World’s biggest Ganesha & Temple of Upside down BAT

Exploring the Unique Wonders of Bangkok’s Temples and Cultural Spots

We recently looked into a full-day tour in Bangkok that promises visits to some of the most intriguing sights in the region — from the world’s largest Ganesha statue to a temple of upside-down bats. While we didn’t personally take the tour, the detailed itinerary and traveler reviews give us a good sense of what to expect.

What immediately catches your eye is the chance to see massive religious statues and temples, which are sure to impress fans of spiritual architecture. The tour also offers a glimpse into local markets and scenic river views, adding authentic touches that make the experience feel genuine.

However, one consideration is the guide’s knowledge, which some travelers found lacking — specifically, one reviewer mentioned their guide wasn’t very well-informed about the history. The tour’s price point might seem high at over $190 per person, but when you consider the inclusion of entrance fees, transport, and lunch, it offers decent value for a comprehensive day out.

This tour is best suited for those interested in cultural landmarks, religious statues, and scenic river scenery. If you love combining sightseeing with some local flavor, it could be a good fit — just prepare for a busy schedule on a full-day adventure.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary covering temples, markets, and river views
• Includes all entrance fees and lunch, adding convenience
• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioning and round-trip transfer
• Some travelers felt the guide lacked historical insights, so manage expectations
• The focus on big statues and unique temples makes it visually memorable
• Perfect for culture lovers who want a structured, all-in-one experience

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Overview: What’s Included and How It Runs

This 10-hour tour begins at 9:30 am, with the convenience of a pickup from your hotel or meeting point. The package covers all temple entrance tickets, round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a traditional Thai lunch, and an English-speaking guide. It’s a private experience, meaning your group doesn’t have to share the space with strangers.

The overall structure aims to pack in several key attractions, making it appealing for travelers eager to see a mix of religious sites, local markets, and scenic river views without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets themselves.

The First Stop: Chachoengsao and Wat Sothon

Your morning kicks off in Chachoengsao at the iconic Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, a riverside temple famous for housing one of Thailand’s most revered Buddha images, Luang Phor Sothon. Legend has it, this Buddha was once floating down the nearby Bang Pakong River — a story that adds a layer of mystique.

Travelers will appreciate the beautiful architecture — simple yet elegant with white marble and gold accents. The tranquil riverside setting provides a peaceful start to the day, with plenty of photo opportunities of the temple’s reflection in the water.

The Pink Ganesha and the Upside-down Bat Temple

Next, the tour heads to the Wat Saman Rattanaram Temple, home to the massive pink Ganesha statue. This giant Hindu deity is the main attraction, and the temple’s lively, theme park-like atmosphere makes it a fun stop. Viewers note the great river views from here, which add to the visual appeal.

Shortly after, it’s time for the Bat Temple at Wat Pho Bang Khla, where hundreds of fruit bats hang from the trees. One reviewer described them as “big ONE!”, emphasizing just how impressive these winged creatures are in scale. Watching swarms of bats take flight at dusk is a mesmerizing sight, but expect a noisy, lively environment.

Scenic River Views and Laid-Back Market Time

The journey continues along the Bang Pakong River, one of Thailand’s major waterways. You’ll get a chance to appreciate the calm river landscape — a peaceful contrast to the busy temples. The river’s flow from Prachinburi Province to the Gulf of Thailand offers a scenic backdrop for photos and relaxation.

Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to Ban Mai Market, described as a cozy, hidden gem. This laid-back spot is perfect for sampling authentic Thai food and soaking up local atmosphere. The market’s calm, breezy setting is a lovely way to wind down the day.

Practicalities and What to Expect

Transportation and Comfort

Travel is conducted in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is crucial given the warm climate and busy schedule. The round-trip transfer ensures you don’t need to worry about navigating public transport or arranging your own ride.

Timing and Pacing

The tour is quite structured, with about an hour allocated to each temple and the market. This pace means you’ll get a good overview but won’t have deep dives into each location’s history. Travelers have noted that the guide’s knowledge may be limited, so if you’re after detailed historical context, you might find this aspect somewhat lacking.

Cost and Value

At $192.37 per person, the price includes entrance fees, lunch, transportation, and guide services. For a full day packed with diverse sights, this is reasonable — especially considering the convenience of having everything organized. That said, some reviews hint that the guide’s explanations could be more informative, which might affect perceived value for those seeking in-depth learning.

The Authentic Touches and Unique Sights

What sets this tour apart are the lesser-known spots like the Bat Temple. Watching hundreds of bats hanging and flying is something you won’t find in typical Bangkok sightseeing. The Pink Ganesha is not just a large statue but a cultural symbol, and the scenic river views add a peaceful element to the tour.

The visit to Ban Mai Market offers a glimpse into local life. Its authentic food and friendly staff give travelers a chance to taste genuine flavors and experience a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere — a nice change from the more tourist-heavy spots.

What Could Be Better?

While the itinerary is engaging, some travelers felt that the guide lacked sufficient historical or cultural insights. Vrinda_N, for example, described their guide as not very knowledgeable about the history, which was disappointing. If you’re a history buff or eager for detailed stories, you might find the narration somewhat superficial.

Plus, the price point may be a consideration for budget travelers, especially if you’re traveling solo. The tour’s value really hinges on whether you appreciate organized transport, entrance fees, and the convenience of a packed schedule.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing without the hassle. It’s perfect if you’re keen to see big statues, religious landmarks, and scenic river views in one go. The private group setting is ideal for those who prefer intimacy over crowds.

However, if you’re looking for deep historical insights or personalized storytelling, you might want to supplement this tour with additional visits or guide-led explorations. Families with children, cultural enthusiasts, and first-time visitors to Bangkok will likely find it a worthwhile adventure.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Bangkok’s religious and cultural landmarks, with the added charm of scenic river views and authentic local markets. The biggest Ganesha and the upside-down bat temple are truly memorable sights, perfect for capturing striking photos and experiencing unique spiritual symbols.

While the guide’s limited historical commentary might disappoint some, the ease of organization, inclusive pricing, and diverse stops make it a practical choice for those seeking a full-day culture. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy organized tours with a bit of everything — temples, markets, and natural scenery.

This experience provides a good balance of cultural sights and authentic moments that will add a special touch to your Bangkok trip. Just keep in mind the pace and the possibility that you’ll want to explore some locations further on your own if you’re craving more depth.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides round-trip transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, making it easy to relax and focus on sightseeing.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 9:30 am, with structured timings at each stop.

Are all entrance fees included?
Yes, all temple entrance tickets are included in the price, so there are no surprises at the site.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free and can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a Thai lunch is included, giving you a taste of local flavors during the day.

What should I expect at the Bat Temple?
You’ll see hundreds of fruit bats hanging from the trees, with the chance to watch them take flight, which is an impressive natural spectacle.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Given the pace and the attractions, it can be suitable for families, but keep in mind the long day and the outdoor nature of some stops.