Travelling to Thonburi Klongs with Grand Palace and Arun Temple in Bangkok

Travelling to Thonburi Klongs with Grand Palace and Arun Temple in Bangkok

Experience the glory and grandeur of royal Bangkok on a half-day tour to the Grand Palace and the Thonburi Klongs. First, cruise the scenic ‘klongs’ (canal ways) of Thonburi, see waterfront landmarks like the Royal Barges Museum and Wat Arun, and get a glimpse of everyday life in the former capital district.

Visit: Chao Phraya River, 780/488 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120 Thailand

The best way to get a taste of Bangkok’s past is to explore the klongs (canals) on a long-tail boat. On the west side of the river in Thonburi you can get glimpses of what Bangkok was like before the skyscrapers and six-lane expressways. Many people still live on or around the canals so there is plenty to see: traders crisscrossing the water on small boats packed with fruit and drinks, beautifully renovated traditional teak houses, the whole experience made even more enjoyable by the tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with the hustle and bustle on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River.

Duration: 1 hour

Visit: The Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Rd, Maharaj Pier next to Wat Phra Kaeo Temple Complex, Bangkok Thailand

Situated close to the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s River of Kings, the Grand Palace occupies nearly one square mile. The former royal residence of the Chakri Kings, the palace is the perfect example of an ancient Siamese court. Built in 1782 by King Rama I, it was the centre of power for more than 150 years. Today, the palace is Bangkok's major landmark and most popular tourist attraction and is often used for the occasional ceremony. The interiors of most of the buildings in the Grand Palace are closed to the public


Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Visit: Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), 34 Wang Doem Road Wat Arun, Bang Kok Yai, Bangkok 10600 Thailand

Easily one of Bangkok’s most visually striking landmarks, the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) towers over the Chao Phraya River. Its colourfully decorated spires are the star features—the temple’s central prang stands 260 feet (79 meters) tall and is intricately decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes