5 DAYS UNSEEN BANGKOK AND RURAL CRUISE

Arriving in Bangkok, we transfer to Ayutthaya. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy lunch at The Wine Ayutthaya, a contemporary restaurant with unique design, at own expense.

Enjoy a tour of Ayutthaya Historical Park (UNESCO), visiting Wat Mahathat famed for a tree growing around the stone carving of Buddha’s face, Wat Phra Si Sanphet which represents the finest example of Ayutthaya architecture, and Wat Yai Chaimongkhol’s impressive collection of seated Buddha images. Continue to local market and walk through the Muslim Quarter where if you’d like, you can purchase unusual local delicacies such as candy floss roti.

Start with a morning tour of Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built by King Rama IV with Italian-inspired influence. After visiting the gothic-inspired Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, at noon we embark on your luxury river barge as you sail pass various landmarks and rural sceneries. A stop will be made at a local river temple before reaching your overnight stop.

As your cruise further downstream, we make a stop at Mon village of Ko Kret to partake in pottery workshop and if time permits, visit Wat Chalermprakiat in Nonthaburi area. You will disembark around 5pm at the Oriental Pier.

The evening is free at leisure or you can partake in optional unique dining:

• Futuristic Airplane Dining (4-10pm, 6-11pm except Wed). Modelled after Noah’s Ark, Na-Oh Bangkok not only showcases great gastronomy but also features private antique and art collectibles.
• Bespoke 9-Crouse Dining at Celebrity Chef’s Table (6.30-10pm; 4-16 pax). Meet and greet with Chef Pam who brought New York’s 3 Michelin stars experience into Bangkok’s private dining scene.

Choose from one of the following half-day morning Unseen Bangkok tours:

Option A: On the Blessing Trails. Start 7.30am to witness resident monks chanting their morning prayers at Wat Saket. After offering alms for health and safety blessings, take a short walk up to the temple’s golden hills with bell chimes and fantastic views of Rattanakosin neighbourhood. Make a stop at a small market to purchase sangkatan offering for donation at Wat Ratchabophit, before finishing at Tiger God Shrine, one of the oldest Taoist temples in Bangkok.

Option B: Unseen Khlong Thonburi. Board a longtail boat and admire Bangkok skyline from a unique viewpoint where glittering skyscrapers stand alongside traditional wooden and colonial houses. Pass the iconic Wat Arun into the intricate canal network of teak houses and modern mansions. Explore Wat Khun Chan, Wat Paknam and stop for a snack at Luang Prasit Canal Home.

Option C: Cycle Bangkok’s Jungle. After a short boat trip to Bang Kra Jao, set off 2h into a peaceful network of tropical plants, mangrove forests, traditional houses, golden temples and local markets with fresh produce. Enjoy delicious Thai dishes while learning about the friendly community life. On Sat or Sun, we also make a stop at Bang Nam Phueng’s large weekend market popular among the residents.

In the afternoon, visit Jim Thompson House. The charismatic American silk merchant’s leafy compound exhibits priceless antiques narrating Thai heritage and tradition. If time permits, continue to Ban Krua Nua, a local community with Thai silk shop and factory whom supplies for Jim Thompson House. Conclude with evening stroll at Wat Pho with its glittering chedi (please note that Reclining Buddha is not open at night).

Free day at leisure or you can enjoy one of the other unseen Bangkok tours at additional cost.