On the west bank of the Chao Phraya River lays a part of town called Thonburi. Situated on the right side of the river, progress has arrived here with little impact. Get a little feeling for life in Bangkok at the beginning of the 20th century, when it was also called "Venice of the East". Wooden houses, built on stilts to stand through the high tides of the late rainy season; places, only accessible by boat; children using the river as a large playground - life in Thonburi has not changed much since its beginnings.
Passing by boat along the canals gives you a firsthand impression of the scenic life along Bangkok's waterways. En route we stop at and visit Bangkok's best known landmark, the enchanting Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Afterwards cross the Chao Praya River with the public ferry and walk to the gates of the serene temple complex of Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Royal Grand Palace.
If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.
The tour starts at
