Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Asia sticks to you - a spiritual space infused with the Gods of past & present: the ancient spirits of the land & the family, the deities of Buddhism & Hinduism & the rules of Islam. As dawn breaks, pots of rice bubble over & the smoke of Incense wafts from earth to heaven. Barefoot Monks embark on their call to alms among the faithful; the Muezzin's call reverberates from Mosques urging devotees to prayer & family Altars are flush with fruit & flowers for the guardian Spirits. The region’s great monuments were wrought from divine inspiration, from Angkor’s heaven incarnate to Bagan’s shimmering Spires. From the nomadic steppes of Kazakhstan to the frenetic streets of Hanoi, Asia is a Continent so full of intrigue, adventure, solace & spirituality that it has fixated & confounded travellers for centuries. The spiritual side of life is omnipresent & travellers can boost their karmic balance at Meditation Retreats or by hiking to a golden Temple atop a sacred mountain. Wrapped in Rainforests, edged by golden Sands, crowned by Volcanoes, studded with ruins of lost Civilisations: this is Asia as you have always imagined it.

Friendly & food-obsessed, hedonistic & historic, cultured & curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering ornate Temples displaying figures of Buddha, opulent royal Palaces, ancient Ruins & tropical Beaches. The joss sticks lit for the household Shrines impart a sweet perfume to the thick air.

Arrive in Bangkok - the city where the familiar & the exotic collide like the flavors on a plate of Pat Tai. It's popularity stems from its diverse attractions & experiences. It is renowned for its vibrant street life with delectable Cuisine, bustling Markets, lively Nightlife & rich cultural heritage, majestic Temples, the Grand Palace.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative outside Door B, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & also discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer   Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the start hotel.

Enroute to the hotel, the Rep will introduce you to some landmarks of Bangkok & offer suggestions to make the most of your visit & the options available for free time.

Check-in at your centrally located hotel & relax.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the city, your way or opt for one of the optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Fun Folks | Food | Urban Exploration | Contrasts

Bangkok is excess in all of its unrestrained glory. Bigger, better, more: the city is insatiable, a monster that feeds on concrete, & diesel exhaust. The City demands that you be in the present & in the moment, not necessarily for a religious epiphany, but because the place is self-absorbed & superficial, blissfully free of wrinkle-inducing self-reflection.

Bangkok, officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, is the Capital & most populous City of Thailand. The City’s cultural underpinnings are evident in virtually all facets of everyday life & most enjoyably through its residents' sense of fun (known in Thai as sa·nuk).

The history of Bangkok dates at least back to the early 15^th   century, when it was a village on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, under the rule of Ayutthaya. Because of its strategic location near the mouth of the River, the town gradually increased in importance & initially served as a small Customs & Trading outpost with Forts on both sides of the River. It was the site of a siege in 1688 in which the French were expelled from Siam.

Much later, after the fall of Ayutthaya Kingdom to the Burmese in 1767, the newly crowned King Taksin established his Capital here which became the base of the Thonburi Kingdom.

In 1782, King Phutthayotfa Chulalok (Rama I) succeeded Taksin & moved the Capital to the eastern bank's Rattanakosin Island, thus founding the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The City Pillar that he erected on 21 April 1782, is regarded as the date of foundation of Bangkok as the Capital of Siam. Bangkok's economy gradually expanded through international trade, first with China, then with Western merchants returning in the early-to-mid 19^th century. 

Bangkok was at the heart of the modernization of Siam, later renamed Thailand, during the late 19^th century, as the country faced pressures from the West. The City was at the centre of Thailand's political struggles throughout the 20^th century, as the country abolished absolute Monarchy, adopted Constitutional rule & underwent numerous Coups & also several Uprisings.

Administration of the City was first formalized by King Chulalongkorn in 1906, with the establishment of Monthon Krung Thep Phra Maha Nakhon as a national sub-division. The City in its current form was created in 1972 with the formation of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), grew rapidly during the 1960s through the 1980s & now exerts a significant impact on the country’s Politics, Economy, Education, Media & modern society.

As Bangkok forcefully kneads out of you all demands for order & predictability, you will understand the famous Thai smile. Smiles & sa·nuk are the key passports into Bangkok society. A compliment here, a joke there - the demands of social lubrication in this Megalopolis are more akin to a small Village than an anonymous City & a necessity for survival.

