Post on 10-Mar-2016
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Bangkok Excursions
Floating Markets and Bridge on the River
Kwai
Discover two of Thailand’s most popular attractions on this full day experience from Bangkok, perfect for those
who have limited time in Thailand’s capital.
Your day commences with a scenic drive through sugar cane
fields, rice paddies and pineapple plantations before
embarking on an exciting long tail speed-boat ride to
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, passing traditional stilt
houses and scenes that have changed little over the
centuries. Enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the famous
market where you will find hundreds of Thai style canoes
laden with fruits, vegetables, sweets and meats. If you want
to get really close to the action, your local Thai guide will
help you organise a local boat ride through the markets
(optional extra, payable locally).
The tour then heads west to Kanchanaburi Province, home to the Bridge on the River Kwai and the infamous
‘Death Railway’ – part of a huge Second World War project to link existing Thai and Burmese railway lines to
create a direct route from Bangkok in an effort to support the Japanese occupation of Burma. Thousands of
Allied POWs and local labourers lost their lives constructing the bridge and the railway line. Lunch will be taken
in a local restaurant before visiting the bridge itself, followed by a visit to the Allied War Grave Cemeteries
before hearing the POWs stories at the hauntingly fascinating Death War Museum.
Departs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Start times Pick-up time is between 6.15am and 7.00am.
Duration Approximately 9 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from centrally located Bangkok hotels
• Long tail speed-boat cruise to the Damnern Saduak Floating Markets
• Visit to the Bridge on the River Kwai, Allied War Grave Cemetery and entrance to the Death War
Museum
• Air-conditioned coach transportation
• Services of an English-speaking guide
• Lunch
Tour exclusions
• Additional refreshments
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day. It is recommended you take a sunhat and a bottle of
water.
£60 per person
Bridge on the River Kwai
One of the most recognisable symbols of the Second World
War, the famous Bridge on the River Kwai was built at the cost
of thousands of POWs lives and marks the starting point of the
infamous ‘Death Railway’.
Captivating, nostalgic and unforgettable sums up this day tour to the Kanchanaburi province and the
renowned bridge on the River Kwai. A ‘must see’ for all Second World War enthusiasts or those interested in
modern history, this memorable day trip from Bangkok will take you to the famous bridge itself, the Allied War
Grave cemeteries and the Death War Museum which houses pictures, paintings and accounts from this tragic
period of history. The bridge itself lies 80 miles outside of Bangkok and the journey to the site will take you
through sugar cane fields, rice paddies and pineapple plantations. As you drive through this picturesque
landscape, your guide is more than happy to give an overview on the history on the construction of the bridge
and the ‘Death Railway’ - a huge wartime project to link existing Thai and Burmese railway lines to create a
direct route from Bangkok to Rangoon to support the Japanese occupation of Burma. Thousands of Allied
POWs and local labourers lost their lives constructing the bridge and the railway line and you will get the
chance to see one of the Allied War Grave Cemeteries (often an emotional experience) before hearing their
stories at the hauntingly fascinating Death War Museum. After lunch, you will be taken on an exciting long-
tailed speedboat ride down the river so you can enjoy wonderful views of the infamous bridge itself before
getting off and exploring the site. There is ample free time to explore at your own leisure and afterwards you
will be taken on a train ride through the area before returning to Bangkok.
Departs Daily, year round
Start times Pick-up time is between 6.15am and 7.00am.
Duration Approximately 9 hours.
Tour includes
• Visit to the Bridge on the River Kwai, Allied War Grave Cemetery and entrance to the Death War
Museum
• Pick-up and drop-off from selected Bangkok hotels (Guests not staying at one of these hotels will be
advised of the nearest pick-up point).
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Services of an English-speaking guide
• Lunch
• Speedboat ride on the River Kwai
• Ride on a local train
Tour exclusions
• Additional refreshments
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day. It is recommended you take a sunhat and a bottle of
water.
£52 per person
Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok
What better way to learn the secrets of Thai cooking
than an authentic Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok? No
prior cooking skills are required – just enthusiasm and a
love for eating Thai food!
