Silversea Luxury Cruises To BANGKOK (Klong Toey)

Experience the spectacular highlights of Bangkok during this unforgettable, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Bangkok City, Flower Market and Tuk Tuk Ride

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive through the bustling streets of the city centre. Your first stop is at the Flower Market for a stroll amongst the colourful display of the country's exotic flowers. From here, board a three-wheeled, motorised rickshaw, or tuk tuk, for a sightseeing ride around the Old City, Bangkok's historic area. Along the way, a photo stop is made at the Royal Reception Pavilion.

Grand Palace and Royal Palace Grounds

Next, head to Bangkok's greatest treasure, the Grand Palace. Upon arrival, take a 1.5-hour guided walking tour through the Royal Palace Grounds and Grand Palace. The vast grounds encompass over 100 buildings, and extensive murals line the inside walls of the compound. The colourful temple structures feature gilded stupas, polished orange and green tiled roofs, mosaic-encrusted pillars, and rich marble pediments. Visit the late-18th-century Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siam Court and former residence of the Kings of Thailand. Stop by the Audience Hall, and marvel at its exquisite interior.

Wat Phra Kaew, Lunch and River Cruise

Your tour continues with a visit to the Wat Phra Kaew, the 'Temple of the Emerald Buddha', which adjoins the Grand Palace and houses the revered image of the 23-inch-high (58-centimetre-high) Emerald Buddha. This jade statue is enshrined in a glass case, and perched on a pedestal high above the worshippers. Following your visit, proceed for lunch at the Sala Rim Naam restaurant. After lunch, embark a private boat for a cruise on the Chao Phraya River and through some of the more peaceful canals. En route, observe local residents living and working along the water, and stop to visit Wat Arun, or 'Temple of Dawn', a magnificent temple and one of Bangkok's most recognised landmarks.

Royal Barge Museum

Leaving Wat Arun, resume your cruise through the klongs (canals) and head toward the Dockyard, home to the ceremonial Royal Barges. Today, these elaborately-decorated boats are preserved in this specially-constructed museum. Following your visit, cruise to the boat landing, re-board your minivan and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the history of Thailand in a single location during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion to the Ancient City.

Ancient City

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the Ancient City. Built to encourage the Thai people to learn about their nation's history, this vast outdoor museum spans approximately 230 acres (about 93 hectares) and is shaped in the form of Thailand. It comprises more than 100 sites of replicated and reconstructed monuments and works of art depicting the Thai legacy and culture throughout its history.

Ancient City Tram Tour

Upon arrival, board a tram for a sightseeing tour of the Ancient City. Along the way, view numerous palace halls, temples, stupas, stone sanctuaries, and traditional houses that were duplicated from the originals and/or recreated from historical evidence. In addition, see several reconstructed historical buildings that were relocated from their original sites, authentic communities with their daily chores and representative villages from all regions of the country.

Notable Landmarks, Floating Village and Refreshments

Due to the expansive size of this venue, most of the sites are observed from the local tram, with inside visits to three highlighted sites. Notable sites within the Ancient City include the Dusit Maha Prasat (the Throne Hall in the Grand Palace in Bangkok), Sanphet Prasat Palace (Ayutthaya), Wat Mahatat (Sukhothai), Prasart Phra Viharn or Preah Vihear (Sri Saket), Old Market Town, and Northern Thai Village. Following your tour, a refreshment stop is made at the Floating Village. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

This full-day excursion offers a visit to one of Thailand's most majestic historical sites, included on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1991. Begin your outing with a 90-minute drive north to Ayutthaya, considered one of Thailand's major attractions. Then, enjoy visiting the following highlights:

Bang Pa-In Summer Palace

En route to Ayutthaya wall, make a visit at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace. The palace comprises a collection of buildings of various ages and various architectural styles surrounded by a lake. Built in the 17th century and left unoccupied when Bangkok became the capital, the palace gained importance again in 1851 when King Mongkut restored it and resumed residence there. Enjoy a visit and marvel at the richly decorated turn-of-the-century European aristocratic style, interspersed with whimsical Thai touches.

