Silversea Luxury Cruises À BANGKOK (Laem Chabang)

After an early breakfast, depart the ship for the 2,5-hour journey to Bangkok. Upon arrival, enjoy a sightseeing drive of the city followed by a visit of Bangkok's most splendid attraction, the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a river cruise to Wat Arun.

Grand Palace

During this 90-minute visit, listen and look in awe as the guide points out the major highlights.

Although King Vajiiralongkorn lives today in the Dusit Palace in the northern part of the city, the Grand Palace is still used for certain ceremonial occasions. The 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 - all of it simply overwhelming. The wat (temple) structures are colourful, comprising gilded stupas, polished orange and green tiled roofs, mosaic-encrusted pillars and rich marble pediments. Fabulous murals line the walls of the palace complex and glittering temple spires provide endless photo opportunities.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Also known as Wat Phra Kaew, this temple adjoins the Grand Palace on common ground. It was consecrated in 1782 and houses the most important image, the 23-inch (58-cm) high Emerald Buddha. The jade statue, enshrined in a glass case standing above the worshippers, is clothed with a different robe for each of the three seasons - hot, rainy and cool. The mystical figure and its legendary spiritual power draw pilgrims from all over.

Returning, head to Sala Rim Naam Restaurant of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for Thai buffet lunch (the Mandarin Hotel itself is located on the opposite side of the river).

Board a private boat at the restaurant's pier for a cruise on the Chao Phraya River and through some of the canals. Watch the fascinating activities along the busy waterway. Stop along the way at the following locations (Take caution getting in and out of the boat.):

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.

Following your cruise, re-join the coach and start the journey back to Laem Chabang.

Experience some of the local lifestyles, traditions and holy sites of Thailand during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Laem Chabang, Ang Sila Fishing Village, Granite Carving Demonstration

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Ang Sila, a seaside fishing village known for its granite products. The fishermen here are not only skilled at fishing, but also making implements and crafts from granite, and have passed on their craftsmanship from generation-to-generation. Upon arrival, observe a carving demonstration to learn how their most renowned products, including pestles and mortars, are made.

Naja Chinese Shrine

Next, re-board your coach and continue on for a visit to the Naja Chinese Shrine, a beautiful attraction adorned with Chinese architecture. Here, local residence and visitors come to honour the Chinese Gods, especially the celestial God named Naja.

Nong Mon Market

Following your visit, re-board your coach and head to the Nong Mon Market, a local market with more than 100 stalls selling dried seafood, desserts, fruit and preserved foods. Popular local delicacies include khao lam (sweet sticky rice in bamboo) and khanom chak (sweet coconut wrapped in palm leaf). Following some free time to stroll about the market, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour 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 2.5-3 hours 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 17^th 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).

Afterwards, visit Wat Maha That, the major original construction was the high pagoda which was destroyed by Burmese invaders. Then visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the most important temple within the Royal Grand Palace compound, the equivalent of the Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok's Royal Grand Palace.

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

Thailand offers a wealth of opportunities to explore its ancient past during visits to Bangkok and Ayutthaya. At the Ayutthaya Historical Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, see the archaeological ruins of palaces, Buddhist temples, monasteries and statues. In Bangkok, experience a traditional Thai dinner and dance performance, visit the spectacular Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and take a private boat-cruise along the Chao Phraya River and peaceful canals. Following a scenic drive to Ayutthaya, explore this mid-14th-century city during visits to three temple ruins. Included are the Wat Maha That Temple, Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the most important temple in the Royal Grand Palace compound, Afterward, transfer to Bangkok and proceed to the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel for check-in. This evening, embark a boat and ride to the Sala Rim Naam restaurant for a traditional Thai dinner accompanied by a classical Thai dance performance. Following an overnight stay at the hotel, take a tuk tuk-ride to the spectacular, late-18th-century Grand Palace. Upon arrival, take a walking tour through the Royal Palace Grounds and Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siam Court and former residence of the kings of Thailand. The vast grounds encompass over 100 buildings, including the Grand Palace. Next, visit the adjoining Temple of the Emerald Buddha to see the revered Emerald Buddha image. Your tour continues with a private boat-cruise along the Chao Phraya River and peaceful canals. En route, observe local residents living and working along the water, then pass by the Temple of Dawn, a magnificent temple and one of Bangkok's most recognised landmarks. Your boat-cruise ends at the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel's pier. Upon arrival, disembark the boat and proceed for check-out and lunch at the hotel. Your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes on Day Two with lunch at the hotel, followed by a scenic drive back to Laem Chabang. Upon arrival, head to the pier and embark the ship.

