Bangkok in Thai Costume: Wat Pho & Wat Arun
Step into a traditional Thai outfit, with your hair styled and full makeup done, and walk through Bangkok's two most beautiful riverside temples: the giant Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho and the porcelain prang of Wat Arun.
Tour overview
This is Bangkok the way Thai people dress for a special day. Your private minibus picks you up at your hotel and takes you to a costume studio near Wat Pho, where you choose a silk Thai outfit and accessories while a stylist does your hair and full makeup. Dressed for the occasion, you enter Wat Pho, home of the 46-metre Reclining Buddha, the mother-of-pearl soles of its feet, the four great royal chedis and the school where Thai massage is still taught. A local ferry takes you across the Chao Phraya to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, whose central prang is covered in Chinese porcelain and seashells. Your licensed guide tells the stories behind every hall and helps you take the photos on your phone, in the best light and at the best angles. The costume also covers the temple dress code, so you have nothing to worry about.
Scheduled stops
- •Thai costume, hair styling and full makeup
- •Wat Pho and the 46-metre Reclining Buddha
- •The four great chedis of Wat Pho
- •Local ferry across the Chao Phraya
- •Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn
- •Photos in costume with your guide's help
Half-day programme
Times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, queues, temple access and local conditions. The order of visits may be adjusted when necessary to provide the smoothest experience.
Hotel pickup
Your private minibus and guide pick you up at your hotel in central Bangkok.
Costume, hair and makeup
At a costume studio near Wat Pho you choose your Thai outfit and accessories; a stylist does your hair and full makeup (about one hour).
Wat Pho
The Reclining Buddha, the four great royal chedis, the galleries of golden Buddhas and the old school of Thai massage, with time for photos in costume.
Ferry across the river
A short walk to Tha Tien pier and the local ferry across the Chao Phraya.
Wat Arun
The terraces of the porcelain prang and the best photo spots of the Temple of Dawn, with the river behind you.
Ferry back and change
Ferry back to Tha Tien and time to change and return the costume.
Back to your hotel
Drive back to your hotel, arriving around 13:00–13:30 depending on traffic.
Photo gallery
Photos: Unsplash
Frequently asked questions
Is the tour private?
Yes. The minibus, the driver and the guide are only for your group (1–8 people).
What is the price?
8,700 THB for 1 guest, 11,100 THB for 2, 16,000 THB for 4 and 25,600 THB for 8, for the whole private group, with costume, hair and makeup, admissions, ferry, VAT and insurance included. Choose your group size in the form to see your price.
What is included in the costume?
A traditional Thai outfit of your choice with its accessories, hair styling and full makeup, for women and men. Tell us your sizes when you book.
Can children join?
Yes, children are welcome and costumes are available in children's sizes. Each child counts as one guest in the price.
Is there an afternoon version?
Yes, on request we can start around 14:00 and finish at Wat Arun in the soft late-afternoon light.
Can we climb Wat Arun in costume?
Yes, but the steps of Wat Arun’s prang are steep, so wear comfortable flat shoes. Your guide also helps you with the photos.
What is included
- Licensed local English-speaking guide, who also helps you with photos.
- Private air-conditioned minibus with driver, fuel and parking; hotel pickup and drop-off in central Bangkok.
- Thai costume rental with accessories, hair styling and full makeup.
- Admission to Wat Pho and Wat Arun and the ferry across the Chao Phraya, both ways.
- Drinking water.
- Basic travel insurance for every customer, the guide and the driver.
Tour price inclusions and exclusions
- Price for the whole private group, VAT and insurance included.
- Lunch, tips and a professional photographer are not included; lunch by the river is available on request.
- Larger groups on request.
Your private transport
Private air-conditioned van with your local driver.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable flat shoes: the steps of Wat Arun's prang are steep.
- Bring your phone fully charged for the photos, plus a hat and sunscreen.
- Respect the temples: keep quiet in the halls and do not point your feet towards a Buddha image.