Two-Day Best Of Bangkok Overnight Package, Hotel Not Included

Two-Day Best Of Bangkok Package Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Overnight in Bangkok and see the bustle of nightlife - for this package retain your own hotel.

DAY ONE
Begin your day with a comfortable transfer from the pier into the city, where you will board a klong boat. The Chao Phraya River is the city's lifeblood, very apparent once you are there. Watching the activity along the river and also in the canals of Thonburi gives you a revealing view of the contrast of life here. Scenes of those who work and live on and from the river are at great odds with modern city life. So, you'll begin your visit with a glimpse of the serene and simple life of the riverbank dwellers.

During this time, you will stop and visit Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, one of the most attractive temples in Thailand. With its five distinctive towers, or prangs, which are often used as a logo of the city, this temple played an important historic role in the development of Bangkok.

Your boat trip ends at the Chang pier, and just a few yards away (290 meters), you will enter the Grand Palace. This was the seat not only for the king and his court, but contained, within its crenellated walls, the entire government administration. It is a dazzling complex and the architecture is vibrantly Thai, brilliantly colored, and detailed. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th centuries. The most famous building on the property is the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which is regarded as the most sacred in Thailand. This is the only temple that does not contain living quarters for monks, just richly decorated statues and the centerpiece, the Emerald Buddha. You will walk through the palace grounds and learn of other small palaces inside as you work your way out to the next highlight.

A break for lunch at a typical local Thai restaurant will give you some down time before your next stop. After, head for one of the most stunning sites in Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. Here, you will see the Reclining Buddha, a breathtaking vision you cannot take in all at one time. The reclining state of the Buddha symbolizes his arrival at Nirvana, a state of all-knowing awareness that is the complete antithesis of relaxation or sleep.

Though some feel they can pass on the flower markets of the city, the Pak Khlong Talad Flower Market is a large riverside market between the Old City and Chinatown. As you visited the temples, you surely noticed the flowers that were left as gifts for Buddha. Your walk through will show you so many different designs, most of which will be left at shrines throughout the city along with fruit, candles, and other valued items.

DAY TWO
06:00 An early pickup from the hotel will take you in the direction of Ayutthaya, first stopping at Bang-Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence, which represents a fine example of Thai architecture. This retreat was established by King Prasat Thong in the middle of the 17th century and expanded later by Rama IV and Rama V. The buildings are an eclectic mix and they sit in the midst of tranquil lakes and manicured lawns, sending the message of relaxation.

By boat you will continue to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, which is situated 76 km north of Bangkok. It remains one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. It was sacked by the Burmese in 1767 and never inhabited again. Ayutthaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its ruins give a sense of the city's former size and glory, as well as an insight into the Thai culture.

During your daytrip you will visit Wat Phananchoeng or Wat Mahathad. Wat Phananchoeng existed before Ayutthaya was founded as the capital. The principal 19 metres high Buddha image is made of stucco and is the most revered by the inhabitants of Ayutthaya. Wat Mahathad with its iconic Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree is among the most photographed sites in Ayutthaya. Built during the 14th century, the temple was an important venue for royal ceremonies and was later destroyed during the Burmese invasion in 1767. Many Buddha images were also vandalized by cutting off their heads.

During the tour, a stop for lunch will be included. Your return transfer to Laem Chabang must depart at 12:30 p.m. for your timely ship departure.

- Please note above price excluded accommodation in Bangkok.
- If the group is using multiple hotels, there will charge each destination for drop off and supplement surcharge will be applied.

- The entire Grand Palace is closed during special royal ceremonies and during visiting heads of state, while other buildings (such as the Throne Hall and Coronation Hall) are always closed on Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, during special ceremonies, and on Buddhist holidays.
- Please note there are several cruise piers in and around Bangkok. If your ship changes itinerary, there may be a change in cost. If you have questions, contact ShoreTrips.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:00 AM, duration: 9 hours Day One
• 08:00 AM, duration: 9 hours Day Two