Royal East-Singapore and Bangkok
| Destination: | Singapore and Bangkok |
| Type: | international |
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The Bangkok Metropolitan Area is home to two capitals of Thailand: the area historically known as Rattanakosin, and the modern Bangkok. There are a large number of palaces in Bangkok. Several are still in use by the Thai royal family, while others are now open to the public and some have become government buildings or universities. The king's official residence is the Grand Palace, which dates to 1782 and has housed Thailand's monarchs for over 150 years. Up to the early 20th century and before the 1932 Revolution, the complex was key in Thai government: it included royal courts, administrative branches, and was similar in layout to that of previous Thai capitals. Within the complex is the Chakri Mahaprasat Hall and Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the Emerald Buddha and is considered the most important temple in Thailand. Chitralada Palace is the Bangkok residence of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Queen Sirikit. Of the hundreds of wats located in Bangkok, only a few are notable. When King Taksin led his troops out of Ayutthaya and into Thon Buri, they took refuge in Wat Arun. This pre-Thon Buri era structure rises to 85 metres (279 ft) and has held the status of tallest structure in Bangkok for longer than any other modern skyscraper[citation needed]. Wat Pho, which houses the Temple of the Reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the Grand Palace. It is the largest temple in Bangkok and named for its huge reclining Buddha measuring 46 metres (151 ft) long and covered in gold leaf. The Buddha's feet alone are 3 metres (10 ft) long. Wat Suthat is one of the oldest temples and the site of the original Giant Swing. A huge teak arch, all that remains of the original swing, stands on the grounds in front of the temple. The swing was used in a ceremony to give thanks for a good rice harvest. Within Wat Saket is the Golden Mount, or Phu Khao Thong, an unusual temple that houses Buddha relics within its 58-metre-high chedi surmounted by a golden cupola. Built by King Rama I just outside the new city walls, the late-18th century temple served as the capital's crematorium. During the next hundred years, the temple became a dumping ground for some 60,000 plague victims. |
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Our local representative will receive you at Singapore airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax for the night.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and go for a half-day city tour and spend the rest of the day at leisure
After breakfast, you can spend the day at leisure and visit the Sentosa Island in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast, checkout of hotel to take a flight to Bangkok.Upon arrival at Don Muang Airport, you will meet our local representative at ATTA counter (Association of Thai Travel Agents) and transferred to the hotel. Day is free for relaxation or you can go shopping. Overnight at the hotel.
This morning you will do a city and orientation tour of historic and modern Bangkok, or the City of Angels as Bangkok is known to the Thai people. The programme includes a visit to the Reclining Buddha Temple (also known as Wat Pho), the oldest of the city temples situated opposite the Grand Palace. The temple is renowned as Thailand s oldest university and there are instructive murals illustrating the finer points of Thai massage which is still taught and practised here. The highlight is the 46 metre long and 15 metre high statue of a reclining Buddha. Also included is a visit to the Golden Buddha Temple (also known as Wat Traimit), located close to Hua Lum Pong, Bangkok s central railway station. The temple houses a 5.5 tonne solid gold Buddha, which was discovered when it s plaster casing broke whilst being transported to its new home. Following this you will be taken to a Gems Factory. Gemstones are mined in Thailand and nearby Myanmar. At the Gems factory you will see their team of experienced artists cut, polish, and set each precious stone to create a perfect and exquisite unique piece of jewellery. Overnight at Hotel.
Now for some last minute shopping....Bangkok has some excellent upmarket department stores and designer boutiques housed in upmarket complexes such as The Emporium (Phrom Phong is your BTS station) and Central Chidlom (Chit Lom is your BTS alighting point). If you are looking for designer brands, look no further than this. There are usually sales of different brands going on in these department stores year round so you are sure to be able to find a bargain. Please do not forget to make it back to your hotel for your transfer out to the airport. Also keep in mind that you can get VAT refunds in Bangkok so please keep your receipts from the stores eligable for this. Transfer to the Airport to catch your flight to your next destination.
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