Private Tour: Bangkok's Grand Palace Complex and Wat Phra Kaew

The pickup and ride to...

The pickup and ride to Pakace was flawless. The guide didn’t give any major history or background. We had to keep asking her and she was on the phone

My tour guide, she was...

My tour guide, she was amazing! It was a special time for us. We love the architecture and the colors.

Superb private morning tour

Excellent private tour, from start to finish. Having an English-speaking tour guide meant that we were first in line, and did not miss anything. She guided us around and told us all about the Grand Palace Complex, and Wat Phra Kaew. Stunning sights, and excellent tour guide.

Ayuttaya

Excellent excursion. Pick up on time . Guide very good and with humour. Very interesting site. Temples on the way very good. The buses in Thailand need to be renewed. Lunch on the cruise food was average but cruise interesting as the view from the river was a must see.

Bad experience with tour bookings

THe private tour was just fine,,, The only problem was booking it through VIATOR they failed to inform the tour company about my reservation and sent me my notices a day after each of my tours... I would not use VIATOR to book your tours!!!

Great fun. Travelled with son and his...

<p>Great fun. Travelled with son and his friend and the never stopped taking photos.</p>

Great tour and excellent guide! Tiny...

<p>Great tour and excellent guide! Tiny was extremely knowledgeable about Bangkok and of course the Grand Palace. Efficient tour guide, knows all the shortcuts and picture spots. She is friendly, professional and funny!</p> <p>Thank you again for a wonderful tour! I really enjoyed it!</p>

The tour of the Grand Palace and Wat...

<p>The tour of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra was absolutely amazing. Our guide was knowledgeable and accommodating. A must do tour.</p>

Tour Guide was wonderful...

<p>Tour Guide was wonderful, informative and very helpful. Unfortunately my sister and I went with my mother who travels with a wheelchair and there are too many places that weren't wheelchair friendly with proper ramps so it was a workout.</p>

The Grand Palace is every crowded...

<p>The Grand Palace is every crowded- but it is a national site. Our guide was so knowledgeable with the sites and Thailand history and culture. She was very patient while we took pictures. We had some time so she took us to the gem gallery. Just to see the amazing artwork at the temple is worth the tour!,</p>

Was a nice tour - we went early in...

<p>Was a nice tour - we went early in the morning to avoid the heat, obviously everyone else had the same idea so it was very busy!</p>

Embarrassing experience

It has been not only the worst tour of our holiday in Thailand, but one of the worst ones of our life. Our Tour Guide Tiny was speaking a so poor English that we have been forced to INTERRUPT THE TOUR in the middle of it, taking the audio guides of the Royal Palace. She was unable to have a clear conversation in English, and her lack of dictionary forced her to spend the time taking NOT REQUESTED pictures of us, taking our cameras to do it. I was forced to ask her to do her work, explaining art and history of the place instead of making a photo service, and she started to repeat always the same 3 or 4 concepts, in a very basic language. We called by phone Tour East two times tha same day of the Tour, and we immediately wrote a e-mail to explain how disappointed we were, asking for a refund, but the Company defended its Guide, explaining in this way that, in its opinion, we were lying about it. There's no reason to consider it a lie: simply, the Guide Tiny has to improve a lot her English Speaking skills. The Tour has been not a Tour, simply. I'm so disappointed by the Company's answer that I can only suggest to the other tourists coming in Thailand to choose a different Company, being able to understand needs and requests of its guests without taking money without offering a good service. Ask a question to yourself: if the guests of a prepaid private tour choose to interrupt it in the middle of it, taking the audioguides instead of hearing the voice of the Guide, there's something wrong in the way of leading the tour, not in the guests, that are very interested about art and history of the place. Tha Customer Care of Tour East was blind in front of the truth: it would have been so simple to admit the mistake and to answer "we are so sorry...". Nothing to do... Trust me, choose another Company to enjoy the marvellous Thailand.

The worst English ever

We booked this tour through Viator. The tour guide didn't speak good English, it was not understandable. We had to stop the tour because it was an effort to understand her. She spent the first 30 minutes taking pictures to us (we didn't ask for it) taking literally our phones and taking pictures to the temples that for her were important without providing any detail about what we were looking at. We had to tell her to stop with pictures and start with the explanation. But at that point we understood why she was taking pictures!!! She knew 5 words and kept repeating the same things all the time. At that point we stopped the tour and bought audio guides in English. We had a second tour the day after and we called the Agency to make sure we had a GOOD guide the next day, explaining the problem that we had had. The second guide that we had (KIAT) was good. We requested a refund for the first tour and it was denied because the guide that we had "has been a guide for 30 years". No doubts about it, in Thai she must be pretty good, but not for English customers. I put 1 star because there is no customer care, the tour went badly, and nobody seems to care about what we have experienced.

