Overview
Discover the wealth of beautiful cultural monuments of Bangkok, one of Asia’s most exciting cities. With a private guide, journey by private longtail boat through the winding klongs (waterways) of the Chao Phraya River, then spend the day visiting the city’s ornate and beautiful sites, including Wat Arun, Bangkok’s most well-known landmark, the dazzling Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the enormous gold-plated Reclining Buddha, and the vibrant market at Pak Klong Talad, where a vast variety of orchids and colorful flowers are sold.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive and transfer to your hotel...meals on your own
View Lodging
Bangkok, Thailand
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
Situated along the Chao Phraya River and surrounded by Bangkok’s heritage sites, the Riva Surya is a beautiful boutique hotel with a riverside swimming pool. All rooms have aery balconies and views of the river or the old town, and there are three restaurants. The hotel is within walking distance of the Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha, and right next to the Phra Arthit pier, where you can catch river boats to all the major temples.
Bangkok, Thailand
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, The Peninsula is one of Bangkok’s top hotels, blending old world style with classic elegance. Each of the spacious guest rooms features fantastic views of the river, while hotel facilities include a lovely three-tiered outdoor pool set among manicured grounds, fitness center with steam room and sauna, and a spa offering a variety of special treatments. There are also four restaurants, including the Thiptara, offering home-style Thai cuisine in a superb outdoor setting along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. And don’t miss the incredible breakfast buffet feast (the dinner dessert options are also amazing!). The Peninsula has appeared on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and has consistently been rated as one the of “World’s Best Hotels” by readers of Travel & Leisure magazine.
Day 2
Bangkok City Sights
This morning you'll meet your guide and drive to Wat Pho in time to experience the monks' morning chanting ritual. Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and houses the famous 148-foot reclining gold-plated Buddha, as well as the original school of traditional Thai massage. From here, a tuk-tuk ride brings you to Pak Klong Taland Flower Market then onward to the spectacular Grand Palace, home to the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (which is actually made of jade or jasper). Continue with a walk to a nearby pier, and enjoy a one-hour long-tailed boat ride on the “klongs” (canals) of the Thonburi District, along the Chao Phraya River. Next, stop at Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple of King Rama II. After lunch at a local restaurant, cross the river and drive to Chinatown, which offers a first-hand look at Old Bangkok. Walk along Yaowarat Road, with its shops selling everything from gold and garments to antiques and musical instruments. Explore the bustling Talad Kao Market, where a variety of food, fresh fruits, and Chinese herbs are on display. Overnight at hotel...BL
View Lodging
Bangkok, Thailand
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
Situated along the Chao Phraya River and surrounded by Bangkok’s heritage sites, the Riva Surya is a beautiful boutique hotel with a riverside swimming pool. All rooms have aery balconies and views of the river or the old town, and there are three restaurants. The hotel is within walking distance of the Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha, and right next to the Phra Arthit pier, where you can catch river boats to all the major temples.
Bangkok, Thailand
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, The Peninsula is one of Bangkok’s top hotels, blending old world style with classic elegance. Each of the spacious guest rooms features fantastic views of the river, while hotel facilities include a lovely three-tiered outdoor pool set among manicured grounds, fitness center with steam room and sauna, and a spa offering a variety of special treatments. There are also four restaurants, including the Thiptara, offering home-style Thai cuisine in a superb outdoor setting along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. And don’t miss the incredible breakfast buffet feast (the dinner dessert options are also amazing!). The Peninsula has appeared on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” and has consistently been rated as one the of “World’s Best Hotels” by readers of Travel & Leisure magazine.
Day 3
Bangkok / Depart
Morning at leisure until noon check out. Transfer to the Bangkok airport for departure...B
Special Note(s):
- If you are interested in a longer stay in Bangkok, please call us for details and pricing.
- For religious reasons, all visitors must cover their shoulders and remove their shoes before entering temples. Long pants are necessary, as shorts and short skirts are not permitted.
Details
Length:
3 days
Arrive:
Bangkok, Thailand
Depart:
Bangkok, Thailand
Lodging:
2 nights hotel (First Class or Deluxe option)
Meals:
Meals as indicated
Activity:
Cultural Adventures
Trip Level:
Walking tours, river cruising, and cultural exploration
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
Visa Requirements
A visa is not required for U.S. citizens visiting Thailand for stays of 30 days or less.