01MIDLMC-C Ayutthaya and Bangkok overnight

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

Departs from: Laem Chabang on the 14^th November 2019

Re-join ship: Laem Chabang on the 15^th November 2019

Reserve by: 90 Days Prior to the Start of the Cruise

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment-in-full is due within 120 days prior to sailing. Booking made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme.

All Land Adventure fares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

No visa is required

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Thai Baht; however, Euros and US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels.

Discover the legacy, culture, traditions and lifestyles of Thailand during this fascinating, one-night overland excursion to the Ayutthaya Historical Park and Bangkok.

DAY ONE - Thursday, November 14, 2019 - Laem Chabang/Ayutthaya/Bangkok

Scenic Drive from Laem Chabang to Ayutthaya City, with a stop at the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace

Depart Laem Chabang Port for the scenic, approximately 2.5-hour drive to the historic city of Ayutthaya. En route, a stop is made for a visit the beautiful Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, formerly a popular summer retreat for Thai kings. Upon arrival, marvel at Bang Pa-In's captivating collection of exquisite pavilions built in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles, and encircled by a beautiful garden and lake.

Lunch at the Krungsri River Hotel, and a visit to the spectacular Ayutthaya Historical Park

Next, proceed for lunch at the Krungsri River Hotel. After lunch, re-board your coach and head to the spectacular Ayutthaya Historical Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a superb testament to true national Thai art. The second capital of the Siamese Kingdom, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and flourished from the 14th-18th centuries

Exploration of three temple ruins

Upon arrival, stops are made at three temple ruins. First, a visit is made to the Wat Maha That Temple, whose original construction included a high pagoda that was destroyed by Burmese invaders. From here, continue on to Wat Phra Si Sanphet. The most important temple within the Royal Grand Palace compound, Wat Phra Si Samphet is the equivalent of the Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok's Royal Grand Palace. The last stop on your tour is the Wat Chaiwatthanaram with its large prang and pagodas, most of which have retained their original shapes.

Transfer to Bangkok and check-in at the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive to Bangkok. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel to freshen-up before dinner.

Boat-transfer to the Sala Rim Naam restaurant, Thai dinner and classical Thai dance performance

This evening, embark a boat for the short transfer to the Sala Rim Naam restaurant. Upon arrival, your Thai dining experience features a choice of traditional Thai dishes accompanied by a classical Thai dance performance. At the conclusion of your visit, embark the boat for the short ride back to the hotel's pier.

Overnight accommodations in a Deluxe Room at the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel - Bangkok.

DAY TWO - Friday,November 15, 2019 - Bangkok/Laem Chabang

Tuk tuk-ride from the hotel to the spectacular Grand Palace

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the scenic, approximately 30-minute transfer to the Grand Palace via Bangkok's typical taxi, an open-air, motorised tricycle called a tuk tuk. Upon arrival, then proceed for a visit to Bangkok's greatest treasure, the late-18th-century Grand Palace. Take a guided, 1.5-hour walking tour through the Royal Palace Grounds and Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of an ancient Siam Court and former residence of the kings of Thailand. The vast grounds encompass over 100 buildings, including the Grand Palace.

Visit to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Next, a visit is made to the Wat Phra Kaew (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. Extensive murals line the inside walls of the compound, and the colourful temple structures feature gilded stupas, polished orange-and-green-tiled roofs, mosaic-encrusted pillars and rich marble pediments.

