Bangkok Day Trips
1. The Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha
This morning we travel by Private boat through the Klongs (Canals) of Thonburi where we get an insight to why Bangkok was once known as "the Venice of the East", we also call in to see the Royal Barge Museum and Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn).
After lunch at a local restaurant we visit Bangkok's most revered site - The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha. We can also visit Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest and largest Temple complexes, among the many sites of interest here is the Viharn which is home to a 46 meter Reclining Buddha, before returning to the Hotel
2. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Jim Thompson’s House
Leaving the Hotel early we drive South of Bangkok through the countryside passing Palm Plantations and Salt Fields to Damnoen Saduak, to visit Thailand's largest floating market. Here we travel by small boat around the quiet waterways and the bustle of the main floating market. After looking around the market we drive back to Bangkok, taking lunch at a local restaurant en route.
This afternoon is at your leisure or available for local sightseeing (Again specific aspects of your Sightseeing, etc. can be discussed with your Guide) a possible suggestion would be to see Jim Thompson's House, the classic Thai-style former home of a Pioneer of the Thai Silk Industry (to your interest, as time and energy permits !) before returning to the Hotel.
3. Bangkok China Town
This morning we can visit China Town to explore one of the busiest areas of Bangkok. Some of the sites here that we could visit include: Talat Kao or old market then continue on a leisure walk along the colorful Sampeng lane; visit unique typical Chinese Temple, and 100 years old gold shops; browse around for bargains at the Kakorn Kasem, explore Pahurat Indian Fabric Market; have a visit to a Sikh temple; visit the beautiful flower market "Pak Klong Talad" and we can also see Wat Trimit which houses the largest solid Gold Buddha in the World.
After lunch we return to the Hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure or available for local Sightseeing (Again specifics can be discussed with your Guide).
4. Private Biking around Bangkok (Half day - Morning or Afternoon)
We cycle through the city streets that are well off the beaten tourist path and experience a unique insight of local life in Bangkok, exploring warren of small lanes in the hidden communities, before continue to China Town area and the beautiful flower market “Pak Klong Talad”. From here we cycle across the Chao Phraya River, enjoying the unfolding views of the beautiful riverside landmarks, as well as the old Portuguese community and visiting Wat Prayoon and Wat Kalayanamit, which houses the largest seated Buddha image in Bangkok.
(Approx 4 Hours. As long as you have cycling experience the program is easy going, with frequent refreshment stops.).
5. Ayutthaya & Bang Pa-In
Today we have a trip to the Ancient Capital of Ayutthaya. We travel by road, North of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, here we visit the various Ruins and Temples of this Ancient Capital City (now designated a World Heritage Site), including the Wat Phra Si Sampet Ruins, Wat Rachabophit, and the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum.
After lunch at a local Restaurant, we then continue to Bang Pa-In, where we take a look around the Royal Summer Palace Gardens (The Palace is still used by the Thai Royal Family), after which return to Bangkok by road, and return to the Hotel.
6. Kanchanburi & Hellfire Pass
Leaving the Hotel early (07.00am), we travel by road to Kanchanaburi District (about 2-3 hours drive), passing through the rural countryside. On arrival in Kanchanaburi town, we can visit the Thailand–Burma Railway Center, which is an interactive Museum housing artifacts and details of the construction of the Railway by Prisoners of war during the 2nd World War & the Allied Cemetery (to your interest).
We then board the local train to take a ride across the infamous River Kwai Railway Bridge and along the River Kwai Valley. After lunch at a local restaurant, we meet up with our vehicle and Visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum and have a short walking trail (approx 40 Minutes) to the Konyu Cutting (the actual Name for the Hellfire Pass). On completion we drive back to Bangkok and return to your Hotel.
(Please note that this is a very long day driving, Approx. 7.00am-7.00pm)
7. Independent Guide & Van Hire
Our English-speaking Guide and Air-conditioned Vehicle with Driver, for independent use in and around Bangkok Only. (08.00am to 17.00pm).
Specific details can be discussed with your Guide
