Our expert local guide will meet you at the hotel at 12pm, ready to set off and uncover Bangkok’s intricate web of waterways. Our first stop will be 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. Depending on the day of the week that you visit, you may be lucky enough to witness a traditional Thai puppet show which can be quite the experience. After exploring the museum, it’s time to board the boat again and head to the next stop, 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 colourful 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. After visiting Wat Khun Chan, it’s just a short hop across the Khlong to our next location, 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 mesmerising 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, and to one of Bangkok’s most famed locations, 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.
The final visit of the day leaves the temple hopping behind to explore another side of the river’s history. Pay a visit to the Royal Barges National Museum, entering from the water where you may 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.
Once you have finished exploring the museum, our day will come to an end and you will return to your hotel. If you wish to explore into the evening, you may choose an optional extension to continue on to the Mahanakhon Skywalk. An elevated glass walkway 314 meters high. This is Thailand’s highest observation deck and delivers a breathtaking view over the cityscape. The perfect place to end the day and have some fun trying to spot the places that you have visited. The extension to Mahanakhon Skywalk is available with an additional surcharge.