This was a terrible tour that you...

<p>This was a terrible tour that you could easily do on your own. Just take a taxi to the site it is one site and get your tickets - it will cost you less. The tour includes travel time - so for our hotel Intercontinental it was 40 minutes each way. The actual tour itself took less than one hour though VIATOR explained that it is a 90 minute tour. Our guide basically got our tickets, spoke to us briefly his accent was so bad we could not understand anything anyway and we were left on our own watching other people with real tour guides getting explanations that were understandable. For those of you who did not know, the king died and for one year he is being exposed - which means that the palace part of the tour was closed I believe they cremated him or will be doing so in October. The tour company never advised us of this. As with the other tours we did in Asia, they will try to bring you to a jewelry place in order to eat up some of the time that this tour is supposed to take we declined. Lastly - the part that ticked us off the most - our tour guide decided to start arguing with the police and it started to escalate - all because he felt that they weren't smiling enough when they checked his back for weapons. Really? We actually almost left him there to take a taxi the hell out of there. Overall - VIATOR was a waste. We complained when we were literally on the ride back to the hotel and they did nothing to resolve. Really do not waste your money. This is really the tour you can do on your own.</p>

bad not even pick up from hotel changed...

<p>bad not even pick up from hotel changed pick up hotel from</p>

I highly recommend this tour if you...

<p>I highly recommend this tour if you do not have enough time in Bangkok. Our guide was on time at the hotels lobby and a private car too. We did this tour in the morning and the Bangkok Temples including Reclining Buddha in the afternoon. Doing both tour with our guide save time and contributed with each temple and thai cultures knowledges.</p>

The palace are was beautiful, but we...

<p>The palace are was beautiful, but we didn't really get to see as much as we wanted, which is understandable. The funeral ceremony for the late King is still ongoing, with the mourning period lasting all year. From what we saw, the grounds were immaculate and very awe inspiring. From there we went to a Gem Factory. Prices were outrageous, so buyer beware. We were there for about 45 min before the drive back to our hotel.</p>

Nice! An interesting guide. The only...

<p>Nice! An interesting guide. The only pity is that the tour ended three hours earlier than was promised.</p>

The guide didn't not mention his...

<p>The guide didn't not mention his name which was not a great way to start - however he was quite knowledgeable and experienced.</p>

This trip was good but there were so...

<p>This trip was good but there were so many tourists and the guides were shouting so loud to get themselves heard</p>

We booked a private tour due to...

<p>We booked a private tour due to limited time in Bangkok. We were picked up by car at the hotel and battled traffic to the Grand Palace. Luckily we left early and missed the queues at the Palace. Due to the King's recent passing thousands of mourners are making their way to the Palace to pay respect to his body. Needless to say this impacted our ability to move around the grounds and see the buildings. Some parts of the Palace was also closed. Our guide shared some usefull information and stories which I found very interesting. He could have shared more detail as we are interested in history. We enjoyed the tour but felt that it was expensive given the fact that the actual visit to the Palace was less than 90 min and the rest of the time was traveling time by car. So in essence the tour is very short.</p>

The Palace was only partially open...

<p>The Palace was only partially open due to the recent passing of the King. However, it was certainly very interesting to see what was open to the public and it was a historic time to be at the Palace and in Bangkok and Thailand, in general. I would definitely recommend a visit while in Bangkok.</p>

My wife and I were picked-up at our...

<p>My wife and I were picked-up at our hotel on schedule and rode through parts of Bangkok before going to the Grand Palace. Our guide told us much about the early history of Siam/Thailand and how Bangkok became the capital city. He took care of getting all tickets to enter the palace and led us through it providing many explanations of the various buildings, statues and other points of interest which we saw. Unfortunately, we were not able to see all the buildings intended because the King having died in October, his body was on view in the Funeral Hall and there were thousands of Thais lined-up to see his last remains.</p>

My husband and I were able to...

