Bangkok is more like another world than another country. It's a dazzling combination of stunning architecture and age-old customs, frenzied urban pace and Buddhist serenity.
Exotic and unfamiliar, Bangkok is a modern city still bustling with ancient traditions. It's been called the “Venice of the East” because it's built along the legendary Chao Phraya River and its canals, which still offer peaceful refuge from busy city life.
Bangkok is studded with magnificent temples, called wats, in a fascinating number of architectural styles. Temples are central to Buddhist traditions; they are sacred places of worship, and require appropriate dress.
You'll visit Wat Traimitri, the Temple of the Golden Buddha, and the world's largest solid gold Buddha. Cast nine centuries ago, this statue is 3 meters (almost 10 ft.) high and weighs 5 1/2 tons. Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. Its gigantic, gold-plated, reclining Buddha has inlaid mother-of-pearl soles, and is highly revered by Buddhists.
Other fabulous wats include the Temple of Dawn, a Khmer-style pagoda, the magnificent Royal Chapel, the Marble Temple, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, all included in the tour.
The Royal Grand Palace is also on the itinerary, an astonishing, 60-acre city landmark featuring spectacular architecture with temples, pagodas, royal residences, and lovely Thai-style pavilions. The Vimanmek Royal Mansion, called the Castle in the Clouds, is the world's largest building made entirely of beautiful golden teak.

Inclusions :

• Knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide
• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
• Thai lunch
• All admission fees
• All transfers and taxes

Duration:
Approx. 8 hours
Available:
Mon. and Thurs. only
Departure time and location:
Pick-up from your hotel lobby; time confirmed by fax
Return time and location:
Drop-off at your hotel lobby, approx. 4 PM
Note:
Children under 2 participate for free. Please do not wear shorts, sandals, or sleeveless T-shirts. Cameras may not be used inside the buildings.