World’s biggest Ganesha & Temple of Upside down BAT

A Look at the Tour Experience

This 10-hour tour in Bangkok takes you through some of the city’s most intriguing religious sites and local flavors, starting early at 9:30 am. For $192.37 per person, you’ll visit Chachoengsao’s riverside temples, explore the famous Lord Ganesha statue, and encounter a temple of bats hanging upside down. The tour includes hotel pickup, all temple entrance fees, lunch, and an English-speaking guide, making it a fairly straightforward way to cover diverse highlights in a single day.

What we really appreciate about this tour are two specific aspects: first, the chance to stand in front of Thailand’s biggest reclining Ganesha, which is a colorful and eye-catching sight—“Most memorable,” as one traveler put it. Second, the visit to Ban Mai Market offers a peaceful place to unwind at the day’s end, enjoying authentic local food with scenic river views. These touches of genuine local life and impressive religious symbols make the trip more than just a series of sightseeing stops.

However, there’s one possible drawback worth noting. The guide’s limited knowledge about the history was a point of disappointment for some, such as Vrinda_N, who felt that the guide did not enhance the experience with meaningful historical context. Plus, at around 10 hours long, it’s a fairly packed schedule, so if you prefer slow, in-depth visits, this might feel rushed.

This tour suits travelers interested in cultural and religious sights, especially if you’re curious about Hindu influences in Thailand or want a quick overview of the region’s spiritual landmarks. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy combining sightseeing with authentic food and scenic river views. If you’re short on time but eager to see a mix of temples, markets, and unique attractions, this could be a good pick.

Key Points

• Diverse Itinerary: Combines temples, markets, and scenic river views in one day.
• Unique Attractions: Features Thailand’s largest Ganesha and a temple of upside-down bats.
• Cultural Insights: Offers a glimpse into religious diversity, especially Hindu and Buddhist sites.
• Convenience: Includes round-trip transport, entrance fees, lunch, and a guide.
• Authentic Feel: Ends at Ban Mai Market, a peaceful local spot to enjoy genuine Thai food.
• Potential Drawback: Guide’s limited historical knowledge may impact depth of experience.

Exploring the Temples and Attractions

This tour packs a lot into a single day, which is both a plus and a potential challenge. You’ll start with a pickup from your hotel (or designated meeting point), and head straight to Chachoengsao, a lesser-known but charming town along the river. The highlight here is Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, renowned for its elegant, simple white marble structure and gold trims. The temple’s riverside setting offers a scenic backdrop, perfect for photos and a peaceful walk.

Next, the focus shifts to the Ganesha Temple — Wat Saman Rattanaram — the site’s main attraction. Here, you’ll find the massive pink Ganesha statue, which is often a hit for its size and bright colors, creating a lively, almost carnival-like atmosphere. The temple’s theme park feel makes it a fun stop, especially if you’re interested in Hindu deities or just love vibrant, memorable sights.

From there, the tour takes a fascinating turn into the realm of bats, with a visit to Wat Pho Bang Khla. This temple is famous for its big fruit bats hanging from the trees—a truly unusual sight. As one reviewer enthused, “Big fruit bats hanging from the trees. Hundreds of them. They are real big ONE! You will love it.” This stop offers a more natural, slightly wild experience, with plenty of opportunities for photos and a chance to see these creatures up close.

The Bang Pakong River provides a calm, scenic backdrop for the next hour, where you can enjoy the views and perhaps reflect on the diverse sights you’ve seen so far. The river’s significance in the region is highlighted by its role as a major waterway flowing into the Gulf of Thailand.

The day concludes at Ban Mai Market, a quiet, authentic spot where you can relax, enjoy simple local dishes, and take in the gentle river views. According to reviews, this market’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it a perfect ending to a busy day.

What Travelers Say

Two reviews shed light on the tour’s strengths and weaknesses. Vrinda_N appreciated the visit to the biggest reclining Ganesha, but was disappointed by the guide’s lack of historical detail. This underscores the importance of managing expectations; the guide’s role is primarily logistical, and if you’re craving deep cultural insights, you might find this aspect lacking.

On the other hand, many travelers enjoy the visual spectacle of the temples and the scenic river views, valuing the combination of religious sites with authentic local flavor. The inclusion of lunch and all entrance fees adds to the convenience, making it easier to focus on enjoying the sights rather than logistics.

Transportation & Practicalities

The tour features air-conditioned vehicle transport and round-trip transfers, which is a significant time-saver and keeps you comfortable in Thailand’s heat. The small group setup (private tour) means you’ll have personalized attention, but it also means a slightly higher price point. Starting at 9:30 am, the schedule is tight but manageable, ensuring you make the most of your day without feeling rushed.

The included lunch is a nice touch, giving you a chance to sample local cuisine without extra effort. Since the tour ends back at the meeting point, it’s straightforward and convenient for planning your day afterward.

The Value of the Tour

At nearly $200 per person, the price is on the higher side for a full-day tour, but it includes many key components: transportation, all entrance fees, lunch, and a guide. The value depends on your interests: if temples and religious symbols fascinate you, this provides a well-organized way to see some of the region’s most photogenic sites. But if you’re looking for in-depth historical explanations or a leisurely pace, you might find it a bit superficial.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour appeals most to cultural travelers eager to see specific landmarks—like the massive Ganesha statue—and those interested in religious diversity in Thailand. It’s also suitable if you prefer organized transportation and guided visits rather than navigating on your own. The scenic river views, authentic market experience, and the novelty of the upside-down BAT temple make it engaging for first-time visitors or families with children who enjoy vibrant sights and animals.

However, if you’re someone who prefers deep historical stories or long, contemplative temple visits, you may prefer more specialized or slower-paced options. The guide’s limited historical commentary, as noted by past travelers, could be a drawback for those wanting a richer cultural narrative.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a quirky, visual-rich experience blending religious sites, natural wonders, and local culture. The biggest Ganesha and the bat temple provide memorable visuals, while the scenic river views and authentic market add a peaceful, local touch. The included logistics make it a hassle-free way to explore, although a guide with more historical insight would elevate the experience.

If you love seeing vibrant religious symbols, enjoying scenic spots, and want a full-day adventure with minimal planning, this tour hits the right notes. It’s particularly suited for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting to check off some unique Bangkok sights in one go.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel or designated meeting points, making logistics simple.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 10 hours, starting at 9:30 am, with many stops along the way.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all temple entrance tickets are included in the price.

What about transportation?
You’ll be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, making travel comfortable and convenient.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a meal is included, giving you a taste of authentic local cuisine.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are guides knowledgeable about the history?
While guides are generally helpful, some travelers found their historical knowledge limited, impacting the depth of storytelling.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group will participate, providing a personalized experience.

What type of sights will I see?
You’ll visit riverside temples, a giant Ganesha, an upside-down bat temple, and experience authentic local markets, with scenic river views as a bonus.

To sum it up, this tour offers a lively and visually engaging way to explore Bangkok’s spiritual and cultural side. It’s perfect for travelers who prioritize iconic sights and scenic moments over in-depth commentary. If you’re after a full day of memorable images, pleasant surprises, and an authentic local atmosphere, this trip might just be worth the price.