Half Day Morning (08:30 h.-12:30 h.) or Afternoon (13:00 h. - 17:00 h.)
Wat Trimitr (the Temple of the Golden Buddha) – Located in Bangkok’s thriving Chinatown district, Wat Trimitr (also called Wat Traimit) is best known as the home of the largest known solid gold Buddha image in the world. Standing at 15 feet tall and weighing in at approximately 5.5 tons, this 700-year old statue has an interesting history. Originally covered in plaster to hide it from eighteenth-century Burmese invaders, the real treasure inside wasn't discovered until 1955 when movers accidentally dropped it, breaking its stucco exterior. This set off a national treasure hunt for similar masterpieces, but none rivaling the Golden Buddha were ever found.
Wat Po (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - Built in the late sixteenth-century, Wat Po is Bangkok's oldest and Thailand's largest wat. The main feature here is the enormous 45 meter (made of plaster and covered with gold leaf) Buddha lying majestically on its side (which is the position required to pass into Nirvana). The soles of the statue’s feet are covered with mother of pearl and feature the 108 signs in Buddhist cosmology. Wat Po is also famous as the home of Thailand's first public university, and a place where one can learn the ancient art of Thai traditional massage.
Wat Benchamabophit (the Marble Temple) - This fine example of Thai architecture (with European neoclassical influences) is built mostly from white Carrera marble imported from Italy. Inside, visitors will see Phra Buddhajinaraja, a Buddha image made from 2.5 tons of bronze that resides over the ashes of King Rama V. If time permits, guests on this tour can see gifted Thai craftsmen create works of art from the world famous sapphires, rubies and emerald.
BKK-02a: Grand Palace and Temple Tour:
Half day Morning (8:30 h.-11:30 h.) or Afternoon (13:00 h.-16:00 h.)
T
he Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) – Together, these two sites form what many consider the greatest spectacle for visitors to Bangkok. Dating back to 1782 (when Bangkok was founded), the entire compound consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. Because of its popularity, this destination is often extremely crowded, but still an essential part of any trip to Bangkok.
Presently, the Grand Palace is used for the occasional ceremony and is no longer the royal home (the present King Bhumibol lives in Chitralada Palace, located in Bangkok's nearby Dusit district). The interiors of most of the buildings in the Grand Palace are closed to the public
Wat Phra Kaew adjoins the Grand Palace in a common compound and is the home of the country's most famous Buddha statue (also known as the Emerald Buddha). This important figure has a long and interesting history that is tied to the royal family and once resided in nearby Wat Arun. It is relatively small (about 66 centimeters) and is situated in a high position in the Wat to signify its important status in the Thai kingdom
BKK-02b: Grand Palace and Temple Tour:
Half day Morning (8:30 h.-12:30 h.) or Afternoon (13:00 h.-17:00 h.)
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) – Together, these two sites form what many consider the greatest spectacle for visitors to Bangkok. Dating back to 1782 (when Bangkok was founded), the entire compound consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. Because of its popularity, this destination is often extremely crowded, but still an essential part of any trip to Bangkok.
Presently, the Grand Palace is used for the occasional ceremony and is no longer the royal home (the present King Bhumibol lives in Chitralada Palace, located in Bangkok's nearby Dusit district). The interiors of most of the buildings in the Grand Palace are closed to the public
Wat Phra Kaew adjoins the Grand Palace in a common compound and is the home of the country's most famous Buddha statue (also known as the Emerald Buddha). This important figure has a long and interesting history that is tied to the royal family and once resided in nearby Wat Arun. It is relatively small (about 66 centimeters) and is situated in a high position in the Wat to signify its important status in the Thai kingdom
Wat Po (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - Bangkok’s largest temple is most famous as the home of a giant reclining Buddha statue (45 meters long), but there is also much more to see here. Four large Chedis (and 73 small ones) 394 Buddha statues, and a Bodhi tree are situated throughout the compound and about 300 monks live in the monastery.
Wat Trimitr (the Temple of the Golden Buddha) - The most valuable statue in Thailand (constructed of 5.5 tons of solid gold) can be found at Wat Trimitr. This seated, glittering, golden Buddha image reaches a height of 3 meters and dates back some 700 years to the Sukhothai period. The gleaming, apparently seamless body was ingeniously crafted in five interlocking parts with a master key to unlock the pieces and was only discovered in 1955.
