CULTURAL RIDE
The cultural ride is the introduction to the wealth of Thai culture and history. This one day trip around the historic centre of Bangkok, Rattanakosin Island features renowned temples and landmarks that will leave you amazed.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace
Known by the locals as ‘Wat Pra Kaew’, this is the most sacred temple in Thailand. This is where the Emerald Buddha Statue is housed. Experience the 200 year old Rattanakosin architecture with over 1000 buildings along with wall paintings based on the Indian epic, Ramayana. In 2016 - 2017, a ceremony for King Rama9 has been held in some areas.
The City Pillar Shrine of Bangkok (Lak mueang)
The City Pillar Shrine is found in most cities in Thailand. The shrine is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the citizens.
Lunch at Tha Prachan Market
Find energy boosting lunch here at the Tha Prachan Market. Recharge your body with food from street vendors ranging from Thai style noodle soup to steaks. Don’t miss out on the juice and smoothie bars, very cheap and refreshing.
National Gallery
Set in a colonial building, the gallery features Thai art throughout the ages from the 17th century onwards. Temporary and modern exhibitions are displayed in the garden and special collection building.
Phra Sumeru Fortress
Phra Sumeru Fortress is the largest remaining fortress left in Bangkok. It is surrounded by a public park where you can rest and enjoy the sight of Chao Phraya River.
Bowonniwet Temple
This is where many royal princes including King Rama9 studied and ordained. It is our culture that every man must serve in the monkhood at a certain point in their life.The mural on the interior walls is painted to appear 3-dimensional.
Loha Prasada (The Iron Castle)
Another majestic temple of Thailand, the iron castle ‘Loha Prasada’. The one and only iron structured tower left in the world. There were once two towers with similar structure in India and Sri Lanka.
The Giant Swing
Constructed in 1784 to hold an annual swing ceremony known as ‘Triyampavai-Tripavai’, the swing serves as part of a Hindu ritual for opening the portals to Shiva’s home. The ceremony is discontinued due to safety reasons. It was suggested as a future UNESCO world heritage site.
Phra Chetupon Temple (Wat Pho)
Finish off your day with the sunset at Wat Pho, home of the famous ‘Reclining Buddha’. This is also where the world famous Thai massage was introduced.