Things To Do In Bangkok: Longtail Boat Canal Klong Tour - Travel Happy Travel Happy Pinterest See why Bangkok used to be called “the Venice of the East” by exploring its canals and the communities that still live on them, right in the heart of the modern metropolis It’s a cliche to talk about the pace of change in cities – how everything gets put up and ripped down so rapidly, especially in cities all across Asia. But Bangkok takes that speed of change one step further – there are few other cities outside China where a metropolis has metamorphosed so radically from its origins than in Bangkok. Visitors to Bangkok in the early part of the 20th century saw canals crisscrossing the city and providing the chief means of moving around it, all feeding off the Chao Praya river where tradeboats came in. These canals gradually succumbed to being filled in and turned into roads, generating the gridlock for which Bangkok has become notorious. But still in the heart of Bangkok lies a huge network of canals where hundreds of people go about their daily lives, just the other side of the Chao Praya from the huge skyscrapers of the financial district but seemingly a world away.

Bangkok’s canals are a magical place to visit and are a remarkable contrast to the frenetic pace of the rest of the city. You can get your very own tour of the klongs (canals) by hiring a longtail boat to take you there. There are several gentlemen touting for business at Saphan Taksin, the riverboat and BTS Skytrain stop – a longtail boat will comfortably hold at least six people and I’ve been variously charged 1500 and 1800 baht per boat for an hour and half trip around the klongs. There are all sorts of routes you can take, with lots of extra attractions to go and see and places to disembark for lunch or explore. You could make a whole day of it if you wanted. Both times I’ve done it, we’ve elected to simply stay in the boat and explore the klongs themselves. Riding a longtail boat is a bit of an adventure in itself – the distinct narrow, beautifully crafted wooden hull is powered by the famous longtail engine – basically a car engine with a propeller shaft attached.

The longtails were made famous by the chase sequences in the James Bond flick The Man With The Golden Gun, and they can shift when the boatman opens up the throttle. To enter the klongs, you pass through a lock which was build to prevent the houses along the canals flooding when the main river rises during the river season. Once through there – and sometimes it can take 15 minutes of waiting or so – you enter into the network of canals proper. It’s worth having your camera ready from the start, because lining the canals are all manner of houses from the most dilapidated to the impressively grand, all cheek by jowl with one another. The canals are quite narrow – only about 20 feet across – so there’s a lot to take in. Along the way, there are numerous temples, shrines, restaurants and schools and you’ll see the locals going about their day. There’s one enterprising lady who is a one-woman floating market, waiting in her little boat for visitors to come along to buy some trinkets. She’s very friendly and speaks excellent English.

There’s also mobile food vendors, who have their charcoal grill rigged up in the boat itself and are busy cooking up delicious chicken kebabs whilst paddling around the klongs with admirable dexterity. You’ll inevitably see kids messing around on the water’s edge and taking a swim – they give a cheery wave when you go by and usually try and compete over who can push the other one in the water first too. In short, there’s a whole way of life to see on the klongs, just by sitting on a boat and taking it all in. It makes a welcome change from the traffic snarlups on the other side of the river and also lets you get a glimpse of life as it used to be lived through much of Bangkok. The west bank of the river has remained largely undeveloped and this will no doubt soon change – but hopefully the klongs will remain and perhaps even have a renaissance as a way for 21st century Bangkokians to get around their city.

I’ve included a couple of klong photos here and there’s a gallery of pics you can browse too – click for larger images: Bangkok travel guide Bangkok Travel Guide Cheap Flights to Bangkok - Opodo provide cheap flights to Bangkok with online booking Bangkok Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see There are lots of motorcyclies in Bagkok Sezgin Aytuna Thailand 's capital city is a fantastic place to visit. It is the travel hub for the whole Southeast Asian region. Most people come back and forth if they visit the different regions of Thailand, for example Chiang mai, Koh Samui or Phuket or Trang . Its bad reputation for long traffic jams and pollution is no longer justified. At the end of 2000, the new BTS Sky Train went into service and new roads have been built. To get around there is also now the MRT metro (underground railway), which serves a number of locations in the centre of the city.

Tuk Tuk is an other way of transportation (taxi), it is an open air ride, however the polution is very high and the weather is very hot and humid it is not recommented to ride with it. It will be a noisy ride also inhale all gas from cars in front of you.. In comparison to other mega-cities, Bangkok is also a very safe city and has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. In the 'City of Angels', you’ll soon find out that walking, instead of taking a taxi or bus, is often the quickest option. Another good option is the water-taxi (catch it at the end of the Silom sky train line at Saphan Taksin). Besides the fact that it is an experience in itself -defy the polluted canals with the wind in your hair and see the back part of life in Bangkok , many of the city’s attractions are near to the various stops along the river. Make a stop at the Temple of Dawn and tour the klongs in order to find the floating market (sorry to disappoint you, but it has been transferred to solid ground) or just get off nearby Kao San Road.

There are three monkeys and a gorilla in the haystack. Despite the fact that most of them are located in the center of the thriving modern metropolis, Bangkok's sights, temples belong to the finest ones in Asia. The most spectacular are located on the same compound: the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The rooflines and spires are extravagant, ornamented richly and will probably leave you dazzled at the spot...and this is only one compound away from Bangkok's Chinatown. Other sights in Bangkok include the National Museum (a great introduction to the county’s history and artifacts), the Red Cross Snake Farm (to watch venomous snakes being milked) and the Weekend Market near Chatuchak Park (there’s a little bit of everything, including giant dead roaches neatly arranged for sale in the food section). Also worth a visit is the Suan Lum Night Market at the corner of Wireless Road and Rama IV Road. It is right next to Lumpini MRT station. The Jim Thompson’s House brings alive the era of a U.S. citizen who was almost solely responsible for reintroducing Thailand’s silk-weaving industry. His home is a tribute to Thai art and architecture.