BKK-03a: Thai Dinner & Dance:
Evenings only (19:00 h. - 22:00 h.)
This series of Thai cultural dance and music performances are highlighted by delicious dinners in traditional settings at some of Bangkok’s most popular eateries.
Piman Restaurant – Despite its palatial appearance, Piman offers an atmosphere that is warm, friendly, and air-conditioned. The food is succulent and the shows inside the theatre-restaurant recall the Sukhothai period from the 13th century (narrated in six different languages).
Silom Village Restaurant – The last restaurant constructed in the old Thai traditional village style on Silom Road is housed in a compound with 15 teak houses and 3 buildings. These houses were constructed during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1908 and converted to a restaurant and Thai handicraft shops in 1981. The menu offers a range of Thai food, seafood and basic favorites that appeal to foreigners (including pizza) and guest will be entertained by live Thai music and dance performances in the traditional style.
BKK-04: Klong or Canals Tour:
Half day morning (8:30 h. - 12:30 h.) or afternoon (13:00 h. - 05:00 h.)
Travel on the picturesque Chao Phraya River (also known as the River of the Kings) and throughout the klongs (canals) of Thonburi situated on the West side of the river from Bangkok. This is an excellent chance to observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways, all of which helped gave the city the nickname of “Venice of the East.” A highlight of this trip includes Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), a major riverside landmark. This magnificent shrine is decorated with ceramic pieces from top to bottom and has a pagoda, which soars 79 meters into the sky.
BKK-05: Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm:
Half day tour (12:30 h. - 18:00 h.)
Located outside of Bangkok, the Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm is the largest facility of its kind and home to about 60,000 crocodiles. The crocodiles multiply freely in the cleverly simulated habitat, and their skins are later used for leatherwear. Highlights of this excursion include several shows throughout the day where men risk life and limb to by wrestling crocodiles with their bare hands. Besides housing the largest crocodile in captivity (Yai who is 6 meters long and weighs 114.27 kilograms), the facility is home to many other fantastic creatures including monkeys, tigers, hippos, bears, and elephants.
BKK-06: Rose Garden and Thai Village Show:
Half-day afternoon tour (12.00 h. - 17.30 h.)
Located about 30 kilometers outside of Bangkok, the Rose Garden offers a little something for everyone. It features a resort hotel with landscaped gardens, a beautiful lake, and several Thai-style houses. A Thai Village cultural show features an educational presentation that introduces visitors to various aspects of Thai life (including a Buddhist monk ordination ceremony, a wedding, folk dances, martial arts, Thai boxing demonstrations and an opportunity to ride an elephant). Local village handicrafts are also on display and can be bought from various shops.
BKK-08: Rice Barge Cruise:
Half-day tour (13.00 h. - 17.00 h.)
Witness rural lifestyles while embarking on a thrilling and enjoyable ride by long-tailed speedboat throughout the klongs in outer Bangkok and ending at a Buddhist temple. Once there, tourists will board a converted rice barge for a comfortable and leisurely trip through the larger canals leading back to the river.
BKK-09: Dinner Cruise:
Evenings only (17:30 h. - 22:00 h.)
A trip aboard the Pearl of Siam Cruise enables visitors to get in touch with Thai life and culture at night as they pass many great landmarks including the Temple of the Dawn, the Grand Palace and the many bridges banked along the beautiful Chao Phraya River (also known at the River of the King). Inside, an elegantly arranged universal taste buffet featuring appetizers, a spectacular main course, and desserts awaits those who prefer the ultimate in dining satisfaction. The entire experience is enriched with a live music and the chance to dance the night away on a gigantic disco floor.
BKK-10: Floating Market & Rose Garden:
Full day tour (07:30 h.- 17:30 h.)
Floating Market – Located at Ratchaburi Province, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market dates back to 1866 when King Rama IV ordered that a canal 32 kilometers long be dug at Damnoen Saduak to connect the Mae Klong and Tacheen Rivers (his reason for doing so lies in the fact that the quality of the soil on the banks of the canal is excellent for growing many kinds of fruits and vegetables including Malacca grape, Chinese grapefruit, mangos, bananas, and coconuts). The Floating Market is an ideal place for tourists to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables and other from small boats. Tourists will also be able to see traditional Thai houses and the way locals use boats in their everyday lives.
