Welcome to the fabulous city of Bangkok, Thailand.
Welcome to the capital city of Thailand: Bangkok, where the treasures of the metropolis are on display in the skyline and hidden beneath the banyan trees. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, the Peninsula, within the luxuries of a limousine, where the plush interior is an immediate comfortable welcome. The five-star accommodation sits along the riverbanks and watches over the city scape’s expanse, both in the sky and out to the horizon. Whether you prefer the gentle wade of the Chao Phraya River, or the glistening lights of the city at night, you will be able to watch Bangkok’s luster in the spacious and cozy rooms, along the serene patio next to the waterway, or lounging beneath a cabana by the gorgeous pool.
After you have settled into The Peninsula you will venture to the fabulous Jim Thompson House. James Thompson was an American entrepreneur who almost single-handedly revived the Thai silk trade. The home is made of teak wood and was transferred from Ayutthaya, the old capital of Siam. The dark exterior is glossed, shining beneath the lush green of the surrounding trees. The charming foyer brings Western sensibility to the Eastern home. A Belgian chandelier shimmers beneath the ceiling, while the floor is covered with Italian marble tiles. The 17th century Buddha and hand carved wooden figurines create a peaceful comingling of diverse styles, all glowing within the elegant architecture.
Bangkok's exuberant contrasts will have already impressed. For first time visitors, everything in the city seems to be an attraction. Yet hidden around the city you'll discover the sublime and surreal, the renowned and unknown highlights that epitomize the capital. Today's tour starts at Wat Po, the monk's morning chanting ritual filling this ancient temple with resonant spirituality. Whiff the incense smoke and explore the mystique before standing before the immense 45 meter reclining Buddha. Continue the traditional slant with a tuk-tuk ride through the narrow city streets, your driver expertly traversing the Pak Klong Taland Flower Market and onwards to the Grand Palace. Admire the mysterious Emerald Buddha and take in the grandeur of Thailand's most important palace.
This all-day tour unveils many different sides to the city, giving you an ebullient snapshot of Bangkok's delights. Ride a long-tailed boat along the canals of Thonburi and marvel at local life along the waterside. Explore royal temples that burst with aristocratic brilliance and opulent architecture, then head into old Bangkok and wander the vivid alleys of the city's working class neighborhoods. Visit Chinatown, take a sumptuous lunch overlooking the river, stop in ancient tea shops, discover bustling markets that cascade with color; this is a tour that always veers towards the city's unique experiences.
Bangkok – Discover Sensational Antiquity at Ayutthaya, the Capital of Siam
After breakfast you will make your way north through the rural outskirts of Bangkok and arrive in the tremendous remains of Ayutthaya Historical Park. Ayutthaya was once the capital of Siam before being destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese Army. Even with the collapse of the kingdom, the ruins continue their exquisite architectural reign over the city and the countryside. There is a pleasant blend of eastern and western architecture at Bang-Pa-In, the Summer Palace. You will see the iconic neoclassical statues on the bridge in the foreground with draped clothing and stoic faces. Then, visit Sage’s Lookout, a joyously painted lighthouse structure that once acted as a lookout tower for panoramic views of the charming countryside.
Once you are within the historic ruins of Ayutthaya, you will see that the diversity of the stone structures reflects the site’s unique continued history. The variety of temples contains various statues and adornments that have persevered through time and the elements, which has given the shapely statues and towering wats more coarse but unique exteriors. One of the most famous images you can find is at Wat Phra Mahathat, where the famous tree planted roots that grew around Buddha’s head. The tree encompasses the stoic face within its trunk as it gradually overtook the ground and the sky.
Drive back to Bangkok for the night.
After breakfast at your hotel we transfer to Bangkok airport.
