Highlights
- Find culinary delights and unusual souvenirs at the Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Explore the history and culture of Thailand at the Siam Niramit Show
- Visit the Reclining Buddha at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
- Take a long-tail boat tour of Bangkok's historic canals
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Explore Bangkok: Museums, Markets & Entertainment | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Tour Ayutthaya's Glorious Ruins & Bang Pa-In Summer Palace | Bangkok |
| Day 4 | Grand Palace, Khlongs & Jim Thompson House Museum | Bangkok |
| Day 5 | Depart Bangkok |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok! Upon your arrival at the airport, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Known for its street food, shopping, and friendly residents, Bangkok is considered the epicenter of Thailand's culture and commerce, blending an abundance of history within a cosmopolitan city. Once you arrive at your hotel, the remainder of your day is free. You'll have the opportunity to freshen up and relax, but with no shortage of things to see and do here, you may want to start exploring Bangkok right away!
Hop on the Sky Train for a birds-eye view of the city, or shop at Siam Paragon if you're a fan of high-end fashion. Take a tranquil stroll through Lumpini Park, where you'll see locals practicing Tai Chi and families at play. If you're hungry, you can head to Bangkok's own Chinatown for a delicious meal.
Day 2: Explore Bangkok: Museums, Markets & Entertainment
Your guide will pick you up this morning for a visit to the Museum of Floral Culture. Created by internationally-renowned Thai floral artist Sakul Intakul, the museum celebrates Thai arts and culture with a focus on floral culture. Flowers are an intricate part of Thai rituals and ceremonies, and you'll often see special arrangements at temples and spirit houses. The museum, a 100-year-old mansion located in a quiet neighborhood, is itself a work of art, with lovely teak architecture and a zen-style garden. Finish your tour with a stop at the attached tea shop, where you can enjoy tea and sweets.
After your museum visit, it's on to the Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thailand's largest marketplace. Here, you can shop to your heart's content, find unique gifts and souvenirs, and try some delicious local fare at one of the many food stalls. Once you've had your fill of all the market has to offer, your driver will return you to your hotel to rest and regroup, returning in the evening to drive you to the Siam Niramit Show, a magical combination of music and dance that celebrates the history and culture of Thailand.
Day 3: Tour Ayutthaya's Ruins & Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
Today starts with a visit to the Summer Palace, commonly known as Bang Pa-In. Explore this impressive architectural blend of east and west that dates to the 17th century, as well as the glorious ruins of Ayutthaya, which harkens back to the early splendor of the city. You'll have the opportunity to walk the grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon—where you can see a huge statue of a reclining Buddha built of brick and stucco.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues with a visit to Wat Mahathat, famed for a Buddha sculpture that is embedded in a tree trunk and surrounded by growing roots. You'll also see the bronze Buddha of Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit, a thrilling example of the significance of Thai spirituality, before visiting the Royal Monastery of Wat Phra Si Samphet, famous for its three iconic chedis (shrines). The tour concludes with transport back to your hotel, where you can relax or visit a local restaurant for dinner.Day 4: Grand Palace, Khlongs & Jim Thompson House Museum
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
This morning, you'll visit Wat Pho temple, which dates back to the 17th century. Experience the monk's early morning chanting ritual and see the famous 147-foot (45 m) Reclining Buddha. Continue to the Grand Palace, an impressive complex that was built in 1782 by Thailand's King Rama I. Visit the palaces used for different occasions—the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and of course the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. Appropriate dress is required (or can be rented on-site).
After lunch at a nearby riverside restaurant, it's time for a boat tour on the canals or khlongs. The canals, referred to as the "Venice of the East," will show you a more traditional side of Bangkok with old wooden townhouses, improbable floating kitchens, charming and glittering temples, and a more simple way of life. The long-tail boat tour will culminate with a visit to the remarkable Wat Arun, a Buddhist temple that stands on the Chao Phraya River.
The day wraps up with a visit to the Jim Thompson House Museum. Built in 1959, the museum is the former home of American entrepreneur and collector Jim Thompson, who earned the nickname "the Father of Thai Silk." Enjoy a guided tour of his vast collection of fascinating artifacts, not only from Thailand but also from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, as well as the house itself, which was formed by several antique edifices from the countryside. Your driver will return you to your hotel after the tour, where you can enjoy your final evening in Thailand.
Day 5: Depart Bangkok
It's time to say goodbye to Bangkok. Your driver will take you to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels home or to your next destination!
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