If you love Thai food then don’t let your chance to learn
the secrets of Thai cuisine pass you by! This informative
and fun half-day cooking class will introduce you to the
local ingredients and exotic flavours and you will be able
to take your knowledge home and re-create authentic
Thai dishes in your own kitchen.
Your hand-on class will be held at The Baipai Thai Cooking School, which offers a home-style learning
environment and introduces authentic Thai dishes that are completely different to the cuisine found in
restaurants and hotels. Over the course of the morning you will learn to prepare four traditional dishes with
focus on traditional Thai technique, innovative use of ingredients and presentation. All classes are conducted
in English by friendly teaching staff with years of experience in Thai culinary delights. They are as enthusiastic
about Thai food as they are sharing their knowledge with you. Once the meal is complete, the whole group
heads to the dining room to enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Departs Daily except Monday, year round.
Start times Pick-up time is between 8.30am and 9.00am.
Duration Approximately 4 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Thai cooking course and food
Tour exclusions
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day.
Additional information
This class can be enjoyed by both novices and experienced cooks alike.
£45 per person
Damnern Saduak Floating Market
One of the most popular Bangkok experiences, enjoy the sights, smells
and sounds of the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you
will find hundreds of Thai style canoes laden with fruits, vegetables,
sweets and meats.
High on the list of most visitors ‘things to do’ Damnern Saduak Floating market is a truly colourful experience.
Situated 60 miles from Bangkok, the seemingly chaotic canals or 'khlongs' are filled with flat boats piled high
with fresh produce, each jockeying for position and paddled by ladies ready to stop and bargain at a moment's
notice. Your journey to the market includes an exciting long tail speed-boat ride through the marshes, past
traditional stilt houses and scenes that have changed little over the centuries. As you speed across the water,
your experienced English-speaking guide will provide a colourful overview of the market and what to expect
when you arrive. There is plenty of free time to explore the market and your guide will be happy to arrange a
local boat ride through the markets (optional extra) should you wish to get closer to the vendors.
Departs Daily, year round.
Start times Pick-up time is between 6.15am and 7.00am.
Duration Approximately 6 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Long tail speed-boat cruise to the Damnern Saduak Floating Markets
• Services of an English-speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Refreshments
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day. It is recommended you take a sunhat and a bottle of
water.
Additional information
Over the years, the floating market has become more commercial as more tourists show up, so don’t be
surprised to see one or two less than authentic products for sale by the local vendors.
£28 per person
Bangkok City & Temples Tour
A wonderful introduction to the city of Bangkok, enjoy a tour of
her most recognised and breathtaking Buddhist temples
including the incredible reclining Buddha.
Around 95% of Thais follow the Buddhist way of life and as a
result over 26,000 temples can be found within Thailand's borders. This charming half day tour introduces you
to three of the most distinguished temples in Bangkok. Locally referred to as ‘Wats’ these buildings are
beautiful examples of Thai architecture and are well worth a visit.
After a pick-up from your hotel, head through the bustling Bangkok streets to Wat Trimit, also known as the
Temple of the Golden Buddha. Here you will find a three metre Golden Buddha statue, crafted from solid gold
and weighing five and half tons. Now more than seven hundred years old the statue was originally covered in
plaster to conceal it from the then invading enemy and was only discovered by chance from a layer of stucco
during construction of the temple. **
The tour then takes you through Chinatown on your way to Wat Pho, more commonly known as the Temple of
the Reclining Buddha. The temple dates from the seventeenth century and houses the largest Buddha in
Bangkok. In addition to the fine features of the Buddha's face, also take a few minutes to inspect the soles of
the Buddha's feet which lie an incredible 45 meters away from the head and have been inlaid with mother-of-
pearl to display the 108 auspicious signs which distinguish a true Buddha.
The last temple on the itinerary is Wat Benchamabophit or the Marble Temple. A fine example of Thai
craftsmanship, this magnificent monastery was built out of white Italian marble from Carrara in the late 19th
century and is world renowned for its stunning architecture and decorative art.
Departs Daily, year round.
Start times 8.30am or 1.10pm.
Duration Approximately 3 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels
• Visits to the Temple of the Golden Buddha**, Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Marble
Temple
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Services of an English-speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day.
