Vergil Foley
Bangkok has that rare cultural aroma. Though there is so much noise in ambience, the city has a wide range of places to visit.
The city is home to a number of temples. If you are looking for the best out of those temples, that will be a tough task. One temple tour, however, will take you to three main temples within four hours. Commonly known as wats, these temples welcome you to the world spiritual splendour as well as architectural uniqueness in Bangkok. And do not forget the Grand Palace too. It is not so difficult to locate, as Grand Palace is a known landmark in the city. If you want to tour these temples separately, stay at somewhere like Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and visit them one by one. The hotel will give you a guide to Bangkok temples.
When you visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, do not forget your camera. The floating market offers you a plethora of photo opportunities with its surrounding. And remember to reach here as early as possible in the morning if you are sensitive to the afternoon heat. The floating market is anyway quite lively during morning hours. To get the real flavour of Thai local life, try to go past tourist shops. Even if you are not versed in Thai, you can still watch how transactions happen.
This Dinner Cruise takes you along the Chao Phraya River at night. While enjoying a delicious dinner, you can take in the sights of well-lit temples and other notable Bangkok attractions. The cruise departs from River City Pier usually at 8 pm. Many Sukhumvit hotels, Bangkok, offer shuttle bus service to the pier. Of course you will badly miss the sunset. But post-sunset, the river has a lot more to enjoy. The quietude rests solemnly on the river with the moon rays reflected on its waters. Most attractions are also lighted well, offering a view that you cannot afford to have during the daytime.
Another onboard dinner, White Orchid treats you a feast in its journey from Si Phraya Pier to Rama I Bridge. And the journey does not end there, as it travels towards Temple of Dawn, Royal Grand Palace and Rama VIII Bridge. Take delight in these sights, while enjoying a buffet of both Thai and Western styles. You will be in for a grander treat with Thai classical dancing and music. Just reach out to the open-air deck of the cruise, and relish the gifts of Bangkok's architectural marvel.
The canals are now known as khlongs in Thai dialect. They were transport pathways that carried boats here and there, when modern vehicles were quite unheard of. But the canals would never be forgotten in Bangkok. Although not on the same purpose (that it was used in the past), you can still take a boat tour to many famous spots such as Temple of Dawn and Royal Barges Museum along the canal.