Packed into these concrete corridors are a religious spectacle, unapologetic consumerism & multi-flavoured hedonism - corrupting & purifying souls within footsteps of each other. The language barrier can seem huge, but it is never prevented anybody from getting along with the Thai people. Ordering food, changing Money & haggling at Markets will usually involve a sense of playfulness – a dash of flirtation, perhaps - & of course, a smile. It is a language that doesn’t require words & one that is easy to learn.

Of the famous & infamous attractions, Bangkok’s best feature is its intermingling of opposites. A modern world of affluence orbits around a serene traditional core. Hop on the Skytrain to the glitzy Shopping Malls where trust-fund babies examine luxury Brands as carefully as the housewives inspect produce at the open-air Markets. Or appreciate the attempts at enlightenment at the City’s famous Temples & doorstep Shrines, or simple acts of kindness amid the urban bustle. Or you can jump between all of these worlds - wining & hobnobbing at a chic Club, eating at a street side Market, getting plucked & pummelled into something more beautiful or sweating profusely on a long unplanned march. Bangkok is an urban connoisseur’s dream come true

With so much of its daily life conducted on the Street, there are few cities in the world that reward exploration as handsomely as Bangkok does. It is the contradictions that provide the City of Angels with its rich, multifaceted personality. Here, climate-controlled Megamalls sit side by side with 200 year old village Homes; gold-spired Temples share space with neon-lit strips of sleaze; slow-moving traffic is bypassed by long-tail Boats plying the royal River; Buddhist Monks dressed in yellow Robes shop for the latest Smartphones. A stroll off Banglamphu’s beaten track can lead to a conversation with a Monk. Cap off an extended boat trip with a visit to a hidden Market. Get lost in the tiny lanes of Chinatown & stumble upon a Chinese Opera performance. Or after dark, let the BTS (Skytrain) transport you to Sukhumvit, where the local Nightlife scene reveals a cosmopolitan & dynamic city. And as Bangkok races towards the future, these contrasts will never stop supplying the city with its unique & ever-changing strain of Thai-ness.

The culture of Bangkok reflects its position as Thailand's centre of wealth & modernisation. The City has long been the portal of entry of Western concepts & material goods, which have been adopted & blended with Thai values to various degrees by its residents. A distinct feature is the ubiquity of street Vendors selling goods ranging from food items to clothing & accessories. It has been estimated that the there may be over 100,000 Hawkers.

And Streets lined with Food Carts are overlooked by Restaurants perched on top of Skyscrapers & perhaps Bangkok has got to be one of the best-value Dining destinations in the world. Until you have eaten on a street, noodles mingling with your sweat amid a cloud of exhaust fumes, you haven’t actually eaten Thai food. It can be an intense mix: the base flavours - spicy, sour, sweet & salty - aren’t exactly meat & potatoes. But for adventurous Foodies who don't need white Tablecloths, there is probably no better dining destination in the world. And with Immigration bringing every regional Thai & international cuisine to the capital, it is also a truly diverse experience.

Traditional Thai Art, developed for centuries within religious & royal contexts, continues to be sponsored by various official government Agencies. Communities throughout the city still practice their traditional crafts, including the production of Khon Masks, Alms Bowls & classical Musical Instruments, with active encouragement from the Government. The Palace & various official Agencies, regularly sponsor many traditional Folk Handicrafts Fairs.

The National Gallery hosts permanent Collection of traditional & modern Art, with temporary contemporary Exhibits. Bangkok's contemporary art scene has also slowly grown from relative obscurity into the public sphere over the past 2 decades. Private Galleries have gradually emerged to provide exposure for new Artists. There are many Galleries & Museums, including the privately owned Museum of Contemporary Art. The City's Performing Arts scene features traditional Theatre & Dance as well as Western-style Plays. Khon & other traditional dances are regularly performed at the National Theatre & Salachalermkrung Royal Theatre, while the Thailand Cultural Centre is a newer multi-purpose venue which hosts Musicals, Orchestras & a variety of Performances & Events.

Bangkok is among the world's top tourist destinations & has been named the world's most visited city consistently in several international rankings.

Overnight.  

Meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 09:00 am & proceed on a 4 hour sightseeing to discover this amazing kaleidoscope of old & new cultures. You will see a well-groomed corporate Executive whizzing by in a BMW or a Mercedes or a Bentley amidst the chaos of the Bangkok streets

Bangkok is one of the world's top tourist destinations, ahead of London & its historic centre remains the Rattanakosin Island in Phra Nakhon District, the site of the Grand Palace & the City Pillar Shrine, primary symbols of the city's founding, as well as important Buddhist Temples.

The adventure begins!

First stop will be the spiritual & religious heart of the city - the striking Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maharatchawang), a former royal residence, one of the most beautiful illustrations of an ancient Siamese Court - a doubtless gem & icon of Bangkok that draws attention not only for its long history but also for the delicate construction & decorations. Topped by golden Stupas, it used to be the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Today, it is only used on ceremonial occasions, but it remains the city's biggest tourist attraction & a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists.

The Grand Palace complex was constructed in 1782 after King Rama I ascended to the Throne. It is believed that he moved the royal Court from Thonburi on the west bank of Chao Phraya River to Bangkok on the east for protection. The River would then act as a moat for the northern, southern & western perimeters, whilst eastern edge of the city - a muddy delta at the time - would be difficult for attackers to cross without being seen or hampered.

The royal Residences were moved out of this Palace during the reign of King Vajiravudh, leaving Chakri Mahaprasat (Grand Palace Hall) to fall into disrepair. In 1932, Rama VII (King Prajadhipok; r 1925 -1935) called for a major renovation, but the Project ran out of money & the back section had to be demolished.

The Grand Palace was also where Rama VIII (King Ananda Mahidol; r 1935 - 46) was mysteriously killed in 1946. He was found dead in his bed with a gunshot wound to his head.

In October of 2017, the Palace complex & adjacent Sanam Luang served as the setting for the funeral of King Rama IX - possibly one of the most ornate Funerals in modern history. The Ceremony took a year to plan, saw the construction of a nearly 50 metres high gilded Pyre, cost a total of US$90 million & was attended by tens of thousands of mourners from all over the world, all dressed in black.

The current King, Rama X, had his Coronation held in the large Amarindra Hall in 2019. Following the Ceremony, the King was carried on the Budtan Thong (royal Palanquin) from the Hall’s Throne room to the Wat Phra Kaew.

The 94.5-hectare Complex, that also hosts the hallowed Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), encompass more than 100 buildings that represent 200 years of royal history & architectural experimentation. Most of the architecture, royal or sacred, is classified as Ratanakosin (old-Bangkok style).

Visitors are allowed to survey the Grand Palace grounds & 4 of the Palace buildings, which are interesting for their royal bombast.

The largest building open to the public is the triple-winged Chakri Mahaprasat (Grand Palace Hall). Completed in 1882 following a plan by Singapore-based British Architect John Clunish, the exterior shows a peculiar blend of Italian Renaissance & traditional Thai architecture. Its style is often referred to as fa·rang sai cha-dah (Westerner wearing a Thai classical dancer’s headdress), because each Wing is topped by a mon·dop (a layered, heavily ornamented Spire).

It is believed the original plan called for the Palace to be topped with a Dome, but Rama V (King Chulalongkorn; r 1868 - 1910) was persuaded to go for a Thai-style roof instead. That decision has been interpreted as a subversive thumbing of the nose to the foreign Colonialists in Asia at the time. Many believe the King was literally showing Thai dominance over European culture by crowning his Western-inspired Palace with a Thai-style roof.

The tallest of the mon·dop, in the centre, contains the ashes of Chakri dynasty Kings; the flanking mon·dop enshrine the ashes of the many Princes who failed to inherit the Throne. The last building to the west is the Ratanakosin-style Dusit Hall, which initially served as a venue for royal audiences & later as a royal Funerary Hall.

At the eastern end of the Complex, Borombhiman Hall is a French-inspired structure that served as a residence for Rama VI (King Vajiravudh; r 1910 - 25). Today, it can only be viewed through its iron gates. Amarindra Hall, to the west, was originally a Hall of Justice but is used (very rarely indeed) for Coronation ceremonies only.

Until Rama VI decided that 1 wife was enough for any man, even a King, Thai Kings housed their huge Harems in the inner Palace area (never open to the public, then & now), which was guarded by combat-trained female Guards. The intrigue & rituals that occurred within the walls of this cloistered community live on in the fictionalised epic Four Reigns, by Kukrit Pramoj, which follows a young girl named Phloi growing up within the Royal City.