Bangkok offers also an amazing nightlife with bars, discos, live music and even Latin Salsa is becoming popular. A lot is said about and done in Patpong, Bangkok's red-light district. It's not particularly different from red-light districts elsewhere. At night-time, Patpong's brightly and colorfully lit streets are packed with people who parade along the clubs lining the streets —some of which might even shock the most worldly visitors. Maybe there is already enough excitement for you going on Kao San Road and its neighboring area. This is the street to go when you're looking for cheap accommodation, small restaurants and fellow travelers full of good stories (of which one might give you a treasure-map of one of the unknown deserted islands just off the coast...) Acquiring tailor made clothes is one of the joys of visiting Bangkok. This alone could make this city a destination point as the tailoring here is the most prolific in the world. This said, there is very little information on tailors in Bangkok and which ones are best. To the untrained eye the quality is the same with all of them. You have to watch out which store to use, and which not to.

Universal Tailors on silom road is one of the highly rated bespoke tailoring store in Bangkok and the first choice of expats and embassies. If you want to get a personal advice how to get the best out of your one day Bangkok visit, check out the "A perfect day..." section. By the way, do you know the real name of Bangkok? It's Krungthep Mahanakon Bovorn Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokpop Noparatratchatathani Burirom Udomratchanivetmahasatan Amornpiman Avatarnsatit Sakkathattiyaavisnukarmprasit. The english translation would be something like: The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn.

Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Sezgin Aytuna Contributors Tour Itinerary, All Inclusive Tour, Trave, Vacation Packages, Trips Scenic setting of the Sunbeam Bridge Water Puppet Show Situated on the banks of the Red River, the city of Hanoi is a fascinating blend of Asian vibrancy and French colonial elegance. Today we enjoy a full day exploration of this beautiful city. A photo stop at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite situated where he read the declaration of Independence in 1945 and now holding the embalmed body of "Uncle Ho"; also visit the "house on stilts", located in the grounds of the Presidential Palace Ho Chi Minh resided here during the later years of his life, built in a traditional style, the house is small and spartan reflecting his egalitarian views. Our next stop, a short walk from the mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda an 11th century wooden temple built resting on a single stone pillar emerging from the water, it is designed to resemble a lotus bloom. A prayer here is said to bring fertility and good health.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, constructed in 1070 by King Ly Nhan Tong to pay tribute to Confucius, academics and scholars. Today, its pleasant gardens make an enjoyable spot to relax and watch the local art students sit on the grass and sketch the buildings. We then visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, originally used by the French to hold political prisoners it gained the ironic nickname the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War due to its harsh and unsanitary conditions. Whilst most of the prison has been demolished, the old gatehouse remains and is now a museum housing exhibits from the two eras. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to visit the Museum of Ethnology which offers a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups. Afterwards, we enjoy an unforgettable walking tour or electric cart tour to explore the narrow, chaotic streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Also known as 36 Streets, this maze of streets dates back to the 13th century and the street names, such as Tinsmith Street, Silk Street and Dried Fish Street, are indicative of the original trades that flourished here.

There are plenty of photo opportunities as you will pass street vendors selling various foods and produce. Although the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, you are encouraged to continue your discovery of Vietnam's culture with a unique traditional art of the water puppet show. Dating back to the 11th century, the performances on the water have appealed audiences for centuries, portraying Vietnamese folklore and their way of life including farming, fishing, romance and family. With its vibrant colors, artistic flair and childhood charm, it's no surprise that many agree you can't leave Hanoi without seeing a traditional water-puppet show! ( B,L ) Drive along Danang’s coastline to Hoi An Enjoy the beachside setting of your resort Wake up to the sunrise on the South China Sea before we further explore the beauty of Halong Bay. For those that are interested there is the chance to have instruction in Tai Chi on the boat’s sundeck. Continue to Surprise Cave, where we disembark to explore the incredible limestone caves with their stalactites, stalagmites and many other bizarre rock formations, all lit in fantastical colours to add to the magical charm of the setting. Upon returning to the boat we continue our cruise back to port.

Disembark the boat and transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Da Nang on the coast of the South China Sea. Upon arrival we will transfer to Hoi An. En route, you pass the Danang Beach. Hoi An was once a significant and prosperous port, with trading ships arriving from around the world to procure the local silks, tea, ceramics and other goods. However, with the emergence of nearby Da Nang as a centre of trade and the silting up of the river mouth, Hoi An declined in importance, the result of which is that the city has avoided much development and therefore the traditional Vietnamese architectures, temples and pagodas remain exceptionally well preserved. This historic charm combined with a relaxed ambiance has made it popular with the travellers, who come to explore its narrow streets and shop for bargains from the expert tailors who inhabit many of the old shop houses. Victoria Hoi An Resort & Spa or similar ( Brunch,D ) The Japanese Covered Bridge at Hoi An Hoi An’s Ancient Town and its famous tailors shops Wake up early today to visit the Duy Hai village on the other side of Thu Bon Rriver.

On a boat cruise, you will enjoy Hoi An's shimmering sunrise which complements magnificent sights behind the bend. First stop at the village is Noi Rang market where you may join in their selling and buying process. The local life at the Duy Hai village is strongly rooted in a traditional way, including farming. Photographers will enjoy capturing the authentic lives of the people. Following this, you will head back to your hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we set off to explore the delightful town of Hoi An on a guided walking tour. A protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An was once a significant and prosperous port, with trading ships arriving from around the world to procure the local silks, tea, ceramics and other goods. However, with the emergence of nearby Da Nang as a centre of trade and the silting up of the river mouth, Hoi An declined in importance, the result of which is that the city has avoided much development and therefore the traditional Vietnamese architectures, temples and pagodas remain exceptionally well preserved. This historic charm combined with a relaxed ambiance has made it popular with the travellers, who come to explore its narrow streets and shop for bargains from the expert tailors who inhabit many of the old shophouses.

