Excursion Bangkok’s hidden treasures tour at Bangkok

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.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 60 steps to negotiate at the sites visited (30 steps at each stop). This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Bangkok, Suan Pakkad Palace Museum, Tropical Gardens, Ponds, Traditional Thai Houses, Lacquer Pavilion, Wat Ratchanaddaram, Loha Prasart, Gold Buddha, Shopping