Walking around, you will see Palaces which were / are used for different occasions.

The city was expanded toward Dusit District in the early 19^th century, following King Chulalongkorn's relocation of the royal household to the new Dusit Palace. The buildings of this Palace, including the neoclassical Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, as well as the Royal Plaza & Ratchadamnoen Avenue which connects with the Grand Palace, reflect the heavy influence of European architecture at the time. Major government offices line this Avenue, as does the Democracy Monument. The area is the site of the country's seat of power as well as the City's most popular tourist landmarks.

After spending an hour, touring the Palace, walk to the ornately decorated & gilded Temple Wat Phra Kaeo (temple complex), the holiest Buddhist site in Thailand & home to the legendary Emerald Buddha, located in one corner of the huge Palace Complex, once a sealed city of intricate ritual & social stratification.

Architecturally fantastic, the Wat Phra Kaew is also the spiritual core of Thai Buddhism & Monarchy, symbolically united in what is the country’s most holy image, the Emerald Buddha.

Consecrated in 1782, the first year of Bangkok rule by King Rama I, Wat Phra Kaew was built specifically to house the Emerald Buddha, which he had brought back to Thailand after he captured Vientiane (now in Laos). The Emerald Buddha was placed in the completed Temple in 1784. Today, it is a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists.

Phra Ubosot (Chapel of the Emerald Buddha) is styled in Ayudhaya-period Thai architecture, with a decorative, multi-tiered Lamyong roof structure & double sacred boundary stones.

Upon entering Wat Phra Kaew, you will meet the Yaksha, brawny guardian giants from the Ramakian (the Thai version of the Indian epic, Ramayana). Beyond them, is a courtyard where the central Boht (ordination hall) houses the iconic Emerald Buddha.

The spectacular ornamentation inside & out does an excellent job of distracting first-time visitors from paying their respects to the image. Here is why: the Emerald Buddha is only 66 cm tall & sits so high above worshippers in the main Temple building that the gilded Shrine is more striking than the small figure it cradles.

No one knows exactly where it came from or who sculpted it, but it first appeared on record in 15^th century in Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. Stylistically it seems to belong to Thai artistic periods of the 13^th - 14^th centuries.

Because of its royal status, the Emerald Buddha is ceremoniously draped in monastic Robes. There are now 3 royal Robes: 1 each the hot, rainy & cool seasons. The 3 Robes are still solemnly changed by the King himself at the beginning of each season.

Outside the main Boht, is a stone statue of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Im & nearby are 2 Cow figures, representing the year of Rama I’s birth. In the 2 km long Cloister that defines the perimeter of the Complex are 178 Murals depicting the Ramakian in its entirety, beginning at the north Gate & moving clockwise around the Compound.

The story begins with the hero, Rama (the green-faced character) & his bride, Sita (the beautiful topless maiden). The young couple is banished to the forest, along with Rama’s brother. In this pastoral setting, the evil King Ravana of Sri Lanka (the character with multiple Hands & Heads) disguises himself as a Hermit in order to kidnap Sita. Rama then, joins forces with Hanuman, the monkey King (depicted as the white monkey), to attack Ravana & rescue Sita. Although Rama has the royal pedigree, Hanuman is the unsung hero who is loyal, fierce & clever. Enroute to the final fairy-tale ending, great battles & schemes of trickery ensue until Ravana is finally killed. After withstanding a loyalty test of fire, Sita & Rama are triumphantly reunited.

Commissioned by Rama I, the ornate Phra Mondop was built for the storage of sacred Buddhist Manuscripts. The 7 tiered roof, floor woven from strands of silver & intricate mother-of-pearl door panels make it among the world's most decadent Libraries (Entry not allowed for the public). Phra Mondop, along with the neighbouring Khmer-style peak of the Prasat Phra Thep Bidon & the gilded Phra Si Ratana Chedi (Stupa), are the tallest structures in the compound.

Next stop is Wat Pho, or (officially Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihana) as it is generally known to the Thais, famous for the huge reclining Buddha statue it houses.

Wat Pho is our absolute favorite among Bangkok's biggest sights. In fact, the Compound incorporates a host of superlatives: the city's largest reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand & the country's earliest Center for Public Education.