Rose Garden & The Thai Village Cultural Show – This is an wonderful opportunity to witness the unique and unforgettable experience of the world-renowned Thai Village Cultural Show. Each day, over 100 performers vividly portray a fascinating cross section of Thailand’s culture, heritage and way of life. The 60 minute, action-packed show also is highlighted by exciting displays of Thai marital arts, Thai boxing and sword fighting-combat skills, some of which date back over 600 years. Also featured are romantic and joyful rituals of the traditional Thai wedding ceremony, the rich pageantry of Buat Naag (the ceremony of ordination into the Buddhist monk hood). Lively tribal dancers entertain the crowds with the rhythmic Bamboo Dance, the graceful Fingernail Dance from the North, the Kala Dance from the South and the joyful Yoev Dance from the Central Plains. Additionally, elephants can be seen working as they still do in the teak forests of Northern Thailand.
BKK-11: Ayutthaya By Coach: (07:30 h.-17:00 h.)
Located just a short drive north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is Thailand’s former capital (1350-1767). A trip there is an amazing opportunity to see the surviving ruins from this once magnificent city. Other highlights at this World Heritage Site include the summer palace at Bang Pa-In, some of the finest examples of ancient Thai architecture, and many other important and well-known temples. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant.
BKK-12: Ayutthaya By Cruise: (07:30 h.-17:00 h.)
For 417 years, Ayutthaya stood as the capital of ancient Siam. Today, it is home to some of Thailand’s most important historical landmarks and a virtual treasure trove of evocative ruins that were once magnificent palaces, temples and fortresses. Among them are Wat Monkol Bophit, Wat Srisanpetch and Wat Panancherng, all of which feature colossal bronze statues of Buddha. Also of interest is Bang Pa-In, the summer home of early Chakri kings and the present home to a collection of fine art accumulated by King Rama V. As visitors cruise back to Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River, they will be able to observe scenic river life while enjoying a sumptuous buffet lunch.
BKK-13: River Kwai and Kanchanaburi:
Full day tour (08.00 h.-17.30 h.)
River Kwai - Apart from the fascinating natural geography, this region has many major attractions affiliated with World War II. Most famous is the Bridge over the River Kwai, which was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids during 1945. It was rebuilt after the war and and is still in use today. Later in the day, take an hour and a half train ride to Tam Krasae for lunch at a local restaurant and a tour of Tam Krasae and its viaduct. The JEATH Museum, an enclave constructed largely as an Allied prisoners of war camp, contains a collection of photographs from the war. The War Cemetery is the final resting place for over 6000 prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the “Death Railway,” (also known as Hell Fire Pass). Visitors to Kanchanaburi will be moved as they reflect on how these memorials have come to signify the harsh realities of war.
Once home to American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson, this remarkable site is one of the best-preserved examples of a traditional Thai structure in Bangkok. Part museum, Jim Thompson’s House accommodates his vast collection of antiques and artworks from the entire Southeast Asia region. Notable items include priceless examples of blue and white Ming porcelain and nineteenth-century Jataka paintings, and a headless sixth-century Buddha figure in the garden, said to be one of the oldest surviving statues of its kind in the world.
BKK-16: Highlights of Bangkok: (08.00 h. – 17.00 h.)
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) – Together, these two sites form what many consider the greatest spectacle for visitors to Bangkok. Dating back to 1782 (when Bangkok was founded), the entire compound consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics. Because of its popularity, this destination is often extremely crowded, but still an essential part of any trip to Bangkok.
Presently, the Grand Palace is used for the occasional ceremony and is no longer the royal home (the present King Bhumibol lives in Chitralada Palace, located in Bangkok's nearby Dusit district). The interiors of most of the buildings in the Grand Palace are closed to the public
Wat Phra Kaew adjoins the Grand Palace in a common compound and is the home of the country's most famous Buddha statue (also known as the Emerald Buddha). This important figure has a long and interesting history that is tied to the royal family and once resided in nearby Wat Arun. It is relatively small (about 66 centimeters) and is situated in a high position in the Wat to signify its important status in the Thai kingdom
Wat Po (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - Bangkok’s largest temple is most famous as the home a giant reclining Buddha statue (45 meters long), but there is also much more to see here. Four large Chedis (and 73 small ones) 394 Buddha statues, and a Bodhi tree are situated throughout the compound and about 300 monks live in the monastery.
Local lunch at SD Avenue Hotel (or similar) – Sample tasty local cuisine at one of Bangkok’s most popular establishments.