Private boat-cruise along the Chao Phraya River and peaceful canals, and past the Temple of Dawn

Leaving the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, walk to the boat landing and embark a private boat for a cruise along the Chao Phraya River and through some of the more peaceful canals. En route, observe local residents living and working along the water, and view the spectacular Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), a magnificent temple and one of Bangkok's most recognised landmarks.

Check-out and lunch at the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel

Your boat-cruise ends at the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel's pier. Upon arrival, disembark the boat and proceed for check-out and lunch at the hotel.

After lunch, depart for the approximately 2.5-hour drive back to Laem Chabang Port. Upon arrival at the pier, embark your ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure involves an extensive amount of driving and walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres), at times over uneven, slippery and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and tuk tuk, embark/disembark the boat, and at the sites visited. This tour is suitable for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a light jacket, camera, and any necessary medication from the ship. Proper attire is required to enter the Grand Palace and Bang Pa-In Summer Palace; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted, and skirts must cover the knees. Tight or see-through blouses are not permitted, even if a jacket is worn over them. Tight-fitting trousers or leggings are not permitted, and trousers must be full-length to cover the ankles. Shoes must be removed when entering into the main chapel of the Emerald Buddha image. Also for dinner at Sala Rim Naam Restaurant, ladies are kindly asked to wear elegant attire and proper footwear, and gentlemen are kindly asked to wear a smart shirt, long trousers and closed shoes. Video and still cameras are allowed within the grounds of the Grand Palace, but photography is not permitted inside the buildings. Avoid bringing valuables (such as jewellery or large amounts of cash) on this tour. Expect crowds and long lines at the Grand Palace. The tour sequence may vary.

Programme Includes:

- One-night stay in a Deluxe Room at the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel - Bangkok

- One breakfast, two lunches and one dinner (lunch includes choice of two local beers, soft drinks, bottled water; beverage at dinner also includes house wine)

- Guide services

- Lunch at the Krungsri River Hotel

- Lunch at the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel

- Thai dinner and classical Thai dance performance at the Sala Rim Naam restaurant

- Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha image

- Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and Ayutthaya's Temple ruins

- Private boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River

- Tuk tuk-ride

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance and other personal items.

Spend a full-day experiencing the spectacular beauty, mystique and culture of Thailand at your leisure during this picturesque, self-guided excursion to Bangkok.

Laem Chabang, Scenic Drive, Bangkok, Central World Plaza

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.5-hour drive to Bangkok, with a comfort stop en route. Upon arrival, your drop-off point is at the Central World Plaza, which provides easy access to taxis, the Skytrain, and many shopping complexes and restaurants within walking distance.

Independent Sightseeing, Shopping and Lunch at Your Own Expense, Chao Phraya River Cruise

Whilst in Bangkok, enjoy approximately five hours of free time for independent sightseeing, shopping and lunch at your own expense. Your guide assists with your plans, including shopping information and opening hours of attractions. And to escape Bangkok's legendary traffic, take a leisurely cruise on the Chao Phraya River. If shopping is on your agenda, discover everything from precious gems to silk and antiques.

Popular Landmarks, Markets and Temples

Bangkok has a wealth of popular historic and modern landmarks to explore. Sites to be seen may include the Golden Buddha Temple, Chinatown, the Old City, Flower Market, Grand Palace, Marble Temple, Grand Palace with its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple, home of the Emerald Buddha, the Wat Pho Temple with its enormous reclining Buddha, Wat Arun Temple and Jim Thompson's House and Museum, among others. At the pre-designated departure time, return to your coach at the Central World Plaza drop-off point and commence the approximately 2.5-hour drive back to the pier, with a comfort stop made en route.

Explore the scenic beauty, waterways and traditions of Bangkok during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Laem Chabang, Bangkok, Pak Klong Talad Flower Market

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.5-hour drive to Bangkok, with a comfort stop en route. Upon arrival, your first stop is at the Pak Klong Talad Flower Market, where you can stroll amongst the colourful display of the country's exotic flowers.

