We will be in Bangkok for a day with a limited schedule. I am wondering how much time, minimum, we should allow to see the main features of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaeo (Emerald Buddha) and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)? I know these sights are relatively close together. Thanks for all advice.

An absolute minimum for those three sights is 2 hours. I'd guess most people spend more like 3 hours. Get to the GP/EB when the gates open at 8:30. It will be less crowded and less hot at that hour. If you are still game for another wat, take the foot ferry across the river to Wat Arun.

Try and organise it so you visit Wat Pho last and get a massage (revive those tired legs!) at the official massage school just next to the Wat down a small street on the river side (don't bother with the massage places inside the temple complex).

Kathie, I am curious. What is a foot ferry and how is it used? Is there a long wait for it? Would it provide quick and easy access across the river to Wat Arun? Also, should we expect long lines in January at the temples? We most likely will arrive in the neighborhood of the temples around 11:00 or noon.

there should not be long lines waiting ever, but january is still prime season for tourists...

cross river ferries run from one side of the river to the other in certain areas... i doubt there are any from the GP dock to Wat Arun...

The foot ferry is a small cross-river ferry. The water taxi stop for Wat Po is Tha Tien and there is a foot ferry from there to Wat Arun which is directly across the river. The water taxi stop for the GP/EB is the next stop, Tha Chang. I usually go to the GP/EB first, then walk to Wat Po, then take the foot ferry over to Wat Arun or the water taxi back to my hotel.

You are unlikely to have long lines at the temples, but I don't recommend arriving at mid-day. It will be very hot and since what you want to see is mostly outdoors, you would be more comfortable early in the morning or in the late afternoon. In any case, bring a hat or umbrella to shield some of the sun and wear lots of sunscreen.

Kathie, thank you for that very helpful information. Once inside, are the temples easy to explore? Is the layout intuitive or would it take forever to actually locate the Emerald Buddha and the Reclining Buddha? I know there is much more to see, but we'd hate to miss the main attractions.

The temples are easy to explore. The grounds are arranged with many buildings, once you enter the chapel of the Emerald Buddha - there it is. Likewise for the Reclining Buddha. But there were many other buildings, gardens, shrines on the grounds. After entering the grounds of the GP/EB there are official guides available if you decide you want a guide. I don't remember if there are also official guides at the Reclining Buddha.

In this area, there are often tuk tuk drivers who will tell you the temple or GP is closed, but they can take you to other temples as well as tailors and jewelry shops. Politely decline.

If you visit the GP/EB first, as you leave the grounds ask one of the guards which direction to Wat Po. People on the street will also help you if needed. But I'd advise against taking a tuk tuk here.