Basic Bangkok Break

On arrival at Bangkok International Airport, we’ll meet you and guide you to your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to settle in and get a feel for Bangkok at your own pace. You could unwind with a traditional Thai massage, sample local flavours at a nearby eatery, and – as evening falls – take in the sunset from one of the city’s stylish rooftop bars. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, we spend a half day discovering three of Bangkok’s most important Buddhist temples. We begin at Wat Traimit – the Temple of the Golden Buddha – home to a 3 metres tall solid gold statue weighing 5.5 tonnes. We then pass through Chinatown en route to Wat Pho – the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and home to the Chedis of the Kings. Here the 46 metres long and 15 metres high reclining Buddha, the largest in Bangkok, depicts the Buddha’s passing into nirvana. We continue to the Grand Palace – former residence of the Kings of Bangkok – to see palaces used for different occasions, including the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House and the Emerald Buddha Temple. To round off the tour, we call in at a local lapidary factory and showroom, where you can browse and purchase locally made jewellery, handicrafts and silk at competitive prices. Note – the Grand Palace is closed during special royal ceremonies and during visiting heads of state. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, we depart Bangkok for the Maeklong Railway Market – Talad Rom Hoop. On arrival, our guide introduces the market’s history, then we take our spots to watch the swift transformation as awnings are pulled back and a train passes directly through the stalls – a brief but remarkable sight. We continue to the world famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where colourfully clad merchants paddle sturdy canoes along busy canals, selling fresh fruit and vegetables to shoppers on the banks. It’s a lively way to see everyday life and to bargain for local produce. We then transfer back to Bangkok. Breakfast included. Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast at the hotel, you have free time at leisure until departure. At the scheduled time, we arrange an unescorted transfer to Bangkok International Airport for your onward flight – breakfast included.