<p>My husband and I were able to combine this tour with the tour of the Temples, which took approximately 4.5 hrs. total. It was wonderful! Suki is an excellent tour guide - he explained the history and significance of the sites we were seeing and pointed out many interesting things which we might have otherwise missed, while we were driving gave us an overview of the history of Thailand as well as indicating points of interest as we passed them, and gave us a crash course in Buddhism. He even took photos of us at the various sites! He is one of the best tour guides we've ever had, we learned so much from him and he also has a wonderful sense of humour which made our time with him a lot of fun. Our driver sorry, didn't get his name was also very good - waited patientlly for us at every stop and navigated Bangkok traffic expertly. Thank you Suki, you made our brief visit to Bangkok extra special!!</p>

Although we thought we would see...

<p>Although we thought we would see more of the Grand Palace and not just look through gates the rest of the tour was very good. The tour guides seem to expect tips, so be prepared.</p>

The size of the Grand Palace Complex...

<p>The size of the Grand Palace Complex is mind blowing - very impressive. Would recommend this tour.</p>

The tour guide was incredibly...

<p>The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, got me through security quickly, and made sure to stop at a shop so I could have water before entering the complex. He allowed me to take pictures when and where I wanted, but also stopped at particular locations along the way to explain the significance of particular buildings. The only problem was that he walked ahead of me in and we got separated many times because of the huge crowds. At one point it took almost 10 minutes before we found each other. Afterwards, though, he stayed close by. A worthwhile trip and I came away knowing so much more than I did before.</p>

Not completely as advertised! While...

<p>Not completely as advertised! While we enjoyed the private tour and visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, we would have preferred to spend more time there rather than to have rushed our way out and then been taken to a factory and jewelry store which we we had absolutely no interest in. This was not part of the tour description and we felt a bit scammed! We probably would have enjoyed this site more if done on our own and at our own pace - especially when our private tour guide sent us back to our hotel after the visit to the jewelry store alone with our driver while claiming that she had another tour coming up in an hour. Perhaps this was for the best though. While driving to the site, our guide told us of her divorce and how embarrassing it was for a woman in her country. Interesting - except that she showed particular interest in my husband and continued to tell us how western men of his age would be sought after by women in her country. Not what we expected!</p>

Very good guide. Very knowledgable...

<p>Very good guide. Very knowledgable and he knew how to get us in to the complex ahead of hordes and hordes of Chinese tourists. We would not have enjoyed the tour anywhere as much without him.</p> <p>He did suggest the shopping trip after the tour but we just said we were tired and wanted to go back to the hotel and we went right back.</p>

My friend and I booked this tour and...

<p>My friend and I booked this tour and Bangkok Temples Including Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, one for the morning and one for the afternoon of the same day. At the time of booking we asked if they could be combined so the tours ran into one another instead of having the 'lunch time' back at the hotel. The reply said no, they are best kept separate so we went with the recommendation even though other reviews had also suggested combining. When the guide picked us up, he asked if we'd be ok to combine these tours as logistically it would be better to go from one to the other. This may have been because of our hotel location in comparison, but even so, once we were shown the places on the map and already having experience of the nightmare traffic jams in Bangkok, it definitely made sense to combine the trips. This meant we were back at the hotel after both tours much earlier than we would have been other wise. Both these tours worked out very well, and allowed us to more easily find our way into and round the temple complex's having our own private guide. These are both well worth the visit</p>

We really enjoyed this trip. We...

<p>We really enjoyed this trip. We were picked up on time and our guide was very knowledgeable. The palace was stunning - a must do for everyone.</p>

The lady was nice and cheerful at...

<p>The lady was nice and cheerful at first but was getting tired as it was her fourth tour for the day, so I can't really blame her. Do it in the morning so it's not so hot .</p>

Amazing tour - all booked before we...

<p>Amazing tour - all booked before we left uk, not used viator before. <br/> We were collected from hotel - great that we had own car, driver and seperate guide, guide stayed with us all the time and explained all facts about the place we were visiting. Guide spoke good english. Definitely worth the money.<br/> Will definitely be using this company again.</p>

Really good informative tour. The...

<p>Really good informative tour. The one on one tour guide makes it so much more of a better experience. We really liked the private car that chauffeurs you around to all the different locations.</p>

The grand palace complex was huge...

<p>The grand palace complex was huge and interesting. It required a lot of walking outside. The tour information should include a warning about the amount of walk.</p>

The Grand Palace was an impressive...

<p>The Grand Palace was an impressive place and the Emerald Buddha was also impressive. The tour guide was excellent and made sure we saw everything. However, be prepared for crushes as the whole of China appears to visit daily. Watch out for short Asian ladies with umbrellas!</p>

Very nice trip with knowledgeable...