On our tour we will learn about the town’s history and see the different architectural influences that resulted from the different nationalities that settled here. We cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in the early 1600s it was built as a symbol of peace to connect the town’s Japanese community with the Chinese quarter. Continuing into the old Chinese area we visit one of the lavishly decorated Chinese Assembly Halls, which were built as a meeting place for the local community. The tour concludes with a stop at a local market, where you can shop for souvenirs, and handicrafts or watch as the locals purchase exotic ingredients. Lunch with local speciality. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Take a vacation out of vacation and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Or, shop for Hoi An’s world famous tailor-made clothing at this colorful market town. Today is a real holiday. ( B,L ) Visit Hue Citadel, the Imperial City A Vietnamese temple This morning, take a vacation relaxing on the exquisite beachside setting of our ocean front resort. After lunch time, travel north over the Hai Van Pass, an old highway which winds through the mountains offering breathtaking views along the coast.

We continue, stopping to visit the beautiful Lang Co Beach, to the impressive city of Hue. Located on the Perfume River in the centre of the country, Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty, a feudal dynasty who dominated much of southern Vietnam between the 17th and 19th centuries. One of the most significant cultural and historic centers of Vietnam, the former imperial city of Hue is celebrated for its tradition of intellectual thought, Buddhist piety, and sophistication of its cuisine. The city is also famous as the site of a major battle during the Vietnamese War, evidence of which is clearly visible from the pock marks that scar many of the buildings. Hue, is renowned for its cuisine and tonight we enjoy a special banquet with traditional Nguyen Royal Cuisine. Saigon Morin or similar ( B,D ) Explore the royal Tomb of Khai Dinh Vietnamese girls in traditional costume After breakfast, we will enjoy boat cruise up the scenic Perfume River to visit the seven storey Thien Mu Pagoda, set atop Ha Khe Hill. Local legend says that an old lady foretold that a great leader would visit and erect a pagoda to bring peace and prosperity to the country.

Upon visiting the site in 1601 and hearing this story Nguyen Hoang, the first of the Nguyen dynasty, ordered the construction of this temple, the name of which translates as "celestial lady" in honour of the lady who’s prophecy he fulfilled. On our return to Hue we visit the tomb of Khai Dinh. This elaborate tomb is interesting as it combines a mix of Asian and French influences. Khai Dinh ruled from 1916 to 1925 by which time the Nguyen dynasty only really retained symbolic power as much of its real control had been ceded to the French colonialists. This close relationship gave him the opportunity to visit France and it is clear from the design of his mausoleum that he was influenced by the architecture he witnessed on this trip. In the afternoon, we then explore the city’s impressive Imperial citadel, from where the Nguyen Emperors ruled. This vast complex was not just a palace but also a fortress, surrounded by thick defensive walls and a moat. Although some of the citadel has been irreparably damaged during the conflicts with the French and Americans much remains well preserved or restored and as we wonder around the ruins we will learn about its history.

Set on the riverside the citadel’s Flag Tower, which now flies the country’s red flag with gold star, has become an important symbolic point of control in the city as power has shifted hands during the various conflicts. We enter through Ngo Mon Gate, one of 10 entrances into the Royal City and perhaps the most beautiful of the remaining structures. It actually has 5 gates, the central gate reserved for the emperor, the adjacent ones for mandarins and the outer ones for servants. Atop the gate is Five Phoenix Pavilion, from where the emperors proclaimed significant events, including the abdication in 1945. Visit Thai Hoa Palace, the emperor’s coronation hall, elaborately decorated in gold and red lacquer and featuring two dragons on top of the yellow tiled roof. The Purple Forbidden City , is at the heart of the Imperial Citadel and was reserved solely for the personal use of the Emperor and his concubines with the only servants allowed to enter being eunuchs. Our particular highlight of today’s tour is the opportunity to explore the old town of Hue on cyclos (three wheeled bicycle taxis).

Riding through its cobbled stone streets provides a great way to experience the colorful ancient town, the attractive French Quarter, and its bustling local markets, including Dong Ba Market, where local fresh produce, fish, flowers are sold, in a very intimate way. ( B,L ) Angkor Wat Giant roots at Ta Prohm, where Tomb Raider were filmed In the morning, we visit Dong Khoi Street, home to many of the city's most important sites from the French colonial period, when the city became known as the Paris of the Orient and this street was known as Rue Catinat. Appreciate the splendidly restored Opera House, the ornate of which is based on the Petit Palace in Paris and grand Hotel de Ville, now formally rebranded as the People's Committee Hall; see Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original in Paris; and across the square the impressive Central Post Office, designed by the architect Gustav Eiffel, most famous for the Eiffel Tower in Paris. We then visit the Reunification Palace, a vast building built in the 1960s as a presidential palace for the rulers of US backed South Vietnam.

It served as the headquarters of the Saigon government during the Vietnam War and it was here that the war ended in 1975 when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates. Time has stood still since as the building has been preserved and it is fascinating to just wonder through the empty halls, private quarters and command rooms. After lunch, transfer to the airport for our onward flight to the small Cambodian city of Siem Reap. The town is the gateway to the famous Angkor Wat, built during the Angkor period when Angkor formed the capital of a Khmer kingdom that stretched across much of South-East Asia. The Angkor period began in 802 AD when King Jayavaraman II declared himself "god-king" and lasted until 1431 when Angkor was sacked and looted by raiders from Ayutthaya. At its peak it was the largest pre-industrialised city in the world with over 1,000 temples spread over an area of almost 400 square miles and a population close to 1 million. The end of the Angkor Period, led to the region losing prominence and the temples became hidden by jungle for many years.