Originally known as Wat Phodharam, the first iteration of Wat Pho was built in the 16^th century as a late Ayuthaya-period Monastery. However today, the Wat bears virtually no resemblance to one that was originally constructed, as it was almost entirely rebuilt by Rama I in 1788, who by then had built the Grand Palace next door & established Bangkok as the Capital of Siam (Thailand).

And much of what visitors see today was completed during the reign of King Rama III who extended Wat Pho in 1832, particularly the South Vihara & the West Vihara, where Thailand's largest reclining Buddha is housed. Completed in 1848, the figure itself is modelled out of plaster around a brick core & is finished in gold leaf. The Wat also holds the honor of having the largest number of Buddha images in Thailand.

At 20 acres large, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok & is technically the oldest too, as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand's Capital. The rambling grounds has tourist sites occupying the northern side & the Monastic facilities on the southern side.

Though built during the reign of Rama I (reigned 1782 - 1809) & influenced by the Ayuthaya school of architecture, the Boht (ordination hall) at Phra Ubosot, as it stands today, is the result of extensive renovations dating back to the reign of Rama III (reigned 1824 - 51). Inside, you will find impressive Murals & a 3 tiered pedestal supporting Phra Buddha Deva Patimakorn, the Compound's 2^nd most noteworthy Buddha statue, as well as the ashes of Rama I.

The images on display in the 4 wi·hahn surrounding Phra Ubosot are worth seeing. Particularly beautiful are the Phra Chinnarat & Phra Chinnasri Buddhas in the western & southern Chapels, both rescued from Sukhothai by relatives of Rama I. The Galleries extending between the 4 structures feature no fewer than 394 gilded Buddha images spanning nearly all schools of traditional Thai craftsmanship, from Lopburi to Ko Ratanakosin. Encircling Phra Ubosot is a low marble wall with 152 bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramakian, the Thai version of the Ramayana.

Almost too big for its shelter, the highly impressive gold-plated Reclining Buddha is 46 meters long & 15 meters high, designed to illustrate the passing of the Buddha into nirvana (i.e. the Buddha's death), is housed in a Pavilion on the western edge of the Complex. The feet & the eyes are engraved with mother-of-pearl decoration & the feet also show the 108 auspicious lak·sa·na (characteristics) of the true Buddha.

Continuing the numerical theme, a common public ritual is for visitors to buy 108 coins (for 20Baht) & put them in each of the 108 bronze Monk Bowls placed in a long row to the rear of the Statue, for good luck & as a gesture of giving alms. The large grounds contain more than 1000 Buddha images in total, most from the ruins of the former Capitals Ayuthaya & Sukhothai.

On the western side of the grounds is a collection of 4 towering tiled Royal Chedi (Stupa) commemorating the first 4 Chakri Kings. Note the square bell shape with distinct corners, a signature of Ratanakosin style & the titles emulating the colors of the Buddhist flag. The middle Chedi is dedicated to Rama I & encases Phra Si Sanphet Dayarn, a 16 meters high standing Buddha image from Ayuthaya. The other 91 smaller Chedi include clusters containing the ashes of lesser royal descendants.

Located in the southwestern corner of the Compound is Sala Kan Parian, one of the few remaining structures that predates Rama III's extensive 19^th century renovation / expansion of then Wat Pho Tharam. Built in the Ayuthaya style, the structure formerly functioned as the Wat's primary Boht & held the Temple’s primary Buddha statue.

Small Chinese-style Rock Gardens & hilly Islands interrupt the Compound's numerous tiled Courtyards providing shade, greenery & quirky decorations depicting daily life. Look out for the distinctive rockery festooned with figures of the hermit Khao Mor - who is credited with inventing Yoga - in various healing positions. Directly south of the main wi·hahn is a Bodhi tree, grown from a clipping of the original in India, under which Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

Aside from Monks & tourists, Wat Pho is filled with an altogether stiffer crowd: dozens of giant figurines carved from granite. These rock Giants first arrived in Thailand as ballast aboard Chinese junks & were placed in Wat Pho (& some other Wat, including Wat Suthat), guarding the entrances of Temple & courtyards. Looking closely, one can see an array of Chinese characters. The Giants with bulging eyes & Chinese opera costumes were inspired by warrior Noblemen & are called Lan Than. The figure in a straw hat is a Farmer, forever interrupted during his day’s work cultivating the fields. And can you recognize the guy in the fedora-like hat with a trimmed beard & moustache? Marco Polo, of course, who introduced such European styles to the Chinese Court.

