Bangkok walking route: Grand Palace to Wat Arun and
Explore Bangkok's top attractions across 35 km, visiting the Grand Palace and iconic temples like Wat Arun, major shopping destinations including CentralWorld and MBK Center, and cultural landmarks such as Lumpini Park and Erawan Shrine. Navigate the city efficiently using the BTS & MRT public transportation system.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Transportation – BTS & MRT
- End
- EmQuartier
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Transportation – BTS & MRT — Modern elevated and underground rail networks connecting Bangkok's major districts, offering efficient alternatives to congested street traffic.
- Grand Palace & Temples — Ornate royal residence and sacred Buddhist temples featuring glittering golden spires, intricate murals, and centuries of Thai architectural tradition.
- Shopping Malls
- Lumpini Park — Green space offering respite from city heat; located next to Lumpini MRT station
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) — Buddhist temple located on the west side of the Chao Phraya River
- MBK Center — Famous shopping mall in central Bangkok
- CentralWorld — Popular shopping mall in downtown Bangkok
- Erawan Shrine — Hindu shrine located at northeast corner of CentralWorld mall
- EmQuartier — Shopping complex in central Bangkok's upscale retail district
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Best time to visit is November to February when it's coolest and driest. Avoid May to October (wet season), especially September-October with extreme rainfall.
- Transport
- Use BTS SkyTrain and MRT subway for clean, cheap, well-organized public transportation. They serve most central areas for a few dollars and are air-conditioned.
- Transport
- For taxis, use ride-hailing apps like Grab instead of street taxis to avoid scams and inflated fares for foreigners. If using conventional taxis, insist the meter is used.
- Transport
- Avoid renting a car unless you're experienced. Traffic is chaotic, driving is on the left side, and you can easily waste half a day stuck in traffic.
- Transport
- Take a Chao Phraya River boat tour. The cheapest option is the Express boat; blue flag tourist boats offer English commentary and stop at different attractions.
- Tip
- Verify which airport you're arriving at: Suvarnabhumi (25km east, main airport since 2006) or Don Mueang (old airport, used by low-cost carriers like AirAsia). They are very far apart.
- Where to stay
- Stay in Khao San Road for budget backpacker accommodations with cheap guesthouses, street food, and bars. For modern shopping/hotels, stay near CentralWorld or Sukhumvit.
- Save money
- 7-Elevens are everywhere selling cold beverages for as little as 10 baht. Street food is abundant and inexpensive; high concentration of stalls in busy areas.
- Save money
- Hotel rooms can be very affordable. Budget hotels under $80/night often have rooftop bars and pools; special rates available during Chinese New Year.
- Avoid
- Avoid drugs completely. Drug trafficking carries death penalty. Don't engage with sex tourism activities.
- Avoid
- Watch out for petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching. Be aware of reckless motorcyclists making sudden lane changes, especially at night.
- Tip
- Visit Lumpini Park next to Lumpini MRT station to escape heat. Features monitor lizards, jogging paths (2.5km), cycling, pedal boats, and fitness classes.
Video on this route
Bangkok 4K. Capital of Thailand.