The temples were rediscovered in the late 19th century by French archaeologists and have now justly become one of the major tourist attractions in the region Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa or similar ( B,L,D ) Angkor ruins at sunset Angkor Thom Start your morning off with an up-close experience of the local life in Cambodia. In this Buddhist nation, monks are highly respected in society, as families often go to the Pagoda to pray and receive blessings from these religious individuals. We will bring candles and sticks of incense to the pagoda and participate in a private ceremony, receiving blessings of good luck from the local monks living in the temple. Sit on the mat while the monks chant and sprinkle holy flowers on you, - a traditional form which is believed to pass good luck of the gods. You will then receive a sacred thread which is to be tied around your wrist, a symbol of protection from evil spirits or bad events. Then we visit the most famous of all the temples and believed to be the largest religious building in the world, the magical temple of Angkor Wat. Arguably the most breathtaking of all the Angkor temples, it has become a symbol of Cambodia and is probably the main draw for visitors coming to the region.

Built in the early 12th century by Khmer King Suryavaraman II it was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and served as the Khmer capital until Jayavarman VII built Angkor Thom. The enormous three-tiered temple, crowned by five lotus like towers is meant to symbolise the mythical Mount Meru and the steep steps up to the upper galleries can make it feel like a mountain. Throughout, the temple is decorated with hundreds of ornate carvings of figures from Hindu mythology. Afterwards, you visit the temple of Banteay Srei. Built largely of red sandstone in the 10th century, this is an earlier example of Angkor architecture on a significantly smaller scale than the grand architecture of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. It is this contrast that makes it particularly popular, especially as it has been very well preserved and is highly regarded for its elaborate wall carvings. On the way back, visit the grandma's house for local touch. ( B,L ) Temple of Banteay Srei Girls at traditional Lao festival Today, we are exploring the temples, including arguably the two most impressive and famous sites The Bayon and Ta Prohm.

Our expert guide will give an invaluable insight into the history and context of these incredible ruins. Take an exciting tuk-tuk to explore the remarkable temples, Ta Prohm has been allowed to remain largely as it was when it was when it was rediscovered, semi-shrouded by the jungle that surrounds it. This makes it especially photogenic as the roots of giant fig trees grow around and through the crumbling stonework. Dating from the 12th century, the Bayon stands at the centre of Angkor Thom, which served as the capital of King Jayavarman VII and was the centre of his building programme. The temple's most distinctive and captivating feature are the massive stone faces, with a curious smiling image which many historians believe to be a depiction of the King himself. There are over 200 of these faces, in various sizes looking out in each direction of the compass from the temple's 54 towers. We also visit the other important sites of Angkor Thom: its West and South Gates; Bauphon and Phimeanakas, which both pre-dated Angkor Thom but were incorporated into the city; The Elephant Terrace and The Terrace of The Leper King.

Following a delicious lunch we proceed to Tonle Sap Lake, this spirit of Cambodia. This lake is one of the most unique ecological water wonders in the world. It is the largest lake in South East Asia and changes in size and dimension every wet season. Today, we board a traditional boat to discover the floating villages and fish farms of this legendary lake. Afterwards, we take ox cart ride to experience the life at the local villages and enjoy the natural beauty of Cambodia countryside. Enjoy dinner, accompanied by a traditional Aspara dance show. ( B,L,D ) Royal Palace of Luang Prabang Wat Visoun After breakfast, we visit to Preah Ko, one of the oldest funerary temple. Continue to Bakong Temple Mountain with wonderful carvings on the false doors and lintels. These both temples were from the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya, flourished in the late 9th and early 10th Centuries. Nowadays, they are located in Rolous area which is about 13 km from the town. In the afternoon, we transfer to the airport for a flight to Luang Prabang, Laos.

The landlocked country of Laos, does not share the wealth of history that many of its neighbors can boast. Much of the country is covered in dense jungle and tourist infrastructure is poorly developed. The exception to this is Luang Prabang, a small gem of a city located at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. World Heritage listed by UNESCO the city is circled by mountains and its streets are lined with a seemingly endless number of Buddhist Temples, whose saffron clad monks make a colourful spectacle each morning as they receive alms. Upon arrival into the small airport and clearing immigration, we will transfer to our charming hotel set in the heart of the city where there will be a chance to freshen up before a traditional dinner is served. Xiengthong Palace or similar ( B,D ) Monks receive alms, Luang Prabang Cruise on Mekong to visit Pak Ou Caves Enjoy a day exploring the charms of Luang Prabang with our expert guide. Visit the former Royal Palace, built in 1904 during the French colonial era, this ornate building is set amid beautifully manicured gardens.

The Palace is now a museum as the country’s monarchy was overthrown by the communists in 1975. Our tour continues visiting the Buddhist temples of Wat Xiengthong which translates as the Temple of the Golden City and originally dates from the 16th century, although it was completely remodeled and redecorated in the 1960s. You then walk to the Wat Sop temple where you will have a chance to learn about and interact with the monks. Monks in Laos are generally not religious ascetics who give their whole life to the religion; in fact, most Laos men spend a period in life as a monk studying and learning about the Buddhist religion. So many of the monks you meet will just be boys and young men doing this for a short period. We then travel by road through the countryside to the Kuangsi Waterfall and have a memorable picnic lunch. Formed between cascading layers, these turquoise pools are the subject of many iconic photographs. You are free to relax and swim, or to visit the bear sanctuary nearby.

( B,L ) Pak Ou Cave luang Prabang Cruise on Mekong to visit Pak Ou Caves We head to the river and board our boat, the traditional Nava Mekong for a leisurely cruise along the majestic Mekong River. As you cruise along the river you will be able to enjoy the peace and beautiful scenery as we wend our way through jungle and past small rural communities. After about an hour's cruise we will reach Pak Ou caves, an important religious site in a spectacular setting. This group of caves, set against towering limestone cliffs is home to hundreds of statues of Buddha, in different sizes and poses that have been placed here by pilgrims over a number of centuries. After time to explore and photograph this captivating site we return to the boat where a typical Lao lunch will be served on board. The rest of afternoon will be for you leisure. ( B,L ) Wat Phrathat at Doi Suthep Mountain Chiang Mai at night We wake up early this morning to see an incredible ceremony known as Binthabhat, a must see when visiting Luang Prabang.

