Our expert local guide will meet you at the hotel at 1PM, ready to set off and uncover Bangkok’s intricate web of waterways. Our first stop will be the Royal Barge Museum. Enter from the water and lay your eyes on the magnificent gilded ceremonial barges used in Royal processions, even today. Visiting the museum is the only place where you may see the barges up close. The Royal barges showcase a spectacular range of gilt and coloured glass decoration, extraordinary figureheads, and prows leading on to exquisite throne placements slightly aft of the boat. Learn about the barges, and see the ceremonial uniforms used by the crews.
After exploring the Royal Barge Museum, it’s time to board the boat again and head to Baan Silapin, also known as the Artist’s House. Situated in Khlong Bang Luang, one of the older heritage communities of the city dating back to the Ayutthaya period, Baan Silapin houses a fascinating museum of artworks and sculptures meticulously created by local artists.
Next, we’ll visit Wat Paknam. Wat Paknam is a sight that cannot be missed, in more ways than one. The temple grounds are home to a towering, 68-meter tall Buddha image known as Phra Buddha Dhammakāya Thepmongkhon. Visible from the distant surrounds of the city, this magnificent image stands close by the equally mesmerizing Phrarathchamongkhon Stupa, the inner halls of which showcase a spectacular artistic representation of Buddhist cosmology. Upon completing your exploration of the grounds inside Wat Paknam, we will then board our boat again for a short journey up the Chao Phraya river.
Our next stop will be Wat Khun Chan. Wat Khun Chan is one of Bangkok’s most underrated temples, a hidden gem which has fortunately managed to evade the worst of Bangkok’s tourist crowds. Soak in the colorful and intricately designed architecture as you roam the grounds and discover the history of this temple while you explore its vast collection of ornate sculptures.
Finally, we’ll arrive at our last destination, Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Laid out as a central prang (tower), surrounded by four smaller prangs, each one encapsulated inside of an intricate and beautifully designed porcelain exterior. The steep steps up the central prang may be climbed for a closer inspection of the upper levels, though you may wish to descend the steps backwards if heights are not your thing.
Upon completing your visit to Wat Arun, our day will come to an end and you will return to your hotel.