Thonburi Klongs: Travel on the picturesque Chao Phraya River (also known as the River of the Kings) and throughout the klongs (canals) of Thonburi situated on the West side of the river from Bangkok. This is an excellent chance to observe and photograph the serene family homes and temples along the waterways, all of which helped gave the city the nickname of “Venice of the East.” A highlight of this trip includes Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), a major riverside landmark. This magnificent shrine is decorated with ceramic pieces from top to bottom and has a pagoda that soars 79 meters into the sky. The afternoon concludes with a visit to the Flower Market and The Golden Mount.
BKK-17: Floating Market & River Kwai: (07:30 h.-17:00 h.)
Floating Market – Located at Ratchaburi Province, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market dates back to 1866 when King Rama IV ordered that a canal 32 kilometers long be dug at Damnoen Saduak to connect the Mae Klong and Tacheen Rivers (his reason for doing so lies in the fact that the quality of the soil on the banks of the canal is excellent for growing many kinds of fruits and vegetables including Malacca grape, Chinese grapefruit, mangos, bananas, and coconuts). The Floating Market is an ideal place for tourists to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables and other from small boats. Tourists will also be able to see traditional Thai houses and the way locals use boats in their everyday lives.
River Kwai - Apart from the fascinating natural geography, this region has many major attractions affiliated with World War II: The Bridge over the River Kwai, still in use today, was the target of frequent Allied bombing raids during 1945, and was rebuilt after the war end. The JEATH Museum, an enclave constructed largely as an Allied prisoners of war camp, contains a collection of photographs. The War Cemetery is the final resting place for over 6000 prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the “Death Railway,” (also known as Hell Fire Pass). Visitors to Kanchanaburi will be moved as they reflect on how these memorials have come to signify the harsh realties of war.
BKK-18: Floating Market: (07:30 h.-11:30 h.)
Floating Market – Located at Ratchaburi Province, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market dates back to 1866 when King Rama IV ordered that a canal 32 kilometers long be dug at Damnoen Saduak to connect the Mae Klong and Tacheen Rivers (his reason for doing so lies in the fact that the quality of the soil on the banks of the canal is excellent for growing many kinds of fruits and vegetables including Malacca grape, Chinese grapefruit, mangos, bananas, and coconuts). The Floating Market is an ideal place for tourists to see the old style and traditional way of selling and buying fruits, vegetables and other from small boats. Tourists will also be able to see traditional Thai houses and the way locals use boats in their everyday lives.
For those seeking an introduction to Thai art, culture and history, the National Museum is the best place to start. Located near the Grand Palace, the Museum’s buildings date from 1782 and are as much a part of the display as the objects contained within them. Popular items in the Museum include an early Buddha image from Gandhara in India with obvious signs of influence from classical Greek sculptures; a display of traditional musical instruments from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia; and the collection of royal funerary carriages, including the massive (and still-used) Vajayant Rajarot that requires 300 men to pull it.
Often referred to as the Palace in the Clouds, Vimanmek Palace is a three-story mansion originally built in 1868 as a summerhouse on the island of Ko Si Chang. It was moved to Dusit Hall in 1901 and soon became a favorite of King Rama V and was used as the royal home from 1902 to 1906. Its doors were closed in 1935 and remained so until Her Majesty Queen Sirikit reopened them in 1982 to mark Bangkok’s bicentennial celebration. With its European style, Vimanmek Palace was built according to Thai traditions, using golden teak wood and not a single nail. Amongst the possessions of Rama V on display are Thailand’s first indoor bathroom and the oldest typewriter with Thai characters, as well as various Thai ceramics, European furniture, precious China and lovely portraits.
BKK-21: Thai Boxing:
Evenings only (18:30 h.-21:00 h.)
Thai boxing (or Muay Thai) is a sport developed long ago from combat training and has become well known throughout the world. Foreigners who watch never cease to be amazed by the strange rules (or lack of them) that allow the boxers to not only use their fists for punching, but their feet and knees for kicking or pushing, and their elbows for jabbing while striking any part of the opponent's body. Still, the matches of today are greatly refined (and less bloody) from those that took place years ago. Back then, there were no gloves, the boxer's hands and arms were bound only with knotted starched cord, and the rules were much different. Visitors to the Kingdom should not hesitate to witness this thrilling and unforgettable spectacle.