Additional information
** PLEASE NOTE: Wat Trimit (the Temple of the Golden Buddha) will be closed for renovations until further
notice. During this time, the temple visit will be replaced with a visit to Wat Suthat Thepwararam.
£22 per person
Grand Palace Tour
You simply cannot visit Bangkok without viewing the Grand Palace complex and the Temple of the Emerald
Buddha, unquestionably one of the wonders of the world today.
The Grand Palace complex is unquestionably a ‘must see’ for all visitors to Bangkok. A mixture of traditional
Thai architecture with European influences, the Grand Palace was once the official home of the King of Siam
and the regal flavour is still evident in the state rooms and grounds. During the tour, you will have the
opportunity to visit the Royal Funerary Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall. However, the undoubted highlight
of the Grand Palace complex is Wat Phra Keow or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. A wonderful collection
of pagodas, stupas, frescos and mosaics under arching roofs of red and gold, the temple houses a 45
centimetre Emerald Buddha. Carved from a single piece of Jade, the Buddha is one of the holiest and most
revered religious objects in modern day Thailand.
Departs Daily, year round.
Start times 8.30am or 1.10pm
Duration Approximately 3 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels
• Guided visit to the Grand Temple complex
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Services of an English-speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day.
26 per person
Temples and Ruins of Ayuthaya - Ancient
Capital of Thailand
Perhaps the most spectacular historical site in
Thailand, see remarkable ancient ruins and temples on
this memorable day tour to Thailand’s ancient capital
and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Situated around 50 miles north of Bangkok, Ayuthaya
was the capital of Siam for 417 glorious years between
1350 and 1767 and flourished as one the most important commercial centres in South East Asia. At its peak in
the middle of the eighteenth century, this amazing island city contained three royal palaces and over 400
temples threaded by canals. The city was taken by the Burmese in 1767 and a 15-month siege left this once
glittering city in ruins.
Today the city is renowned for the spectacular ruins that remain and a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage site
is a highlight of any visit to Thailand. The temple compounds are still awe-inspiring despite the disrepair and
some of the temples remain intact including Wat Phra Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit and the amazing
bronze statues at Wat Chai Mongkol, known for its large statue of the Reclining Buddha. As well as the ancient
temples, you will also see the summer palace of King Rama IV with its mixture of Thai, Chinese and Gothic
architecture. The Palace is a well preserved 'museum' providing you with a glimpse into a time when the
country was known as Siam.
You have the choice of visiting Thailand’s ancient capital by boat and returning by coach or vice versa. This
charming river cruise along the Chao Phraya, offers a close-up view of local life as this waterway serves as a
natural highway and you will also see many riverside temples and historical sites en route such as Wat Arun.
Departs Daily, year round.
Start times Pick-up time is between 6.15am and 7.00am. The tour departs at 8.00am.
Duration Approximately 9 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels
• One way river cruise either to or from Ayuthaya
• Guided visit to the Temples and Ruins of Ayuthaya
• Lunch
• Services of an English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioned coach transportation
Tour exclusions
• Additional refreshments
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day. It is recommended you take a sunhat and a bottle of
water.
£49 per person
Chao Phraya River & Bangkok Waterways
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Bangkok’s colourful waterways on this fascinating cruise along the bustling
canals and Chao Phya River to Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn).
Enjoy close-up views of local life as you journey along the
Bangkok waterways that serve as natural highways for many of
Bangkok’s local residents. Winding its way through the heart of
Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River continues to play an important
part in daily life and you will see commuters, saffron robed
monks and school children speeding by on fast river taxis,
overtaking the heavily laden rice barges. The contrast between
the old and new is most apparent from the water, with some of
Bangkok's most revered temples standing alongside warehouses,
old wooden houses, new residential blocks and prestigious five
star hotels.
Your cruise includes a stop at the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun and the Royal Barge Museum. Standing proudly
on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the Temple of Dawn is one of the most recognisable and published
images of Bangkok with its 260 foot high pagoda, or Phra Prang, which is completely covered with pieces of
multi-coloured glass and Chinese porcelain. A short walk to the upper levels offers a panoramic view of the
surrounding city. The Royal Barge Museum is home to nine of the most important royal barges including
Suphannahongsa and Narai Song Suban Rama IX. The tradition of royal barges dates back to Ayutthaya times,
when they were used to transport the Kings in various ceremonies and processions. Most barges were
damaged after the 1932 coup and during Japanese occupation during World War II. However, the present King
not only had them all restored to their former glory, but revived the ancient tradition of a water-borne Royal
Kathin Procession.