Ayutthaya Historical Park

Continue drive to the ruined city of Ayutthaya was once the ancient capital of Siam for four centuries and in its heyday was said to be more beautiful than either London or Paris. Located on a 2.5-mile (four kilometre) island at the confluence of three rivers, Ayutthaya was once encircled by a seven-mile (11-kilometre) wall. After the destruction of the city by the Burmese in 1767, a new dynasty was established and the capital was moved to Thonburi. Today, much of the ancient fabled city is contained within a Historical Park, where archaeological studies are still carried out.

While many of the buildings are in ruins, those drawn to relics of the past still find a visit to the remaining temple compounds and numerous structures awe-inspiring and a memorable experience. Begin the historical park tour with a noteworthy visit at the spectacular Wat Chai Wattanram, reminiscent of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy lunch at the Krungsri River Hotel (or similar).

Wat Na Phra Meru

Another good example of typical Ayutthaya-style temple, it was not destroyed by the Burmese. Constructed during the late 14th- and early 15th-centuries, the name suggests it was a royal cremation site. Of special note are the Buddha images - one fully decorated in regal attire and the other of black stone.

Following your visit, re-join your coach for the trip back to Bangkok and the ship.

Visit three of the most impressive temples in Bangkok: Wat Po, kno wn as the 'Temple of the Reclining Buddha', Wat Trimit home of the 5.5 tons solid Gold Buddha image, and Wat Benchamabophit, the 'Marble Temple'. A short Tuk Tuk ride compliments your half-day outing.

Wat Trimit

As 95% of Thailand's population is Buddhist, there are around 400 wats (temples) in Bangkok. Begin your outing with a 30-minute drive from the pier to Wat Trimit, formerly called "Wat Samjeentai. This temple was built by three Chinese comrades around 150 years ago. It was restored in 1937 and granted the new name of Wat Trimitwitthayaram. The main attraction in the temple is the incredible Golden Buddha Temple. Weighing in at five and a half tons, and standing over 10 feet high, this massive statue dates back to the 700 year-old Sukhothai period.

Tuk Tuk Ride

Next, board a Tuk Tuk for a sightseeing ride to Wat Po. Tuk Tuks are three-wheeled, motorised taxis or 'auto rickshaws', named after the noise they make. Covered, with room for two, these quaint scooters are nimble at navigating the congested city streets.

Wat Po

Arrive at the 'Temple of the Reclining Buddha', or Wat Pho, one of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok. Home to more than one thousand Buddha images, it is named after the largest single Buddha image, that of a reclining Buddha, 150 feet (46 metres) long and 50 feet (15 metres) high. It is decorated with gold plating on the body and mother of pearl on the eyes and the soles of his feet.

Wat Benchamabophit

Re-board your coach and proceed to visit is to Wat Benchamabophit, the 'Marble Temple', bui lt of Italian marble with unique European ecclesiastic details.

Complemented by stained -glass windows housing a Sukhothai-style Buddha statue, a superb cloister-collection of bronze Buddha images are housed here.

The coach then takes you back to the port and your awaiting ship.

Discover some of Bangkok's most renowned and historic landmarks during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Bangkok, Suan Pakkad Palace Museum and Traditional Thai Houses

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive into the heart of Bangkok City. Upon arrival, your first stop is at the Suan Pakkad Palace Museum. During your guided walking tour, see the well-tended tropical garden with serene ponds surrounding eight traditional Thai houses owned by Prince and Princess Chumbhot. Some of the houses belonged to the prince's family, and all are more than a century old.

Ancestral Artefacts and Lacquer Pavilion

Most of the art objects on display in the houses belonged to Prince Chumbhot's ancestor, and depict the daily life of royalty. Included are food containers decorated with mother-of-pearl and silver, betel nut boxes, clothing and ecclesiastical fans. Other noteworthy artefacts include archaeological finds from Ban Chieng, rocks and mineral collections, shells, Benjarong pottery, and other Thai ceramics. The significant house is the 17th-century Lacquer Pavilion, which was originally located at a temple near Ayutthaya. Now fully-restored, it's an exquisite example of Thai architecture, with richly-carved gilded wood walls and an interior filled with lively Ramayana and Buddha mural paintings drawn in gold on black lacquer.

