DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
PLEASE NOTE: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION DENOTES DEPARTURE FROM LAEM CHABANG, HOWEVER THE TOUR MAY ALSO OPERATE FROM BANGKOK’S KLONG TOEY PORT. TIMING BREAKDOWNS FOR BOTH OPTIONS ARE PROVIDED BELOW.

After transferring to Bangkok by air-conditioned coach, board a boat and proceed to a Buddhist temple to partake in a solemn Buddhist ceremony of alms. This unique opportunity to experience a religious part of the Thai culture begins as you embark on a short trip along the Chao Phraya River and visit one of the wats (temple) along the banks. Here you disembark and prepare yourself spiritually. The ritual involves offering alms to the monks, who in return perform a sacred chant and offer a “saisin” – a symbolic string that has been blessed and is said to protect one from harm.

After the ceremony, board a private long tailed boat to travel along the river and up a series of klongs (canals) to Nonthaburi. The trip provides a glimpse of the still-active waterborne life of "The Venice of the East," as Bangkok was once termed. On the way, you will pass by the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). The temple is of Khmer design, ornately carved out of sandstone; its rich pantheon of demons, monkeys and guardians cast an eerie image across the surrounding city setting.

A stop will be made at the Royal Barge Museum, a waterfront facility which houses the ceremonial barges used by the royal family for festivals and important rites of passage such as a royal funeral, coronation or marriage. Afterwards, disembark at the Tachang landing Pier and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch.

Enjoy a traditional a la carte Thai lunch at a local restaurant before you journey to the grounds of the Royal Palace, where you enter a magical world. Founded by King Rama I in 1782, the palace is the epicentre of Thai history, tradition and culture, providing a window into the city's past as well as a basis for understanding its present.

The spectacular Grand Palace complex is an eccentric blend of English Victorian, French, colonial and traditional Thai architecture. Commissioned by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the first Thai monarch to visit Europe, the palace was designed by a British architect as a purely Victorian edifice. But when the king's councilors strenuously objected to its western facade, a Thai roof was added. Also within this compound is the magnificent royal chapel, Wat Pra Keo, where the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand is enshrined - the Emerald Buddha carved entirely from a single piece of jade.

Then transfer back to the ship.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Experience a religious part of Thai culture by participating in a solemn Buddhist ceremony of alms, then continue by boat through the klongs (canals) that once inspired Bangkok’s nickname "Venice of the East." Passing the ornate Temple of Dawn, make a stop at the Royal Barge Museum, home to the royal family’s ornate ceremonial barges. After a traditional Thai lunch, the afternoon is for exploring the magical Grand Palace, epicentre of Thai history, tradition and culture.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN FROM LAEM CHABANG PORT
00:00 – 00:20 Disembark and board on the air conditioned coach
00:20 – 02:20 Drive overland from Laem Chabang Port into Bangkok Town
02:20 – 04:20 Food offering to the monk followed by Klong Tour
04:20 – 05:20 Lunch at Metawali Restaurant
05:20 – 06:50 Grand Palace / Emerald Buddha Tour
06:50 – 08:50 Transfer back to Laem Chabang Port
08:50 Arrive at Laem Chabang Port

Approximate duration: 8¾ hours
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN FROM KLONG TOEY PORT
00:00 – 00:20 Disembark and board on the air conditioned coach
00:20 – 00:50 Drive from Klong Toey Port into city
00:50 – 02:50 Food offering to the monk followed by Klong Tour
02:50 – 03:50 Lunch at Metawali Restaurant
03:50 - 05:20 Grand Palace / Emerald Buddha Tour
05:20 – 05:50 Transfer back to Klong Toey Port
05:50 Arrive at Klong Toey Port

Approximate duration: 5¾ hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Please note that when visiting the Grand Palace, appropriate attire is required. No shorts, short skirts or sleeveless attire is permitted.
- Sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle and boat with local English speaking guide
- Bottled water & wet towel during sightseeing
- Lunch at a local restaurant with coffee/tea, local bottled water, soft drinks and beer

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