Chao Phraya River and Canals by Boat, Temple of Dawn

Next, embark a private boat for a panoramic, approximately one-hour cruise along the Chao Phraya River, and through some of its more peaceful canals. Here, observe the busy river traffic, as well as the traditional lifestyles of the local people living and working along the water. Along the way, view the spectacular Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).

Downtown Bangkok, Central World Plaza, Free Time, Sightseeing, Lunch on Your Own

Following your cruise, re -board your coach and head to downtown Bangkok for approximately 3 hours of free time at your leisure for independent shopping, sightseeing and lunch at your ow n expense. Your drop -off point is at the Central World Plaza, which provides easy access to taxis, the Skytrain, and many shopping complexes and restaurants within walking distance. Your tour guide assists with your plans, including shopping information and opening hours of attractions. At the pre-designated departure time, return to your coach at the Central World Plaza drop-off point and commence the approximately 2.5 -hour drive back to the pier, with a comfort stop made en route.

Discover the largest wood-carved structure in Thailand and enjoy breath-taking vistas over Pattaya Bay during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Laem Chabang, Sanctuary of Truth

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to the Sanctuary of Truth (Wooden Pavilion), a mystical building constructed according to ancient Thai specifications, and the largest wood-carved structure in Thailand. Designed as a pagoda-shaped pavilion, the building is over 340 feet (about 103.6 metres) in height, and is a fusion of religion, culture and art. Originally crafted entirely from Thailand's native teak, parts of it have been replaced by the more durable redwood to withstand the ravages of the salt air.

Guided Tour, Wooden Sculptures, Inner-Chapel

Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the Sanctuary of Truth. The entire building is covered with intricate and detailed wooden sculptures, reflecting the Ancient Vision of Earth, Ancient Knowledge and Eastern Philosophy. Inside, the cavernous inner-chapel reveals scenes from Chinese, Hindu and Buddhist traditions, with samples of animism and geomancy thrown into the mix.

Pattaya Beach Road, Phra Tumnak Hill, Pattaya Viewpoint, Pattaya Bay Vistas

Next, re-board your coach and continue driving along the Pattaya Beach Road to Phra Tumnak Hill, which is located between Pattaya Beach and Jomtien Beach. A stop is made to walk up to the Pattaya Viewpoint. From here, the place from which all classic photos of Pattaya Bay are taken, enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas overlooking the bay. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore Laem Chabang 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 Laem Chabang 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 Laem Chabang 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 Laem Chabang 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.

Discover the renowned landmarks and temples of Bangkok during an unforgettable, full-day sightseeing excursion to this beautiful, bustling city.

Laem Chabang, Golden Buddha Temple, Huge Buddha Image

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 2.5-hour drive to Bangkok, with a comfort stop en route. Upon arrival, your first stop is at Wat Trimit (Golden Buddha Temple) 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 Image. Weighing in at approximately 5.5 tons (about five metric tons) and standing over ten feet (about three metres) in height, this massive statue dates back to the 700-year-old Sukhothai period.

Old City, Chinatown, Flower Market, Grand Palace, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Marble Temple

Next, re-board your coach and continue on for a sightseeing drive through Bangkok's Old City. Along the way, pass by Chinatown, the Flower Market, Grand Palace, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, and more. Afterward, a visit is made to Wat Benchamabopit (the Marble Temple), built of Italian marble with unique European ecclesiastic details. The Marble Temple is adorned by stained-glass windows housing a Sukhothai-style Buddha statue, and a superb cloister-collection of bronze Buddha images.

Downtown Bangkok, Central World Plaza, Free Time, Sightseeing, Lunch on Your Own

Leaving the Marble Temple, proceed to downtown Bangkok for approximately three of free time at your leisure for independent shopping, sightseeing and lunch at your own expense. Your drop -off point is at the Central World Plaza, which provides easy access to taxis, the Skytrain, and many shopping complexes and restaurants within walking distance. Your tour guide assists with your plans, including shopping information and opening hours of attractions. At the pre -designated departure time, return to your coach at the Central World Plaza drop -off point and commence the approximately 2.5 -hour drive back to the pier, with a comfort stop made en route.

