Cultural Dining Experience with a Local Family in Bangkok

Bangkok Canals & Wat Arun Tour

An afternoon away from the skyscrapers and big city life. On this cultural excursion, you'll enjoy a river cruise along the bustling river and backwaters of Bangkok's canals. Watch as people go about their life on the klongs and then visit Wat Arun – the vast riverside Temple of Dawn.

Bangkok Canal Tour and Chinatown

Bangkok is famed for its skyscrapers and fast-paced way of life but on this tour you'll explore a different side to the city. You'll sail down a bustling river and quiet canals to get a feel for the traditional way of life. After cruising along, you'll end up in Bangkok's busy Chinatown for a look around.

Bangkok Temples Tour

Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, with around 95% of Thais practising the Theravada discipline of Buddhism. So it's not unusual to see monks walking the streets of Bangkok. This half-day tour takes you to Bangkok's three most sacred and significant temples – Wat Pho, Wat Traimit and Wat Benchamabophit.First up is Wat Traimit, known as the temple of the Golden Buddha, which protects a 3m tall Buddha statue crafted from more than 5 tons of solid gold. Then, it's onward to the second temple of the day – Wat Pho. It is known as the temple of the Reclining Buddha because of its large statues, which at an 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height, is the largest in the city.The day's final temple is Wat Benchamabophit – the ‘Temple of the Fifth King' – which is famed for its intricate Italian marble detail. To round off the tour, there's a visit to a lapidary factory, where you can browse handicrafts, jewellery and silk.

Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise by White Orchid

The ‘city of angels and nine gems' is also a city with the round-the-clock sightseeing. And this evening tour of Bangkok is no different. You'll cruise down the Chao Phraya River with the twinkle of the city in the background, and tuck into a tasty buffet dinner on board during this romantic evening cruise.

Don Wai Market and Boat Trip

Don Wai market has become something of a star in recent years. It's authentically Thai – there's lots of noise, colour, flavour and a few weird eats. And as it's a bit off the tourist radar, you can explore without the crowds – except locals, that is. To round off this genuine Thai morning, there's also a boat trip on the Tha Chin River.

Bangkok Royal Grand Palace Group Tour with Skip-the-line Entrance

If there's one thing you must see while in Bangkok, it's the architectural masterpiece known as the Royal Grand Palace. This half-day group tour with skip-the-line admission sees you exploring almost every corner of the palace complex with a guide and soaking up royal history, including the Wat Phra Kaew – the temple that houses the revered Emerald Buddha.Until 1925, the palace was the official royal residence for the Kings of Siam and their governments. And as you tread past its collection of pavilions and golden spires, you'll be transported back in time. You'll also visit the elaborately decorated Royal Chapel – or Wat Phra Kaew – and see the Emerald Buddha, carved from a solid piece of jade.You'll have plenty of time to admire the palace's ornate architecture, whose intricacy and richness never fails to impress. To round off the tour, you'll head to a lapidary factory to browse handicrafts, jewellery and silk products.

Royal Grand Palace and Bangkok Temples Tour

Bangkok's royal and spiritual riches dazzle on this cultural tour. Visit the Grand Palace as well as the beautiful Wat Pho and Wat Traimit temples, where the star attractions are Buddha statues – each one special in its own way.The morning kicks off at the Grand Palace, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Wander round the courtyards, temples, pagodas and gardens but make sure to visit the impressive Temple of the Emerald Buddha – home to a Buddha statue carved from one piece of solid, translucent jade. Next, you'll then head to the city's oldest temple, Wat Pho, famed for its huge Reclining Buddha. Next up is Wat Traimit. Here, you'll find the Golden Buddha, with an intriguing story to tell. Weighing as much as an elephant, this solid gold statue is believed to be about seven centuries old though it was only in 1954 that it was discovered to be made of gold. You'll round off the tour with a stop to a local lapidary factory to see authentic handicraft.

Floating and Railway Markets Tour

Thailand is famous for its markets and street food. But the two you'll visit on this excursion really stand out from the crowd. The Amphawa floating market and the Maeklong Railway market have to be experienced to be believed. You'll get into the thick of the action at both markets on this tour.Our first stop will be Talad Rom Huup – better known as the Maeklong Railway market. You won't believe your eyes when you see vendors and shoppers hop off the tracks and close their awnings as soon as the train signal blows.Then it's over to Amphawa floating market, where you'll see floating stalls packed with all kinds of Thai food and drinks, especially seafood. It's a bit more off the tourist radar than some of the other markets, so expect to be mingling with locals. You'll have plenty of time to take in the atmosphere, explore the market and listen to live music.

Ayutthaya Historical Park Tour

Before there was Thailand, there were Ayutthaya and Siam. These two kingdoms have left a wealth of ancient cities and palaces. And this excursion takes you to the most impressive – Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hemmed in by the Chao Phraya River, it was the capital until invaders destroyed it. Get the lowdown on ruins such as Wat Lokayasutharam – which has the largest reclining Buddha in the world – and Wat Mahathat, with its iconic Buddha's head devoured by fig tree roots. Then, on the riverboat back, you'll enjoy a buffet lunch and see top Bangkok sights from a new perspective.

Bangkok Phra Nakhon Walking Tour with Wat Suthat

Discovering Bangkok's temples and history is just one part of this walking tour. You'll see unexplored corners of the city and delve right into local culture as you navigate Wat Saket, Wat Suthat and the ‘Giant Swing'. Prasit, one of our local guides, says, ‘The 37 golden spires of Loha Prasat represent the 37 requisites of enlightenment. These are stages in Buddhist teachings that must be achieved before attaining enlightenment.'Kick off at the temple of Wat Ratchanatdaram, best known for Loha Prasat, one of the few bronze-roofed palaces in the world. Then you'll visit the Golden Mount, just a short walk away, where you'll find Wat Saket. Climb the 344 steps up the golden chedi for views over old Bangkok. Prasit adds, ‘Wat Saket is an important landmark that sits on the only hill in Bangkok, and it holds great significance for all followers of The Lord Buddha. The stairs are long but they take you up to the top for panoramic views of Rattanakosin Island.'Then, it's on to the Giant Swing – or Sao Ching Cha – and Wat Suthat, one of the most important temples from the Rattanakosin era. Prasit says, ‘Wat Suthat is my favourite temple. It stands out because the interior is richly decorated with murals of Thai life and faith. In the centre, above statues of praying monks, sits a giant golden Buddha.' After our visit, we'll have a coffee break before pressing on to San Chao Pho Suea, the ‘Tiger God Shrine'. And lastly, we'll walk to Ratchadamnoen Klang Road to end the tour.