Thonburi Klong Tour including Temple of Dawn – Among the best ways to explore Bangkok is by boat. A cruise along the Chao Phraya River – the city’s lifeblood – and the canals of Thonburi reveal scenes at odds with the bustling, modern inner city. Visitors get a glimpse of the serene and simple lifestyle of riverbank dwellers. This picturesque view is what earned Bangkok the title of “Venice of the East.” En route, stop at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), one of the most attractive temples in Thailand. Lunch at Supatra River House and Restaurant.
Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho – Reclining Buddha – The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration. The architecture is vibrantly Thai though there are some European designs as well. Brilliantly colored and gilded, and decorated with intricate detail, the overall effect is dazzling. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. Construction of the temple began when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other Thai temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only the richly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main temple building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Though green in color, the Buddha is actually carved from a single piece of jade, and though only 17 inches tall, is the most revered object in Thailand. Also within the grounds are several palaces, used for various occasions: the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. The majority of halls and palaces can be viewed from outside only, but the exteriors are captivating enough to please. Continue to visit Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok, with its colossal Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings.
Ayutthaya – Traveling directly North of Bangkok, you will visit the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, previously lived in by many Thai monarchs from 17th century. Bang Pa-In has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles encircled by a beautiful garden and lake. After a memorable stroll in the palatial ground, you will travel to the previous capital called Ayutthaya. This great center of power lasted for four centuries before it was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. The 400 years of the Ayutthaya period were an importance era for art and architecture, encouraged and patronized by wealthy temple-building kings who saw themselves as the cultural inheritors of previous Southeast Asian empires. The result was an architectural gold mine, plus a high level of achievement in sculpture, painting, and other fine arts. You will visit the historical park and its famous ruins. In the afternoon you will be welcomed onboard the river boat where the buffet lunch will be served. You will relax and enjoy the fascinating scenery on the River of Kings, witnessing the rural Thai life along both sides of the great river before transfer from River City pier back to hotel
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – There are countless floating markets throughout the country, many within a couple of hours’ of the capital. The colorfully clad merchants at these lively markets paddle along congested canals in sturdy canoes laden with fresh fruit and vegetables to sell to shoppers on the banks. There is lots of chatter and activity – bargaining is common – that’s all part of the fun — but don’t expect to get the price down more than a few baht. The most famous of the floating markets is Damnoen Saduak, about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. This buzzing market is at its best in the early morning before the crowds arrive and the heat of the day builds up. Our tour further includes a visit to Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakorn Pathom, supposedly the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.
Jim Thompson House – One of the best examples of traditional Thai residential architecture and a breathtaking collection of Southeast Asian art are exemplified in a house built by an American national. Nonetheless, Jim Thompson’s House is one of Bangkok’s more popular destinations for visitors – and deservedly so. Jim Thompson, who was born in Delaware in 1906, fell in love with Thailand while posted as an intelligence agent in Bangkok during WWII. He later made it his permanent home and started a business supplying fine Thai silk to overseas fashion houses, single-handedly saving what had been a dying cottage industry. His silk company continues to flourish today. With the proceeds of his success, Thompson collected an impressive range of art works, and sections of derelict teak houses, assembling them into a teak house/museum complex set in a lush garden alongside central Bangkok’s Saen Saep Canal. The main house is full of tastefully displayed Asian art and curios including Buddha images, paintings, ceramics and antique furniture. The living areas have been preserved as they were when Thompson lived there before his mysterious disappearance in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands while on holiday in 1967.
Dinner Cruise – board a converted rice barge for a dinner cruise along the scenic Chao Praya River passing the majestically-lit Wat Arun and Grand Palace to Krung Thon Bridge. Savor the sights, sounds and incomparable scenery of the Bangkok skyline at night while enjoying a Thai-styled dinner with delicious appetizers, entrees, desserts and soft drinks as you gently cruise along the river. A stop will be made at Asiatique The Riverfront night market where you can browse and check your bargaining expertise for thousands of local products ranging from food, clothing, household products, art, antiques and handicrafts with the riverfront atmosphere.