Explore the award-winning manicured gardens, and take in Thai cultural and traditional performances, during this relaxing, half-day sightseeing excursion to the famous Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.

Laem Chabang, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Abundant Plant and Flower Gardens

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, the largest botanical garden in Southeast Asia. The vast gardens are set amidst approximately 600 acres (about 243 hectares) that originally was utilised as a plantation to grow local fruits. The area was then turned into a garden for the conservation of certain plant and flower species, and later opened to visitors. They have won multiple awards at London's world-famous Chelsea Flower Show.

Thai Cultural and Traditional Performances, Elephant Show

In addition to the abundant flowers and plants, see a varied program of beautiful, contemporary Thai cultural and traditional performances. Included are sword-fighting, Muay Thai boxing, a Thai wedding ceremony, traditional Thai dance.

Sightseeing Tram

After the show, board a panoramic sightseeing tram for an overview of the various gardens, with photo stops along the route. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier via scenic Jomtien beach, Pattaya's sister beach but more peaceful and popular amongst locals, family travelers and retirees.

Explore a pair of revered sites honouring the Lord Buddha during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Laem Chabang, Wat Yannasangwararam Complex, Gardens, Large Lake, Pavilion, Buddha Relics

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Wat Yannasangwararam, a temple under H.M. the King Rama IX's patronage. Set in a huge area spanning approximately 145 acres (about 58.6 hectares), the complex houses several buildings of diverse architectural styles, along with well-tended gardens and a large lake that make the complex a peaceful, relaxing and inviting setting. The temple is renowned for its modern design, and built in a very different style than most Thai temples. A pavilion called 'mondop', or 'mandapa', contains a replica of a footprint of the Buddha. Inside a large white chedi (Buddhist stupa), a number of relics from the Buddha and his followers are kept.

Khao Chi Chan, Giant Lord Buddha Image, Marble Mountains

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to the nearby Khao Chi Chan. This famous landmark features a giant sculptural image of Lord Buddha erected on a giant cliff. It was built 1995 as an initiative by the Supreme Patriarch, who felt it was a shame to let these marble mountains be destroyed. Consequently, he ordered the giant Buddha image be created on the cliff that was already cut in half. It was also built to honour H.M. the King Rama IX, on the occasion of his Golden Jubilee. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Our Simply Hotel selection is the perfect choice for those who want a centrally located setting from which to discover - or rediscover - the city. Rooms in these 4.5 and 5-star properties are generally Standard Double or King rooms that provide comfortable accommodations and superior service for those who wish to extend their trip with a cultural or shopping experience in some of the world's most iconic cities.

For your convenience, we can easily organize transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel brands that we consistently feature include Intercontinental, JW Marriott, Fairmont or the Conrad Group.

Grande Hotel is for those who want to begin or prolong their Silversea holiday - luxury accommodations, exclusive service and impeccable attention to detail in style. Grande Hotel guests appreciate the finer things in life. These properties have been chosen not only for their prime location but for their outstanding service and their exceptional quality.

For your convenience, we can easily organize transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel groups that are frequently featured in our program include Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Peninsula or Fairmont to name just a few.

Peninsula Hotel

In December 1928, a legend of Asian hospitality was born - The Peninsula Hong Kong opened its doors. Contemporary and chic, The Peninsula Hong Kong is considered a legend of the East defining luxury hospitality. Heralding the latest guest-focused technology and elements of personalization, all rooms accent simplicity and elegance with an aesthetic that melds the distinctive design touches. Extensive facilities include a Roman-style swimming pool, a 12,000-square-foot Peninsula Spa, eight award-winning restaurants and bars, plus a Shopping Arcade.

Shangri-La Hotel

The Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, is a 5-star luxury hotel in Silom district, Bangkok. The design and appointments express the welcoming warmth and richness of Thai culture throughout the hotel, from traditional teak dining pavilions to the most up-to-date room features. The hotel has a total of 802 rooms including 72 suites in two wings.