Wat Ratchanadda, Loha Prasart and Gold Buddha

Next, re-board your coach and drive towards Bangkok's Old City. En route, a visit is made to Wat Ratchanadda, a royal temple best known for the Loha Prasart, or 'Metal Castle', which was built in 1846 at the request of King Rama III, and inspired by two other similar temples found in India and Sri Lanka. Loha Prasat is an approximately 118-foot-high (about 36-metre-high) structure supporting 37 metal spires, which represent the 37 virtues toward enlightenment. The main chapel of the temple also houses a beautiful golden seated Buddha image, along with murals, paintings and door carvings. Afterward, re-board your coach and proceed for a brief shopping and comfort stop at a local store (time permitting). At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and comment the short drive back to the pier.

Experience the splendid landmarks, culture and cuisine of Bangkok during this exclusive, half-day dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River.

Chao Phraya River Cruise

Depart the pier for the scenic drive to the Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa. Upon arrival, embark the Manohra, a restored ancient rice barge, for an exclusive dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Along the way, pass by the Temple of Dawn, Grand Palace, striking bridges and glittering temples.

Thai Dinner and Dance Performance

During your leisurely cruise, dine on a culinary trove consisting of 12 Thai delicacies, including appetizers, soups, seafood marinated in Thai herbs, stir fries, curries, and a traditional Thai dessert accompanied by a classical Thai dance performance. Following your memorable dinner cruise.

After the cruise and performance re-board the coach and transfer back to the pier.

Learn about the traditional ways of local Thai life from a unique perspective during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion via minivan, train and boat.

Scenic Drive and Damnernsaduak Canal

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to Damnernsaduak, a provincial district of the Rajburi Province. In this locality, most people live along both sides of the densely-populated canal, and the majority of them are agriculturists due to the fertile land in this area. Fruits and vegetables grown here include oranges, grapes, papayas, cabbage, beans, onions, and more. In addition to serving as a means of transportation, the Damnernsaduak Canal also provides farmers with water for agricultural purposes throughout the year.

Damnernsaduak Canal Cruise and Floating Market

Upon arrival in Damnernsaduak, a comfort stop is made before embarking a local boat for a scenic cruise along the Damnernsaduak Canal. En route, pass by orchards and traditional houses, and view local people going about their everyday lives. Your boat-ride ends at the Floating Market, a popular hub for locals and tourists alike. Here, see hundreds of vendors and purchasers floating in their small rowboats, and selling, buying or exchanging their produce from their own orchards. Local food and drinks, as well as souvenir and handicrafts shops, can be found on the platform around the Floating Market.

Mae Klong Railway Market

Next, re-board your van for the drive to the nearby Mae Klong Railway Market, a unique market that is held literally on the railroad tracks. As soon as the siren signals the approaching train, the shoppers hop off the tracks. When the train arrives, the vendors quickly remove their produce from the tracks and pull back their awnings. Once the train is gone, everything returns to normal. Each morning to late-afternoon, this market springs to life, selling a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, snacks, and clothes and accessories. Following your exciting train-ride, market visit and a comfort stop, re-board your van and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore the Imperial treasures of Bangkok, the Grand Palace and its Emerald Buddha, on this half-day orientation tour. A sightseeing drive through the old city completes your outing.

Following a 45-minute coach trip from the Port of Bangkok through the bustling streets of the city centre, arrive at Bangkok's greatest treasure, the Grand Palace. During a 1.5-hour guided walking tour, visit or view some of its most important highlights:

Royal Palace Grounds

These vast grounds encompass over 100 buildings, representing 200 years of history and architectural experimentation. Most of the architecture, royal or sacred, can be classified as old Bangkok style. Extensive murals line the inside walls of the compound. The temple structures are colourful, comprising gilded stupas, polished orange and green tiled roofs, mosaic-encrusted pillars, and rich marble pediments.