Departs Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, year round.
Start times Pick-up time is between 6.15am and 7.00am.
Duration Approximately 3 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels
• Chao Phraya River sightseeing cruise
• Guided visit to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and the Royal Barge Museum
• Services of an English-speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Refreshments
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day. It is recommended you take a sunhat and a bottle of
water.
Additional information
Please note that a minimum of 2 passengers is required for this tour to depart.
£28 per person
Rice Barge Cruise
Escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s busy streets and enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise down the Chao
Phraya River and the networks of khlongs (canals) - the waterways that earned Bangkok its pseudonym 'Venice
of the East’.
Despite the fast pace at which Bangkok has developed over the past fifty years, her rivers and canals continue
to play an important part in daily life and the people of Bangkok still depend on the water to transport their
produce and merchandise, particularly rice. This enjoyable experience offers a glimpse of local Thai life as you
cruise along Bangkok’s waterways. Your day starts with an exciting long tailed speedboat ride past exotic flora,
picturesque canal houses on stilts and children playing in the water. You then join a converted rice barge for a
leisurely cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Soft drinks and local fruits are served on board as you sit back and
take in the amazing Thai scenery past ancient riverside temples and modern skyscrapers. A highlight of the
cruise is a wonderful view of Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn).
Departs Daily, year round.
Start times Pick-up time is between 2.00pm and 2.45pm.
Duration Approximately 2.5 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels
• Chao Phraya River sightseeing cruise
• Soft Drinks and local fruits served aboard the rice barge
• Services of an English-speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Additional Refreshments
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day.
£26 per person
Khao Yai National Park
Head out of the city and experience the stunning natural
scenery of Thailand’s most picturesque National Park.
Situated around 100 miles from Bangkok, Khao Yai National
Park is one of Thailand’s best known and most beautiful
national parks and covers over 1300 square miles of jungle
and grassland and is one the few remaining monsoon forests
in Asia. Here you will discover over 150 species of animal
including 200-300 wild elephants. Rarer inhabitants include
the Asiatic black bear, tiger, leopards and barking deer.
Perfect for those looking to get close to nature, this experience will take you into the heart of the park where
you can walk along the trails that wind their way through mountains and forest, past streams and waterfalls.
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but your guide will be on hand to point out everything of interest and
answer your questions. After lunch the tour continues with a scenic drive through the park as you head to
Pakchong Creek for a memorable elephant ride. You will be accompanied by a trusted mahout (elephant
caretaker) and this exciting 45 minute adventure will take you through the lush jungle and rivers. The tour also
includes a visit to a local fruit market in Nakhon Nayok province where you can enjoy mango, rambutans and
many more exotic fruits.
Departs Daily, year round.
Start times 7.00am.
Duration Approximately 9 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels
• Air-conditioned transportation
• A chance to explore Khao Yai National Park
• Lunch
• 45-minute Elephant Ride
• Services of an English-speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Additional Refreshments
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day. It is recommended you take a sunhat and a bottle of
water.
Additional information
This excursion is not recommended for children under 5 years of age as it includes approximately 1km of
trekking through the jungle.
£66 per person
Bangkok Dinner Cruise
Enjoy wonderful Thai cuisine and picture postcard views of Bangkok in all its night time glory as you gently
cruise along Bangkok’s River of Kings.
A fantastic way to end your day in Bangkok, this relaxing dinner cruise aboard one of Bangkok’s luxurious
restaurant boats will take you through the heart the city along the Chao Phraya River past wonderful night
time views of illuminated temples and sparkling skyscrapers. As you relax in modern comfort and dine on a
variety of local, regional and international dishes you will pass landmarks like the Temple of Dawn, the Temple
of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace.
Departs Daily, year round.
Start times Pick-up time is between 5.45pm and 6.50pm. The cruise departs at 7.00pm
Duration Approximately 2.5 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels
• Evening cruise on the Chao Phraya River
• Thai and International buffet dinner
• Welcome drink, tea and coffee
Tour exclusions
• Drinks – there is a fully stocked bar on board
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day.
