On this sightseeing tour of Bangkok's canals (or klongs, as they are known locally) you will travel by a motorized boat on the Chao Phraya River to see the serene family homes and temples dotted along the waterways which inspired Bangkok's reference as the "Venice of the East". The canals around Bangkok serve as a natural highway for many local Thai people going about their everyday business, such as transporting their merchandise, in particular rice, to and from the rice fields. A stop will be made at the beautifully decorated Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, which is one of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks and the most famous of the more than 400 Buddhist temples and monasteries in the city. It is then onto the Grand Palace complex, a great architectural masterpiece of several buildings from the outside and a magical inside, which was used as a royal residence from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. It is without any doubt a national reference and possibly the most visited royal monument of Thailand, which shouldn’t be missed. The Grand Palace complex includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow) carved from one piece of solid translucent Jade. To round off the tour, we call in at a local lapidary factory and showroom where you will be able to get locally made jewelry, handicrafts and silk at competitive prices.
Dress code: Smart Casual. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. No flip flops or open shoes are allowed.
Note: Parts of the Royal Grand Palace and/or Wat Phra Kaew can be closed during special royal or Buddhist ceremonies and during visits of foreign heads of state.