Grand Palace

The main building is the Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siam Court. Built in 1782 by King Rama I at the beginning of the Chakkri Dynasty, the palace was at one time the residence of the Kings of Thailand. Today, royal ceremonies and state events take place here. Visit the audience hall and marvel at its splendid interior.

Wat Phra Kaew

Known also as the 'Temple of the Emerald Buddha', Wat Phra Kaew adjoins the Grand Palace and houses the revered image of the 23- inch-high (58-cm-high) Emerald Buddha. The jade statue is enshrined in a glass case, sitting on a pedestal high above the worshippers. This mystical figure and its legendary spiritual power draw pilgrims from all over.

At the end of your visit, re-join the coach for a sightseeing drive through Old Bangkok.

Sights of Old Bangkok

Enjoy viewing major highlights from your coach as it passes the City Pillar Shrine, Chitraladarahotarn Palace (official residence of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit), the Democracy Monument (built in commemoration of the change of government from absolute monarchy to democracy with the king as head of state), and the City Pavilion, primarily used today for royal ceremonies and official events.

Ananta Samakom Throne Hall

Stop for exterior photos of the majestic Ananta Samakom Throne Hall, the ornate grey-marble Italian renaissance-style building, built by King Chulalongkorn in 1907 to receive guests and foreign dignitaries. Currently, the Royal Throne Hall it is only used for the ceremonial opening of the first session of Parliament, royal receptions, and private functions. Following your tour, time permitting, a brief stop will be made at a local store that offers a range of vibrant Thai silks, local souvenirs and superb jewellery before being transferred back to the ship.

Conclude your tour with the return to the ship.

Indulge your senses as you explore Jim Thompson's Thai house with its renowned silks before enjoying a Thai cooking demonstration on this half-day tour.

Depart the ship by mini-van for the 30-minute drive to Jim Thompson's world famous Thai house. Built in old Thai style, this rambling house was the work of the legendary American adventurer, Jim Thompson, who came to Thailand at the end of World War II and revitalised the Thai silk industry. His disappearance into the Malaysian jungle still remains a mystery today. The house, now a museum, displays Mr. Thompson's extensive collection of Thai paintings, pottery, Benjarong porcelain, and exquisite furniture. One part of the complex includes show rooms and a store where bolts of beautiful silk fabric and finished items are on display.

Re-board your mini-van and drive to the Bussaracum Restaurant (or similar), Thailand's first restaurant to specialise in royal household dishes, which are known for their distinctive ingredients, decorations and flavours. It is a spacious renovated home compound surrounded by the gardens where many of the herbs and spices used by the restaurant's skilled kitchen staff are grown. Here you are invited to practise on a cooking demonstration, followed by a sampling of Thai refreshments.

Afterwards, your mini-van returns you to the ship.

This half-day tour offers a visit to the Flower Market followed by a boat trip on the bustling Chao Phraya River makes for a fascinating experience. In addition, take in two of Bangkok's major attractions, the 'Temple of Dawn' (Wat Arun) and the Royal Barge Museum.

Flower Market & Boat Cruise

A coach drive of 45 minutes takes you to the Flower Market, where you can stroll amongst the colourful display of the country's exotic flowers. Then, board a private boat for a cruise on the Chao Phraya River and through some of the more peaceful canals. Here you have the opportunity to observe the busy river traffic as well as the traditional way of the local people living and working along the water.

Wat Arun

At the 'Temple of Dawn', Wat Arun, the boat pauses to allow you a closer look at this magnificent temple, which is among Bangkok's most recognised landmarks. While the temple is best seen from the river, its curious decorations and statues of mythical figures are well worth a visit.

Royal Barge Museum

Leaving Wat Arun, resume your cruise through the klongs (canals) and head toward the Dockyard, home to the ceremonial royal barges. Once a year, the king would proceed down the river to Wat Arun in a flotilla of royal barges. Today, these elaborately decorated boats are preserved in this specially constructed museum and are a rare treat to visit.

Your cruise ends at the boat landing where the coach stands ready for the transfer back to the port.

Explore Bangkok at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Bangkok at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Bangkok at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Bangkok at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.