Every morning in Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos, hundreds of monks walk barefoot in single file through the streets, carrying their alms bowls to receive alms from people. The donors offer sticky rice, snacks and fruit to the monks in order to gain merit, which they believe may lead to a better next life or lessen the number of times they must be reincarnated before achieving nirvana. Morning market by the mountain foot can't be missed as well. The market is the best place where you can find all kinds of ingredients for local food. If you're lucky, you will have chance to see giant Mekong fish, or in dry season, you can taste grilled honey bees, delicious! Leave the market to your hotel at around 8a.m for breakfast, shower and check out at 11:00 for short transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai in Thailand, the fourth and final country on our tour through Indochina. Bustling, colourful and exotic Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city and an important cultural hub, famous for its cuisine and handicrafts.

Following check in at our hotel we will visit the wondrous Wat Prathat set atop Doi Suthep mountain a short distance outside the city. Still a working monastery, this striking temple originally built in 1383 is a genuine highlight, with its ornate copper plated chedi which glistens in the sun, a model of the Emerald Buddha and glorious views over Chiang Mai. Siripanna Villa Resort, Chiang Mai or similar ( B,D ) Chiang Dao Elephant Camp Cooking class at Chiang Mai An undoubted high spot of the tour for many today we visit the Chiang Dao Elephant Camp, an ecotourism park and wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the survival and development of Thai elephants. These majestic creatures are one of the symbols of Thailand and have long held an important role in Thai culture. However, sadly with habitat loss impacting wild elephants and poor treatment of some domesticated animals life for some is hard. This park provides a natural environment for the elephants to be rehabilitated whilst offering visitors a chance to learn more about these grand animals. Continue on to a nearby Orchid Farm where lunch is served. After lunch there is time to explore and learn about the exquisite blooms at the farm.

Afternoon visit to the village of Baan Tong Luang, where you can visit different ethnic groups in the north, such as Karen, Lahu, Palong, Hmong and Padong known female giraffe. The evening is free time and you may to decide to visit Chiang Mai’s famous night market, a perfect place to shop for bargains. ( B,L ) The Grand Palace Bangkok Palace in Bangkok Chiang Mai is renowned for its cuisine and this morning you will get the chance to make and sample some Thai food with our cookery class. The expert teacher will instruct you about the mix of exotic ingredients that are carefully blended to produce the flavoursome dishes that are a signature of Thailand. Later, transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangkok, Thailand's vast and vibrant capital city. Straddling the great Chao Phraya River, 12 miles upstream from the Gulf of Thailand, Bangkok is an exuberant and exhilarating metropolis of seven million people. Founded by Rama I in 1782, Bangkok is known to Thais as Krung Thep ("City of Angels").

It is one of the world's most exciting cities, highly regarded for its trendy nightclubs, cosmopolitan dining scene, and its markets, shops, magnificent wats, museums, royal palaces and parks offering something for everyone. Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok or similar ( B,L,D ) Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Long tailed boat ride along "Klongs" Today we discover the flavor of day-to-day life in Bangkok, a vast city of more than eight million people and an international economic powerhouse. Home to royal palaces, gleaming five-star hotels, and eclectic markets-Bangkok’s vibrant, cosmopolitan feel will impress at every turn. After breakfast we head to Wat Po, site of a giant reclining Buddha, and witness the monks’ ritual morning chants. We then ride tuk tuks ( the three-wheeled taxis so ubiquitous in Bangkok) past Pak Klong Taland Flower Market. The flower market explodes in tropical colors, and flowers play a vital role in Thai culture in temples, hotels, restaurants, and homes. The Grand Palace, an extraordinary example of an ancient Siamese court, first housed the Thailand’s kings.

Early Siamese built several palaces for assorted purposes and rituals, including the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House, and the temple of the Emerald Buddha. Next, we travel by longtail boats along the "klongs" of Thonburi, canals which once traversed most of the city and lead to its nickname as the Venice of the Orient. Alas, most have become roads for automobiles, but the few that remain still offer a rare and exotic ride past family homes and colorful floating shops and kitchens. Before lunch at a riverside restaurant, we’ll head to the imposing Wat Arun, beside the Chao Phraya River, and continue to Chinatown where a thriving local community congregates to shop for familiar foods, fruits, herbs, and medicines. ( B,L ) Extension tour in Sapa Travelers from JFK must book this unique Sapa extension that includes our Culture Insights Program! Sapa is the gateway to a world of fascinating minority cultures, luscious landscapes, and is a real retreat after the hustle and bustle of city life.

Around Sapa are gorgeous valleys with quilt-design rice terraces, lofty mountains and authentic hill minority homes, making it the perfect start to discovering the beauty and mystery of Vietnam. Our 6-day Sapa program is a privately guided pre-trip tour that features deluxe accommodation in a French Colonial hotel; 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner; all transportation including an overnight train experience to Hanoi; unique home visits to the minorities’ villages; authentic, rural insights into the local life including the colorful Bac Ha Market, and more! Minimum of two passengers. 1000+ images about Thailand Travel on Pinterest | Thailand travel, Doi inthanon national park and Nakhon si thammarat Forward Sukhothai Historical Park, Kao, Thailand - The ancient city of Sukhothai in Thailand is a must visit. The former capital of Thailand (in the 13th century), it is now a huge park area filled with temples, chedi's, and seated buddha. It's also word heritage listed. You'll need at least a day to explore it, and the best way to do so is by bike as the area is quite big!