Wat Pho is considered the earliest center for Public Education in Thailand. It was King Rama III who turned Wat Pho into Bangkok’s 1^st   public University too. Between 1831 & 1841, some 1431 stone inscriptions were added by King Rama III & Scholars to preserve cultural heritage, including the tenets of traditional Thai Massage. These marble illustrations & inscriptions in the Temple, for public instructions, have been recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme. These & as many as 2000 other stone inscriptions covering various aspects of traditional Thai knowledge led to Wat Pho's legacy as Thailand’s first public University.

The Compound’s array of Sculptures & Artwork, which include more than 1000 depictions of Buddha, were commissioned to help people learn about History, Literature & Buddhism.

Wat Pho remains the national Headquarters for the teaching & preservation of traditional Thai Medicine, including Thai Massage, a mandate legislated by Rama III when the tradition was in danger of extinction. It houses a School of Thai Medicine & is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai Massage which is still taught & practiced at the Temple.

There aren’t many sacred religious sights in the world where you can get a massage, but Wat Pho is certainly one of them. The famous Massage School has 2 Massage pavilions located within the Temple complex & additional rooms within the Training facility outside, providing a unique opportunity to combine relaxation with sightseeing.

Both Thai body massage & foot massage are available onsite (30 or 60 minutes) but need to be booked ahead via the Wat Pho Massage website. Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School also offers a 1 day Course to those interested in learning how to give a Thai massage (available every day expect Sundays, rates start from 12,000B). The School outside the Temple compound, in a restored Shophouse in Soi Phen Phat nearby, offers more other basic courses for 30 hours or more, spread over 5 days or more, covering either general massage or foot massage.

From the Grand Palace complex, proceed for Lunch (not included - own expense) at a Restaurant by the River. After, walk to the Pier to hop onto decorated long-tail Boat for a cruise around the Chao Phraya River Klongs (small narrow canals) of Thonburi (also known as Venice of the East), the site originally chosen for Thailand's new Capital after the fall of Ayuthaya.  The Klongs of old Bangkok enable surface water to make its way to the sea & have long been a way of getting around Bangkok.

A cruise in the Klongs promises a unique & immersive adventure to history enthusiasts, culture connoisseurs or those simply seeking a tranquil escape.  The Teak wood Boat with its ornate design & intricate carvings, is a symbol of traditional Thai craftsmanship & provides a comfortable setting for your journey through "Venice of the East". A knowledgeable Tour-guide will share fascinating stories & historical anecdotes, enriching your understanding of the City's past & present.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Bangkok as you embark on a unique 2 hour adventure, from Thonburi, a district on the west bank of the River, where you will witness a harmonious blend of old & new. Skyscrapers stand tall alongside ancient Temples, creating a picturesque panorama that encapsulates Bangkok's diverse architecture.

As you set sail, the gentle lapping of the water against the Boat's hull will transport you to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the City's history & the role its Canals played in shaping its identity. The Captain slows down to let you appreciate the winding Waterways & get a brief glimpse of those who live on the River.

The Capital city comes to life through the timeless charm of its intricate narrow Waterways & the roar of the engine disturbs the quiet.  Watch as residents, who live in the curiously quaint traditional wooden Houses built on Stilts, that line the Banks & that give the Canals their distinctive character, go about their daily routines.

Discover hidden gems off the beaten path. Lush greenery lines the Waterways & you will see also small gleaming Temples while old men fish & children folic about on the water’s edge.

Enjoy the beautiful views of Temples like Wat Paknam & Wat Arun, Pagodas, Skyscrapers & residential buildings that create a unique skyline of Bangkok, along surprisingly rural western suburbs which feel a world away from the chaotic streets of modern Bangkok, across the river. Glide by the Boathouse where the Royal Barges are kept & maintained. Learn more about Thai history and culture.

Disembark within walking distance of Khao San Road, a lively area popular with backpackers & hippy flower children of the past. Enjoy the many Bars, Restaurants, street Performers, market Stalls & Tailors - that will measure you up for a new suit for 1 day delivery, that line this vibrant road.

The sightseeing ends & balance of the afternoon is free.

You will be transferred back to the Hotel or continue exploring & reach the Hotel on your own.

