Can I use a tuk-tuk to go between temples?

Yes, but agree on the price before getting in. Expect to pay 100-200 THB for short trips. Be wary of drivers who claim a temple is 'closed' to take you to a gem shop instead.

You don't need one to enter, but hiring a licensed guide at the entrance of the Grand Palace can provide historical context you won't get from signs alone.

How to plan a temple-hopping itinerary in Bangkok

Focus your temple visits in the Old City (Phra Nakhon) and along the Chao Phraya River to minimize travel time. Start at 8:00 AM to beat the mid-day heat and follow a strict dress code of covering shoulders and knees to ensure entry to all sites.

Map your route geographically. Group your temples by proximity. The 'Big Three' (Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun) are clustered together. Use the river pier system (Chao Phraya Express Boat) to navigate between them efficiently.
Respect the dress code. Do not wear shorts, tank tops, or leggings. Men should wear long trousers and a shirt with sleeves. Women should wear skirts or trousers that fall below the knee and a shirt that covers the shoulders. Have a light sarong in your bag as a backup.
Time your arrivals. Arrive at your first temple of the day by 8:00 AM. Ticket counters for the Grand Palace and Wat Pho open at 8:30 AM. Visiting before 10:00 AM avoids the largest tour bus crowds.
Budget for river crossings. Keep small change (10-20 THB) for cross-river ferries. Use the orange-flag express boat for general travel between piers, which costs 16 THB flat rate per journey.

Can I use a tuk-tuk to go between temples?: Yes, but agree on the price before getting in. Expect to pay 100-200 THB for short trips. Be wary of drivers who claim a temple is 'closed' to take you to a gem shop instead.
Do I need a guide?: You don't need one to enter, but hiring a licensed guide at the entrance of the Grand Palace can provide historical context you won't get from signs alone.