£37 per person
Jim Thomson’s House & Vimanmek Palace
Whilst most visitors to Bangkok are keen to see the Grand Palace and the legendary temples, it would be a
mistake to overlook Jim Thompson's museum-like preserved house and the Vimanmek Palace.
Those that love architecture and buildings or are interested in local culture will be fascinated by the Jim
Thompson house and the Vimanmek Palace, two of the finest Thai residences to be found in Thailand today.
The Jim Thompson House is the former home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American entrepreneur
who returned to live in Bangkok after the Second World War. He was the founder of the world renowned Jim
Thompson Thai Silk Company which put the Thai silk industry on the global stage. Since his mysterious
disappearance in Malaysia in 1967, his remarkable house - renowned as the ‘talk of the town’ and the ‘city’s
most celebrated social centre’ - has been preserved as a museum and contains a fabulous collection of
paintings and Asian artefacts. The beautiful teak structure building consists of a complex of six beautifully
refurbished traditional Thai-style houses and showcases his passion for Thai arts and culture.
Continue to amazing Vimanmek Palace, the largest teakwood building in the world. The former home of King
Rama V, the palace fell into disuse until it was restored in the 1980s and today it is a fascinating museum
reflecting the Thai heritage from the dramatic reign of King Rama V. Once inside the 3 story, L-shaped palace
the regal opulence is evident as you browse through its 81 rooms, many of which house priceless Thai antiques
and opulent collections.
Departs Daily, year round.
Start times Pick-up time is between 8.30am and 9.00am.
Duration Approximately 3 hours.
Tour includes
• Pick-up and drop-off from central Bangkok hotels
• Air-conditioned coach transportation
• Entrance to Jim Thomson’s House and Vimanmek Palace
• Services of an English-speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Refreshments
• Optional gratuities
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day. It is recommended you take a sunhat and a bottle of
water.
£28 per person
Tuk Tuk Experience
Get a taste of Bangkok, travelling as the locals do, by
Tuk Tuk! Visit some of city’s most famous sights
including Phra Sumeru Fortress, the bustling Amulet
Market, Wat Pho and its Reclining Buddha Thieves
Market and the colourful flower market of Dheves.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, board a
Tuk Tuk, the main form of transport for this half day
adventure through the streets of Bangkok.
Your journey starts at the Phra Sumeru Fortress located on Phra Arthit (meaning "Sun" in Thai) Road. The
fortress was built during the reign of Rama I and is the last of two remaining from the 14 originally built.
Climbing aboard your transport, continue to the Amulet Market, where various religious amulets, charms and
traditional medicines are available. Your guide will explain the significance that these items play in the Thai
culture. Amulets in all forms are available to bring good luck or to ward off evil. The next stop is Wat Po which
derives its name from the original Wat Potaram. Founded in the 17th century, Wat Po is the oldest Buddhist
temple in Bangkok and the centre of the Buddhist religion in Thailand. The complex includes the country’s first
university and is still a centre of learning for traditional Thai massage and medicines. Explore the temple
complex before continuing by Tuk Tuk to Phahurat Market, in the heart of Bangkok's little India. Here you will
find all kinds of fabrics, cloths, ornaments and accessories plus stalls selling delicious Indian snacks.
Afterwards, you head to Woeng Nakorn Kasem in the Klong Thom quarter, also known as the "thieves
market". It is a second hand market for Thai and Chinese antiques where we will find an array of goods for
sale from porcelain to furniture.
The next stop is Wat Saket, location of the Golden Mount. Wat Saket sits at the bottom of an artificial hill and
dates back to the Ayutthaya era, prior to Bangkok becoming the capital of the Siamese kingdom. Your guide
will take us through the complex and up the 318 steps to the top of the Golden Mount where we have a 360
degree view of the surrounding old Rattankosin Island. This is the last stop of the trip and afterwards you are
free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.
Departure location The lobby of the Viengtai Hotel in the heart of historical Bangkok, just off the Khoa
San Road.
Departs Daily year round except 11-17 April.
Start times 8.30am.
