houses the 150-foot-long (46-meter) Reclining Buddha. From here, walk to the Grand Palace, the official royal residence, and witness its revered Emerald Buddha housed in Wat Phra Kaew.
Take a lunch break at a nearby restaurant before venturing on foot — or tuk-tuk — to Soi Ban Batra. Admire the monks’ alms bowls made by a handicraft family before you return on foot to Ratchadamnoen Avenue, often referred to as the Thai Champs Elysées. Hop inside another tuk-tuk to reach Saen Saeb Klong for a commuter shuttle boat ride. It’s a short walk from the Ratchathewi boat station to the Jim Thompson House, located in the former home of the Thai Silk Company's founder. Explore the art and antiques inside teak houses at the museum complex with your guide.
At the end of your Bangkok tour, take advantage of a shopping opportunity at one of five large complexes in the area — MBK, Siam Square, Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and Siam Paragon — or simply return to your hotel by SkyTrain, accompanied by your guide.