Bring lots of water and a hat, Thailand is hot and shade here is limited. Sukhothai is also regarded as one of the best places… See More Bangkok, Thailand Travel Guide :: TripTutor.com Bangkok, Thailand Travel Guide Vacation Type: Romantic, Cosmopolitan, Culture and History Popularity: Touristy Attractions: Nightlife, Historical Sites, Food Destination, Cultural Attractions, Shopping, Spa & Wellness Facts and Stats: Current Time: Introduction: Bangkok is Thailand's capital city and the main entry point into Thailand. It is by far the largest city in Thailand and is both a fascinating and overwhelming city. It juxtaposes old and new with temples and skyscrapers, billboards and Buddhas. The city definitely requires some preparation and patience - for the heat, humidity, pollution and traffic. Once you are prepared to deal with these factors, Bangkok has many wonderful things to offer. It has some of the world's best shopping, in particular-textiles, silver, and knock off designer labels. The people are warm and friendly which is surprising for a city of this size. It is one of the few places in Asia that has never endured colonization, so the cultural heritage has been preserved better here than in many other places.

To enjoy Bangkok most is to appreciate what Bangkok truly is - a dichotomous metropolis where glitter meets squalor, where monks serenely pass Starbucks, where the word massage has multiple meanings. It is a cosmopolitan city where all roads meet. Or as the song says: "One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble, not much between despair and ecstasy". Geography: Thailand is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and borders the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The country is roughly the same size of Texas, and is composed of four main regions. The northwest mountainous region contains numerous ruins and temples and Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon (8,417 ft). The northeast region is the arid Khorat plateau. It is characterized by rolling hills and it is the least-visited part of the country. The southern region of Thailand, which stretches for hundreds of miles along the Malay peninsula is filled with stunning beaches and tropical islands among them Phuket, Samui and Chanhg, and is certainly the most visited region of Thailand. The central region which consists of the fertile plains surrounding the Chao Phraya River, is the country's most populated region.

Bangkok is criss-crossed by a network of natural and man-made canals called 'klongs' all of which link to the Chao Phraya River. The canals were the primary means of transport in former times. Today, they help drain the flat city during the rainy season. Bangkok is just above sea level so there is significant flooding during the rainy season. Thailand's capital city of Bangkok is located along the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is divided into several districts . Most tourists will likely find themselves in the Sukhumvit Road or Rama I Rd areas. Sukhumvit Road makes up the border between the Klong Toei and Watthana districts and is where many of Bangkok's popular hotels and restaurants can be found. As you head west on Sukhumvit, it turns into Rama I Road in the Panthum Wan district and is home to upscale hotels and shopping. For those on a budget, Khao San Road in the Phra Nakhon district is a backpacker's paradise. Brief History: Ayutthaya was the capital before Bangkok, but it was sacked by Burma in the 18th century.

Under a general named Taksin, Siam (Modern Thailand) managed to reassemble and expel the Burmese. Thonburi was established as the new Capital, located on the east bank of the Chaophraya River. Taksin's commander of the army, General Chakri assumed rule and was crowned King Rama I in 1782 and moved the capitol across the river to a small village. He called the new Capital in 1785: Krung - thep - maha - nakorn - boworn - ratana - kosin - mahintar - ayudhya - amaha - dilok - pop - nopa - ratana - rajthani - burirom - udom - rajniwes - mahasat - arn - amorn - pimarn - avatar - satit - sakattiya - visanukam.

It is the world's longest place name and it means: "Great city of angels; the repository of divine gems; the great land unconquerable; the grand and prominent realm; the royal and delightful capital full of nine noble gems; the highest royal dwelling and grand palace; the divine shelter and living place of reincarnated spirits." It was also known as Krung Thep or "City of Angels" after the old capital, Ayutthaya. Prior to the capital's relocation, the village was known as Bang Makok, or "Place of plum olives". Today, people know the famous city simply as Bangkok. King Rama I commanded the construction of the Grand Palace close to the river, which was modeled on the ancient palace of Ayutthaya with The Emerald Buddha Temple within the city walls. Canals were extensively dug around the city for defense, and earned the nickname, "Venice of the East". Rama IV established a railway system, built many temples and roads in the city to modernize Bangkok in the late 1800's. In 1932, Thailand established a constitutional government from an absolute monarchy and Bangkok became the hub of a still expanding public service.

Although it is now a constitutional monarchy, the king remains a highly respected figure. The current King Bhumibol (Rama IX) was crowned in 1946 as the ninth king of the Chakri dynasty. The first few decades of his reign were marked by the rise of communism, which led to growing American military aid and a continuing succession of military dictators. The enduring legacy in Bangkok of this time is the city being a 'rest and recreation' spot for foreign troops involved in the Vietnam War. The sex trade continues to this day in the form of various nightclubs and massage parlors. This was also a period of time when many people migrated into Bangkok from rural areas. It grew very quickly, which is reflected in the chaotic planning and tragic congestion of the city. People/Culture: Thailand is known as the "Land of smiles" for a reason. Everyone smiles and you should give it a go too. Their reputation for hospitality is legendary. You will find the service excellent and accommodating. In general, Thais are warm, hospitable, and tolerant people. More than likely someone will strike up a conversation with you and most in Bangkok speak at least some English.

It is appreciated, of course, if you try to use some Thai no matter how bad you think you mangle it. In a big city like Bangkok there is the taxing peddler angle of selling to the tourist that can be aggravating. Most will be be polite if you just say "No thank you" if you are not interested in what they are selling. Occasionally, some may overcharge or lie about their prices, so just try to be informed as much as possible to avoid these occasional pests. This is not indicative of most people, but it may be encountered. If it does, it is important to not become visibly agitated or to yell or confront someone. It is not only impolite here; it is seen as weak and will not get you anywhere. There are customs to be aware of here to be respectful to the place you are visiting. The head is the highest point of the body and should not be touched. Alternately, the feet are the lowest part of the body and should be seen as little as possible, in particular, you should never show the bottoms of your feet to someone. People do not typically address one another with handshakes, but with a small bow.

