Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & River Kwai

This most interesting excursion brings you to the rural floating market of Damnoen Saduak, situated 110 kilometers west of Bangkok.
Continue to Kanchanaburi and take a scenic boat trip on Maeklong River towards the famous bridge over the River Kwai. After lunch, visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Center, an interactive museum, information and research facility dedicated to presenting the history of the Thailand-Burma Railway. The fully air-conditioned center offers the visitor an educational and moving experience. Then visit the two well-kept war cemeteries, which contain the graves of an estimated 9,000 allied soldiers who lost their lives while building the bridge and constructing the notorious "Death Railway" which the Japanese had hoped to stretch all the way to the Burmese (Myanmar) border. On your return journey to Bangkok, stop at Phra Pathom Chedi, considered to be the highest pagoda in the world.

Cycling Around Koh Kred

This easy tour heads north to the ancient province of Nonthaburi and discovers the beauty of Bangkok’s hidden gems, Nonthaburi and Koh Kred. The ride starts at Wat Ko Kriang, near the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Following a canal path, you will pass through local villages, past rice paddies, fruit plantations and the local riverside communities. Cross the Chao Phraya River to Ko Kred where you cycle around the island enjoying its peaceful scenery and car free roads. Finish cycling by having a great Thai lunch overlooking the river.

This is a very gentle 15-km ride along country back roads and suitable for anyone that can ride a bike. You ride as a group with experienced cycle guides setting a gentle pace and stop often to visit points of interest and allow everyone to catch up. Guides are knowledgeable on the local area and customs and explain the history, culture and local way-of-life each time we stop.

Colorful markets around Bangkok

Depart Bangkok in the morning to Mahachai, home to one of the biggest seafood piers in the Gulf of Thailand. Stroll along the river towards the pier at the junction where Klong Mahachai canal and the Ta Chine River converge to watch fishermen offload their catch: big and small shrimps, myriad fish, cuttlefish, shellfish and other fruits of the sea. Deckhands slide baskets of seafood down from the boat into the hands of traders who immediately auction off the catches and distribute them either to one of the many frozen seafood plants in the area or to vendors at the fresh market just behind the pier. At 10:00hrs board the local train for a scenic one-hour ride to Mae Klong. The train passes right through the bustling fresh market, which offers unique photo opportunities. Walk around the market for 30-minutes, then ready yourself for the hectic activities of the vendors along the railway tracks, when they raise the awnings of their stalls to clear the passage for the train on its return journey to Mahachai. Continue by van or coach to Ampawa to Baan Ampawa Resort for lunch. Afternoon, depart on a boat trip through the scenic canals, passing coconut and fruit orchards and rural dwellings. Visit the Benjarong House and Museum and watch skilled artisans painting delicate china ware with intricate designs. Continue by boat along Mae Klong River to Wat Bang Kung, built during the Ayudhaya period (more than 200 years ago). This interesting temple is completely embraced by the roots of a huge Banyan Tree. Return van / coach transfer to Bangkok (60-90 minutes, depending on traffic)

Bangkok Country Side Cycling Tour

This one day tour takes you out of Bangkok and back into the Thailand of old. Participants will be picked up from their hotels. The ride starts at the Kamalulislam mosque, the hub of the local Muslim community. Riding along the canals, you will glimpse the harmonious lifestyles of Thai families, as well as seeing fish farms, working rice mills, traditional Thai wooden houses and a traditional medicine shop. Visit the bizarre temple of Phurt Udom Pol where you have a chance to visit Buddhist heaven and hell while waiting for lunch. Continue cycling for another 10km to the old market town of Nong Chock. Then trade bikes for boats and complete the journey with a river cruise down the Saen Seab canal back to the mosque.

This is a gentle 40-km ride along country back roads and suitable for anyone that can ride a bike. You ride in a group with experienced cycle guides setting a gentle pace and stop often to visit points of interest and allow everyone to catch up. Guides are knowledgeable on the local area and customs and explain the history, culture and local way-of-life during each stop.

Ayutthaya to Bang Pa In by bycicle

Towering chedis amidst crumbling ruins create the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Situated just north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya once claimed Thailand's capital, but that governance ended abruptly in 1767 when the city was sacked by Burmese invaders. Despite destruction, the ruins emanate the city's prior dominance, beauty, and rich history. An easy day ride, this tour reveals the historic treasures of Thailand. From the impressive ruins of Ayutthaya to the grandiose summer palace of the kings, this bike trip takes you off the beaten path and onto the local trails through authentic Thailand.

After a short transfer from your Bangkok hotel, take to bikes to explore the ruins of the impressive Ayutthaya Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. Its distinct reputation is well earned - weathered layers of burnt bricks compose the stately stupas and chedis that guard these grounds. First, see Wat Yai Chaimongkol and its towering chedi, one so large that it presently is sinking. Then, biking through the ancient city's walls, visit Wat Phra Mahatat, the symbolic heart of the old city now famed for the picturesque tree roots that ensnarl its imbedded Buddha relic. Fruitful jujube trees still surround the Old Royal Palace, our next stop. From there you have time to continue exploring these precarious, precious structures, including the prominent Wat Chaiwattanaram. The ride to the summer palace at Bang Pa-In is a real pleasure, escaping into the Thai countryside, riding on quiet roads passing by the local communities that line this part of the Chao Phraya River.

TRIP PROFILE
This is a gentle 25 kilometre ride along country back roads and is suitable for anyone that can ride a bike. The roads are flat, quiet countryside trails pass by many local communities. You ride in a group, with an experienced SpiceRoads cycle guide setting a gentle pace. Stopping often to visit points of interest, there is opportunity to sample some of the local food. A support vehicle follows close behind with plenty provisions. Guides are knowledgeable on the local area and customs and explain the history, culture and local way-of-life at each stop. Water, soft drinks and snacks are all included as well as lunch and a quality mountain bike and helmet. This trip is suitable for most levels of riders and is an excellent trip for families.

Ayutthaya by Car

Among the “must see” attractions in Thailand is a visit to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand situated 76 kilometers north of Bangkok. The Thai capital for 417 years, Ayutthaya is one of Thailand's major tourist attractions. Many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in the city, which was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. 33 kings of 5 dynasties ruled the kingdom until it was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767.
During this day trip you will visit the principal sights: Wat Sri Sanphet - this important and outstanding monastery was used as a residential palace in the reign of King Ramathibodi I. Wat Phananchoeng: This monastery existed before Ayuttaya 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 Yai Chaimongkhol: The chedi at this monastery is among the largest in Ayuttaya and was built by King Naresuan (1590-1605). There are many Buddha images and a beautiful garden behind this chedi. This tour also includes a boat trip to Bang-Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence, which represents a fine example of Thai architecture.

Ayutthaya by Boat (Shangri La Horizon)

Depart by coach from Shangri-La Hotel to Ayutthaya. Visit Wat Chai Wattanaram, Wat Sri Sanphet, Wat Mongkol Bophit and Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. Depart for Bang-Pa-In, the former summer palace of King Rama V. Board the Shangri-La Horizon cruiser and enjoy the International & Thai buffet lunch on board, while cruising down the Chao Phraya River towards Bangkok. Coffee and tea are available free of charge later in the afternoon. Disembark at Shangri La Hotel’s pier at 17:00 hours.