<p>Very nice trip with knowledgeable guide. The palace is amazing as well as the temple. Definitely worth seeing!</p>

Tour guide was very nice and very...

<p>Tour guide was very nice and very informative however the 2 locations visited were too little for a whole morning. Recommend to include the reclining Buda in the same tour.</p>

This was our first trip on our 4 day...

<p>This was our first trip on our 4 day visit to Bangkok and we were very impressed by the lovely tour guide. She enjoyed telling us the history of the Grand Palace and we would definitely recommend doing the private tour as you get round at your own pace and without standing in long queues.</p>

Extremely disappointed with this...

<p>Extremely disappointed with this tour. The guide hurried through the tour without any real opportunity to look around or to ask questions, photo opportunities were few. The guide also stopped at a jewellery factory where we were told to look around allowing more time for this than tour we had booked</p>

Outstanding - On time pick up...

<p>Outstanding - On time pick up. Knowledgable and informative guide. Excellent</p>

Wonderful guide. Very helpful in...

<p>Wonderful guide. Very helpful in managing a very crowded but incredible palace complex. </p> <p>Recommend combining this private tour with the private tour of the temples and reclining Buddha.</p>

the tour guide was knowledgable at...

<p>the tour guide was knowledgable at least knew more than me, but he didn't get us an English brochure from the place though it was free and we saw it too late, plus he rushed us through the 2 locations, only to bring us to some jewelry factory for an hour. Did not appreciate that the jewelry factory was on the tour when i paid for private tour and expected 3 hours at the site. Not happy with this.</p>

Total ok. / friendly and competent...

<p>Total ok. / friendly and competent Guide / we would book viator again.</p>

What a wonderful place!! My guide...

<p>What a wonderful place!! My guide was fully knowledgeable and explained the history and significance in great detailed. She was a wonderful guide to spend the morning with and was as impressive in her knowledge as the area is in history! Totally enjoyed my day!</p>

Excellent tour time wise and what...

<p>Excellent tour time wise and what you could see. However, the guide's English was inadequate and we missed 50 of what he was saying. A nice guy but language was an issue.</p>

Pah, rubbish! Not the Grand Palace...

<p>Pah, rubbish! Not the Grand Palace or Wat Phra Kaew, but the value of the tour. Although the guide was well informed and well spoken, again we were not always accompanied into the buildings so we could ask questions once in there. </p>

Firstly, let me say, I have used...

<p>Firstly, let me say, I have used Viator a number of times while staying in Thailand and Australia<br/> and have found the tours to be well organised and good value for money. That is until now.<br/> What an awful tour. If I had booked this with I UK site I would report to trading standards. <br/> Advertised at 3 hrs - 1/2 day I thought that , considering the size of the palace grounds, it should be <br/> a extensive tour. However the actual area of the palace that is open to the public is quiet small.<br/> For your information the Wat Phra Kaew is also in this small area .<br/> The guide was pleasant and personable however his accent was fairly impenetrable. We sped through <br/> the site at a fair speed, and were back in the transport within 1 hour. <br/> We were then driven to a Gem Factory where we spent the best part of 3/4 hr trying to escape back<br/> to our hotel. I do not think it unfair to call this , at over 75 , a complete rip off. Unfortunately the site<br/> does not allow a minus star. This will certainly be the last time that I use Viator .</p>

A private tour is the only way to go...

<p>A private tour is the only way to go to see this very busy tourist site. Our driver and guide were so nice and professional and took care of everything so we could just enjoy the palace and grounds. While other people were waiting in line we were escorted to each building. Even my ten year old enjoyed this tour.</p>

I took this private tour and I paid...

<p>I took this private tour and I paid 87 instead of 50 listed on Viator site.<br/> The guide he didnt introduce himself came 30 minutes late, after I called the operator and we faced the traffic in Bangkok for over 1 hour up to Grand Palace in this time he didnt address me a word.<br/> He rushed me to take some photos around the buildings inside palace court and the only information he gave me was: this is Emerald Buddha, these are demons, this is half man half deer, this is golden.<br/> As long as I was not blind nor stupid, all those I could see myself.<br/> Visit at the palace was less than 2 hours, he wanted to leave at 14:50 then we stopped on the way to hotel at the jewelry factory where a woman insisted for half an hour to make me buy something, so I couldnt even take a look around because of her unpleasant persistence.<br/> If I paid a taxi from hotel to Grand Palace and took an audio-guide it would have been probably cheaper and for sure much better than this lousy guided tour for which I wasted 87 and a day in my life.</p>