Excessive displays of affection in public are frowned upon. Shoes are removed when entering someone's home. Monks cannot be talked to or touched by females. Other elements of their culture such as Monarchy and religion are taken quite seriously in Thailand, so please be respectful to the Royal Family and all Wats (temples) and Buddha images at all times. If you are respectful to their way of life, they will in turn be gracious, warm, and accommodating. Food: Bangkok has a huge range of places and things to eat. However, Thai food is extremely good, and their food is as famous as their hospitality. Traditionally spicy, it aims for harmony between flavors. You can find great Thai food in stands and in nice restaurants. Very good and popular Thai dishes include: Gaeng Keow Wan (green Curry), Som Tam (papaya salad), Moo Kratium Prik Thai (stir fried pork with garlic and basil), and Tom Yum Goong (hot and sour soup with seafood). If you are a picky eater or have food allergies, you will probably be better off in a restaurant rather than a stand, because then you can omit ingredients.

There is VAT of 7% added to restaurant bills in Bangkok and this is usually added to the bill at the end. In addition, many restaurants also add a service charge of around 10%. Where this is not added, visitors should tip around 10%. Grocery stores are all over, and the larger ones do sell products from the US and UK. Foodland is open 24 hours and has eateries the store. Of course, Bangkok does have the usual array of fast food. There are produce markets and wet markets (seafood) also, if you wish to cook at home. Drink bottled water to be safe. There are strict regulations on water in place, so purified ice is usually bought from a commercial supply. If you order water from a street vendor and it has a strange pale yellow color, it means that it is boiled tap water, strained with tealeaf to signify that it has been boiled. Money/Costs Thailand's unit of currency is the Baht. At the time of this writing, there are about 30 Baht to the USD.

Over the last several years, the Baht has become stronger against the US dollar and other currencies making Thailand removing some of the "cheap" appeal that was a large incentive to visit here. It is still reasonably priced, but is becoming more of a "you get what you pay for" destination like most others. Despite rising costs, you can still spend as little or as much as you like in Bangkok. For budget travelers, Bangkok has a ton of hostels where you can often stay for less than $10/night and eat delicious street/cart for less than $5. At the other extreme, you can spend $500/night on a room and over $50 on a dinner entree alone. Of course, there is everything in between as well. If you use your ATM card at the airport to withdraw money, the exchange rate is good. It is also much easier than going before hand to exchange all of your money. ATMs are easy to find throughout Bangkok, although they do go down a lot. Give yourself a little buffer in case you have to wait a little longer than you thought. Be sure to have small denominations on hand as many small vendors don't carry a lot of change.

Haggling does not typically happen with food vendors, but it does when you are buying goods. There is no accurate answer on how much to haggle down. Anywhere from 25-40%- but it all depends on the vendor. Be friendly, smile a lot, speak Thai - are all likely to get you a better deal. Getting there/Around: Bangkok has 2 airports, Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Muang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi replaced Don Muang for international travel in 2006. Don Muang currently offers domestic flights from Thai Airways, Nok Air, and One-Two-Go. See the "services" category at the top of the guide for more information. Here are some approximate distances from popular departure points. From Europe: 12 hours direct, 16 hours non direct From Eastern Australia: 9 hours direct, 12 hours non direct From West coast USA: 16 hours direct, 21 hours non direct From East coast USA: 22 hours with one transfer on West Coast USA, 24 hours with a transfer in Europe. Bangkok has awful traffic - there is no getting around it.

Even the sidewalks are crazy, and it is always sticky hot so people try to keep walking to a minimum. There is a skyway and a subway to help alleviate the notoriously bad traffic. You can buy an unlimited 3-day skyway pass for about $7.00 USD. The Skyway and Subway are best used when you are trying to traverse all the way across town. To travel shorter distances, use the metered taxis (and they have air conditioning). You can get to most places for under 3 dollars. Many taxi drivers are from the Isaan region of Thailand and speak little or no English. Many hotels, restaurants, taxis, etc. have printable maps on their site that you can give the driver so they know where to go. Many hotels also have business cards with instructions to show the driver so you can get back. Also make sure you have the phone number of your destination in case the driver gets lost or doesn't understand where you are trying to go. That allows them to call the place and get directions. Real taxis have a red and white taximeter sign on the roof. Don't use others.

Airport taxis are white with green plates, and offer fixed rates to specific parts of town, but these are typically more expensive than a metered taxi. You can also hire tuk-tuks (3 wheeled carts). They are inexpensive, but noisy and hot. You will need to negotiate your rate before embarking. You may want to try one for the novelty, but metered taxis are cheaper. Water taxis are extremely cheap as well, and many of the sites you may want to see are located along the river. They get very crowded during rush hour, so try to plan around that. Buses go everywhere and are very cheap, but without speaking Thai it can be hard to figure out. If you are feeling adventurous, it is a next to nothing way to get around. Some are very crowded and some do not have air conditioning. The fare and accommodations for trains leaving from Bangkok's Hua Lam Phong train station are very inexpensive. If you are traveling long distances, like Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you should splurge and get a second-class sleeper car with A/C. You'll save time by traveling at night, and it's much more comfortable to sleep in a bed instead of a seat.

Bottom bunks are more expensive than top ones because the top bunks are very close to the ceiling. To get back to Bangkok once you've left to travel elsewhere is very easy. Pretty much everywhere in Thailand will offer a bus or train service back to Bangkok. If you are in a major city it is probably best to fly back to Bangkok because internal flights are very cheap. Try Air Asia or Nok Air for some of these bargains. There are also buses that run from Bangkok to popular destinations, and are very reasonable, but crowded. Weather: Thailand has 3 distinct seasons: The rainy season: June - October, with intermittent rain and overcast weather. The cool season: November to February and has cooler temperatures, low humidity and little rainfall. The hot season is: March to June with hot and dry weather and April being the hottest month of the year. The current weather conditions in Bangkok are shown below.