Evening, get ready for another experience. Meet the Journeys Rep at 06.30 pm & proceed to enjoy a meal onboard, either a traditional Rice Barge or a luxury modern Boat (to be advised), while cruising along the Chao Phraya River.

As you board the Boat, you will be greeted with a refreshing Welcome Drink, setting the tone for a magical evening.

Soak up spectacular views of Bangkok’s notable landmarks including Wat Arun, the Grand Palace & the Rama VIII Bridge, along the River, sitting in an elegant interior that offers an ideal setting for a romantic evening or a night out with friends, as you enjoy a sumptuous buffet Dinner featuring a variety of Thai & Western cuisines, while watching a traditional Thai Classical Dance Performance. As the night continues, enjoy live music & disco as you relax on the open-air deck. We will keep you entertained throughout the evening.

The Cruise concludes & you are transferred back to the Hotel by 10.30 pm.

Overnight.   B D

One of the most popular things to do in Bangkok is visit a Floating Market & there are quite a few Markets to choose from.

Get up at dawn & be ready to depart for Damnoen Saduak Canal located in Ratchaburi as the best time to see the Floating Market is open daily early in the morning when the market is crowded with Boats (vendors & tourists).

There are many floating Markets in Bangkok but Damnoen Saduak is one of the more popular (for visitors) & is featured in some of the most popular Bangkok postcards. The best way to see the Market is on a traditional motorised long-tail Boat which can cover more distance & will enable you to check out more Shops & Boat Vendors along the Canal. 

Once you arrive at the Pier at Ban Paew, you will take to the water in the Boat & have your own driver paddle you between hundreds of Boats selling fresh produce, souvenirs & delicious Thai food.

Cruise along the Canal, enjoying the beautiful sights along the way & witnessing the day-to-day activities of the Thai people who live on the Canals. While the Boat cruises through the Klongs & stilted houses, the actual length of Damnoen Saduak Market is quite short…just about a block long!

The Market bustles with lots of activities - the vegetable & fruit Vendors in their boats peddling their wares & of course our favorite - the Food Vendors! There are some small Shops just before the Floating Market that sells all kinds of tacky souvenirs & Thai handicrafts e.g. Teak & Silk products.

The first part of Market comprises mainly the vegetable & fruit Vendors The transition to the more commercialised part of the floating Market is very obvious - less Vendors & Boats, more tourists long-tail Boats & rows of “shops” setup along the banks of the Canals & of course, the types of things they sell e.g. LV, Chanel handbags (most definitely counterfeit), souvenirs, I Love Bangkok T-shirts, Keychains, Magnets & all other tourist trap stuff.

The colorful Market is filled with Vendors cooking up & frying Thai dishes or selling produce as they paddle their Boats on the River. You can buy cheap trinkets, have your meal served to you from a Boat via a fishing pole & even have your picture taken with… a boa constrictor?

Cheap tourist souvenirs are sold anywhere from a wooden Frog Sound Maker to Clothes. Food wise, a lot of Thai fruits are sold on the moving Boats, while those parked, serve deep fried snacks, dried seafood & noodle dishes. Visitors can buy a snack as they ride on the Boat or on ground, pull up a plastic Stool before a parked Vendor & slurp their noodles, watching the madness of the Market.

After enjoying the sights & day-to-day life of the Locals who live along or on the Canals, the 1 hour Boat ride ends & you disembark at the Pier.

Transfer back to the Hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations or Optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight. B 

Alas, this wonderful glimpse of Thailand comes to end & it is time to say good-bye to the "Land of Smiles " & go home.  

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & leave the luggage at the Bell Desk if you have the time to walk out). 

The world’s favourite paradise holds a special place in the hearts of travelers. Friendly & food-obsessed, hedonistic & historic, cultured & curious, tempting visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins & tropical beaches. Mountains, nature, culture, food or nightlife, Thailand offers hard-to-beat options at extraordinary value.

Such is the yin & yang of Thailand, a country that inspires & confounds. Like an onion, the more layers you unravel, the more it makes you want to cry, but these are spontaneous tears, sometimes of sorrow, sometimes of joy.

So, you see, you have much more to discover if you come to mystical Siam ‘again’ & we will of course, look forward to be able to facilitate that.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” - Ibn Battuta

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport for your onward journey. B

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