Bangkok National Museum

The Bangkok National Museum is dedicated to preserving the national cultural heritage through collections of art, archaeological and cultural objects in the Palace of Wang Na compound near the Grand Palace. The Gallery of Thai History is located in the Sivamokhaphiman Hall, with the Prehistory Galley at the rear of the building. The History of Art collection is displayed in the South and North Wings and the Minor arts, Royal Cremation Chariots and Ceremonial Objects are exhibited nearby in other buildings within the palace compound. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Bangkok City Tour & Grand Palace

This tour includes three of the most unusual Buddhist temples in Bangkok: Wat Trimitr with its invaluable Golden Buddha (5 1/2 tons of solid gold). Wat Po, the most extensive temple in Bangkok, with its colossal Reclining Buddha and the Chedis of the Kings. The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration. The architecture is vibrantly Thai though there are some European designs as well. Brilliantly colored and gilded, and decorated with intricate detail, the overall effect is dazzling. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century.
The most famous building on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. Construction of the temple began when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other Thai temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only the richly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main temple building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Though green in color, the Buddha is actually carved from a single piece of jade, and though only 17 inches tall, is the most revered object in Thailand. Also within the grounds are several palaces, used for various occasions: the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. The majority of halls and palaces can be viewed from outside only, but the exteriors are captivating enough to please.
Note: 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 SAT/SUN and public holidays, during special ceremonies and on Buddhist Holidays. A calendar for visiting the Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha can be viewed on the web-site of the Bureau of the Royal Household at: http://www.palaces.thai.net/calendar/2010/english_2010.htm

Bangkok City & Temples

From several magnificent temples in Bangkok, the three most unique ones are Wat Traimit, Wat Pho, and Wat Benchamabophit. Wat Traimit houses a striking 3-meter tall Golden Buddha image - a gleaming, 5-ton figure of solid gold. Wat Pho, which features the largest reclining Buddha image in Thailand, and the Chedi of the kings, is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple. Finally there is Wat Benchamabophit, a fine modern Thai temple constructed from white Carrara marble with ornate crossbeams decorated with lacquer and gold.

Bangkok by Boat

A unique way to experience Bangkok. Start with a trip by Skytrain to Taksin Bridge and continue by taxi boat to Bangkok's most well known fruit and flower market, Pak Klong Talad. Continue by local Tuk Tuk to Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple which features the largest reclining Buddha image in Thailand. A ferry crossing brings you to the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and its impressive ceramic covered Pagoda. Back to your hotel by taxi boat and skytrain.

Ancient City

The Ancient City, also known as Muang Boran, is both entertaining and historically interesting. This 320-acre outdoor museum is an architectural reflection of Thailand's glorious past. Nearly a hundred of the country’s most important historical landmarks and monuments, including palaces and temples, have been reconstructed as miniature replicas. Muang Boran also houses several ethnological displays of artifacts and antiques, including rural arts, ancient tools, and hunting equipment, evidence of the long-term survival of a native culture.

A Morning at the Park

Often called the “lung of the city” Lumpini Park occupies 140 acres or 56.6 hectar in the main business district of Bangkok, located on the north side of Rama IV Road, between Ratchadamri Road and Witthayu Road. It is the first public park of Bangkok, a heritage of King Rama VI given to his people in 1925. The activities in the past included kite competitions, cow races, swings, merry-go-rounds. Giving this land to the government, King Rama VII stated that the land could be used as a public park only. During World War II, the park temporarily became a Japanese soldiers’ camp. After the war in 1952 - 1954, it was a venue for the celebration of the constitution and the Miss Siam Beauty contest was held on the park's island. Lumpini Park houses the city's first public library and dance hall, a senior citizens club and sports club, where swimming and ballroom dancing are taught. During winter time, the park becomes the site for the annual Concert in the Park festival featuring classical music by the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and other bands (every Sunday at 5.00pm in December and January).

One of the “must do” things for every Bangkok visitor is to watch the morning activities in Lumpini Park or even better, participate in one of the morning Chi Kung exercises. Most of the “action” takes place between 0700 and 0800 in the morning, with people practicing Tai Chi, Qui Gong, Yoga, jogging, ball room dance, Thai dance and martial arts. Weekends and public holidays are the busiest days of the week with over 40.000 visitors a day, while Mondays tend to be the most quiet (street vendors are not allowed to set up their stalls on Mondays, which might contribute to the lower number of people visiting the park).

Itinerary: 06:30hrs Our guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and accompany you to Lumpini Park by private car or van. Participate in a 50-minute Tai Chi / Chi Kung exercise or take a leisurely walk through the park to watch the various activities taking place in the morning. Watch out for the large lizards at the lakeside and notice, how everyone comes to a standstill, when the national anthem is played over loudspeakers in honor of the king at 08:00AM. Transfer back to your hotel for a refreshing shower and breakfast.

HALF DAY TOURS EX BANGKOK

4-hour Spa Buffet at Dahra Spa

Select from the spa’s extensive menu any treatments for a maximum of 4 consecutive hours (or 240 minutes of total bliss and relaxation) at one fixed price. No need to decide weeks or months in advance, which treatments you might want to choose once you arrive in Bangkok. Just pre-book the spa-buffet for a specific date and then choose from the spa's menu once you arrive there. Choose among massages, body scraps, body wraps, facial treatments and complete packages that suit your taste. Dahra Spa is located on Silom Road, right in the center of the business, shopping and entertainment district and is open daily from 10:00 AM until 11:00 PM. The spa is within walking distance of Sofitel Silom and Narai Hotels and just a few minutes walk from BTS Skytrain station Chong Nonsi. For an overview of available treatments please ask for our special flyer (registered agents can view, print or download the flyer from our document library).