Delve into Bangkok's Buddhist heritage with a half-day exploration of the city's historic temples. Stand before the Buddha sculptures at Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and marvel at the beautiful and ornate architecture of Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple).

After you're picked up from your hotel, (if option chosen) ride through the city streets on your way to Wat Traimit, a temple whose gilded exterior houses the world's largest solid-gold Buddha statue. Weighing 5.5 tonnes and measuring 10 feet (3 m) tall, this seated sculpture is believed to have been made back in the 13th or 14th century.

From there, continue on to Wat Pho, the grand royal temple complex that holds a (151-foot) 46-m Reclining Buddha. One of Bangkok's oldest temples, Wat Pho was designated a royal monastery during the reign of King Rama I. Hear about the temple's role as a place of education for the public as you explore its pavilions and halls.

Continue your journey to Wat Benchamabophit, known as the marble temple for the Italian Carrara marble used to construct its ubosoth (a structure for ordinations). Traverse the striking marble courtyard to see the lions poised outside the the pillared entryway, and then end your tour at the nearby Gems Gallery, the biggest jewelery and gems store in the world. Spend as much time here as you'd like perusing the shimmering stones on offer before catching a ride back to your pick up point.