Below are the high and low temperatures, and precipitation averages: Month The full name of Bangkok - Bangkok SM Hub Bangkok SM Hub The full name of Bangkok Contents 1.3 The formal manifest Full name of Bangkok Unless talking to foreigners who don't know any different, Thais will never call their capital city Bangkok - indeed, some Thais in the more remote provinces may never have even heard of it being called that. Instead in Thai it is known as Krung Thep (กรุงเทพ), which roughly translates to 'City of Angels'. Bangkok (translated as 'village of wild plums') was the original site for the capital city and was located west of the Chao Phraya river (in modern day Thonburi ). In 1782, King Rama I decided to move to a more defensible site and moved across the river to found his new capital, Krung Thep. For whatever reason, foreigners have never since caught up with the name change and the old name of Bangkok has stuck.

In recent years, Krung Thep/Bangkok has expanded at such a fast rate that it now sprawls over a huge mass of land on both the sides of the Chao Phraya and has engulfed the once independent Thonburi. Krung Thep is actually an abbreviated version of the ceremonial full name, which is shown below. กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยามหาดิลก ภพนพรัตน์ ราชธานีบุรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์ มหาสถาน อมรพิมาน อวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยะ วิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์ In the official English romanisation, this is certified as the longest place name in the world in the Guinness book of records.

It's pronounced something like: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit So given the length of it, it's not hard to see why it's shortened in every day use. The full name itself is never actually used, though it can be seen on a few signs around Bangkok as part of a tourist campaign. Another version, Krung Thep Mahanakhon, is quite common in official documents, car number plates and the like. Despite the length of it, an impressive number of Thai people are still able to recite the entire name off by heart. They wouldn't necessarily understand what it means though, as many of the words are archaic and no longer used in modern Thai.

The full name actually translates to a string of superlatives, which give some idea of how fond King Rama I must have been of his new city: The city of angels, the great city, the residence of the Emerald Buddha, the impregnable city (of Ayutthaya) of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarn. Hear the full name: 38secs Now that's a mouthful! in our page about local history you'll see yet another short video about the full name, and a video showing with the words so you can practice.

haa haa good luck Song about the name: 2.31mins The city's aspects: Photo album <> Videos The formal manifest According to the Committee for Rattanakosin Bicentennial Celebration to Commemorate the Rattanakosin Bicentennial, THE CHAKRI MONARCHS AND THE THAI PEOPLE: A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP, the English title as given by the authors themselves, after King Rama I, took throne on April 6, 1782, his first task was to find the new site for the capital city. He didn't not want to continue using Thonburi as the capital citing the fact that as the wall of the city was on jaaw phrayaa River which could be hard to defend in time of war. Besides, Thonburii was in the bottom of the River's curve and the land on its bank eroded. The palace itself was constrained by two wats: wat arun and wat thaaytalaad. He believed the other side of the River was better as the city would be situated on the top of the curve. The River itself could serve as a natural kuumuang on the western side.

On the eastern side, a kuumuang (man made water reservoir created to protect the enemy) could be easily dug. The site was at the time occupied by the Chinese who then were relocated to the new site between Kloong wat saam plum and Kloong wat sam pheng. On Sunday of the sixth month, khUn"sip'kam" (the 10th day of the rising moon period), at 15 minutes after midnight, the City's pillar was erected. The date is translated to the western calendar as April 21, 1782. The new city was named by King Rama I as: .... see above ... King Rama IV (Kung Mongkut) had the term bOO wOON changed to a mOOn as the name now appears. King Rama I ordered a canal to be dug connecting to the River at Baang lam phuu on the northern side and at wat saam plUm on the southern side. Then wall was built along the canal inner side for more than 7 kilometers. Along this wall, there were 14 forts. Within this wall, the Grand Palace was constructed.

There were many halls and a wat, wat phra sii rad tana saadsa daa-raam (wat phrakAAw). The palace was cosmologically designed to be the center of the new city. From the name one could see the term ayutthayaa which was from, as was that of krung sii ayudthayaa, the former capital, the legendary ayoothayaa where the Rama was born, as appeared in the Ramayana (or Raam-ma"kian- ...its Thai version). The canal is actually two klongs attached to each other in the inland at pOOm phra kaan (phra kaan Fort). The northern one is klOOng-baang-lam-phuu- and the southern one is klOOng-ong'aang'. Speaking about the cosmology of Thai kingship, Tambiah, a Harvard anthropologist, writes a book in which the term "galactic polity" is used to typify the nature of Thai kingship. The king was concieved as the reincarnation of Naa-raay- or Phra raam whose duty was to get rid of the evils.

The god stays at the top of phra su'mee-ru. No wonder, the roof of the palace halls often are in mountain-liked shape (with its pointy top). The throns where the king sits is typically characterized by legendary domains, namely oceans (naa-kaa-...big snake), forest (singha...big lion) and sky (krut".. or garuda as called by Indonesian...the half-man-half-bird being). The su'mee-ru" is surrounded by seven oceans, the Himmapan, and high up in the sky. These mythical animals also appears in the royal river procession (kra'buan-pa"yuha'yaadtraa). Thai kingship is regarded as tham ma raachaa as compared to theewa raa chaa of Khmer. However, architects of the kingship have not been reluctant to add elements that draw the institution closer to the theewa raachaa. For those who are not familiar with these terms, please note that the former one is referred to the system that the king is to balance between being the warrior and the religious figure.

The latter is closer to the Brahminism as the king belong to ka'sat' caste and the Brahm belong the the Brahm caste. Contents

Question: In which capital city could one travel on 'klongs' and visit 'wats'?
Answer: Bangkok