Duration 4-5 hours
Tour includes
• Transportation by Tuk Tuk
• Visits to Phra Sumeru Fortress, the bustling Amulet Market, Wat Pho and its Reclining Buddha Thieves
Market and the flower market of Dheves
• Entrance fees as indicated
• English speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Transportation to the departure point
• Gratuities
• Refreshments
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day. The tour visits a religious temple so knees and shoulders
must be covered.
Additional information
To ensure a real life experience, the group size is limited to 12 passengers.
£25 per person
Biking Bangkok
Explore Bangkok by bike! This gentle ride takes you along laneways past markets, traditional houses, canals
and temples. See some of the city’s most famous sights and get an insight into local life away from the crowds.
When people think of Bangkok often it conjures up images of traffic jams that last from sunrise to sunset and
the thought on riding a bike is the last thing people would contemplate. This half day adventure provides us
with an interesting insight into an area of Bangkok that few people know about. The morning trip explores the
heart and soul of Bangkok - Bangkok Noi. Just across Chao Praya River to the Thonburi side of Bangkok, this
area has its own unique style of waterways and small roads. The historical records point to the old Bangkok
Noi community being established since King Chai Raja of Ayutthaya Period (AD 1532 - 1546). Bangkok Noi
Canal which was once a part of the majestic Chao Phraya River flows in a horseshoe shape through the old
Bangkok Noi community.
We start our ride near Khao San Roadin Banglamphu. After a quick bike fitting and briefing we head out. We
wind our way through the back streets of Suburban Bangkok and small lane ways along the riverside. We cross
the famous Rama VIII Bridge then ride through a local community who are well known for their addictive
mixture of betel nut, lime and a mulberry leaf. Passing the King's Royal Barges we follow a well worn path
along The Bangkok Noi Canal which eventually leads us to the spectacular Wat Arun. Wat Arun is well known
for its intricate architectural design and also has historical significance. This area is also well known for a basket
of multicultural religions which are home to Buddhist temples, Mosques and Portuguese built Churches.
From Wat Arun, we head back across the Chao Praya River to Pranakorn via the Memorial Bridge. This bridge
was built in 1929 to mark city of Bangkok's 150th anniversary. We then pay a visit to another temple called
Wat Suthat which is home to the largest sitting Buddha image in Thailand. Our final stop is opposite Wat
Shuthat to see the giant swing Sao Ching Cha which represents the movement of the God Shiva which was
reserved for performances at grand ceremonies. From there we head back to our start point destination to
complete the journey.
At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi
back to your hotel.
Departure location The lobby of the Viengtai Hotel in the heart of historical Bangkok, just off the Khoa
San Road.
Departs Daily year round except 11-17 April.
Start times 12.30pm.
Duration 4 hours.
Tour includes
• Guided bike tour of Bangkok
• Use of bicycle and helmet
• Entrance fees as indicated
• English speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Transportation to the departure point
• Gratuities
• Refreshments
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day.
Additional information
To ensure a real life experience, the group size is limited to 12 passengers.
The ride is a very gentle 20 km along the backstreets and canals of Bangkok and suitable for anyone
who can ride a bike. English speaking guides will provide an insight into the local areas customs,
history, culture and local way-of-life each time we stop.
High quality mountain bikes are used on this trip and helmets are included.
£28 per person
Chinatown & Night
Markets
Discover Old and New Bangkok on an evening of exploration of
Chinatown. Stop for a coffee at a 100 year old cafe, and then
make the most of the areas mouth-watering food from
hundreds of street stalls to fine Chinese restaurants. A post
dinner stroll takes past market stalls filled with vibrant flowers
and plenty of bargains.
Beginning the trip at Ratchawong Pier on the Chao Praya River, step back in time to the old markets in
Yaowarat, located in the heart of the vibrant Chinatown district. The original Chinese citizens were traders
living in the village of Bangkok before it became the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The land that now
occupies the Grand Palace belonged to the traders. When King Rama I moved the capital from Ayuthaya to
Bangkok over 200 years ago the community was asked to move to its current location. From the pier you walk
along Song Wat Road, which is bordered by old business buildings and warehouses - most of which are still
operating today. We emerge in the plastic and leather product quarter on Yaowa Phanit Road. The next stop
is at a 100 year old coffee ship on Pha Sai Road, a coffee and snack is included in our trip, an opportunity to
relax and take in the atmosphere. Rejuvenated we continue to Issarnuparb Road and a market specialising in
Chinese religious products, fresh food including seafood.
In the evening Yaowaraj Road becomes a sea of street stalls, collectively becoming one large food bazaar. The
food options range from street stalls to the finest Chinese restaurants. Part of our experience will be taking a
seat with our guide are try some charcoal grilled seafood on the street. Following dinner we continue on foot
to the Saphan Put Night Market, where we find a vast array of clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, second hand
collections and antiques on sale. If you prefer to have a painting of yourself, you can sit down with artists on
the street. In no time you will have a portrait of yourself to take home as a souvenir. The final stop of the
night is at Pakklong Talad ("talad" meaning market), the largest wholesale flower and vegetable market of
Bangkok. Night-time is a great time to see Pakklong Talad as the street is covered with a colourful flower
display. At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in
getting a taxi back to your hotel.
Departure location The lobby of the Viengtai Hotel in the heart of historical Bangkok, just off the Khoa
San Road.
Departs Tuesday-Sunday year round except 11-17 April.
Start times 3.00pm
Duration 5-6 hours.
Tour includes
• Guided visit to Bangkok Chinatown and the Night Markets
• Dinner
• English speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Transportation to the departure point
• Gratuities
• Additional refreshments
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day.
Additional information
To ensure a real life experience, the group size is limited to 12 passengers.
£21 per person
Temple & River of Kings
Discover Bangkok’s glittering heart on this grand journey
along its web of canals. Glide down the Chao Phraya River
on a longtail boat past a vibrant array of daily life. Admire
the reclining Buddha on a tour through Wat Pho and marvel
at the magnificence of the Grand Palace. From the fluid
veins of the city, to the spiritual heart of the nation, embark
on this voyage of discovery.
You begin your trip with a walk down to the Chao Praya River (meaning River of Kings) where you board a long
tail boat for a journey along the river and into the klongs (canals) of Bangkok. In centuries gone by Bangkok
was often referred to as the "Venice of the East" with a vast network of klongs through the city which were
utilised as a transport network. With the passage of time many of these klongs have been filled in and
converted to roads for more modern forms of transport. In the Thonburi area of Bangkok many of the klongs
survive, the boat trip will provide you with an insight into the lives of people who live along the klongs which
seems a world away from the chaotic streets of Bangkok. The next stop is Wat Po which derives its name from
the original Wat Potaram, in 1801 the temple was renamed Wat Phra Chetuphon. The temple is the centre of
the Buddhist religion in Thailand, the countries first university and is still a centre of learning for traditional
Thai massage and medicines. Founded in the 17th century, Wat Po is the oldest Buddhist temple in Bangkok.
Your guide will take you on a trip through the temple complex before heading to the Grand Palace.
Built in 1782 in time for the coronation of King Rama I, the Grand Palace served as the official residence of the
King of Siam, the Royal Court and administrative seat of government until the early 1900's. Despite no longer
being the official residence of the king the Grand Palace is still very much the spiritual centre of the nation and
used for various ceremonies during the year. Included in the trip will be a visit to Wat Phra Kaew which houses
the revered Emerald Buddha. Our local guide will take us through the grounds of the palace providing a
fascinating insight into this majestic place. At the end of the trip you are free to continue exploring the area or
your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.
Departure location The lobby of the Viengtai Hotel in the heart of historical Bangkok, just off the Khoa
San Road.
Departs Daily year round. Please note, this tour is not available 28 February
Start times 3.00pm
Duration 4-5 hours.
Tour includes
• A long tail boat ride along the river and into the klongs
• Visit to Wat Po, the Grand Palace and What Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
• English speaking guide
Tour exclusions
• Transportation to the departure point
• Gratuities
• Refreshments
Dress code what to bring
Casual. Dress according to the weather for that day. Please ensure your knees and shoulders are covered as
this trip may visit religious sites. You will also require shoes that have a closed heel to visit the Grand Palace.
Additional information
To ensure a real life experience, the group size is limited to 12 passengers.
The route of the klong trip may change depending on the water levels in individual klongs.
£28 per person