Thailand

Bangkok

Sightseeing	Sedan 1‑2 pax	Luxury Sedan 1‑2 pax	Minivan 1‑5 pax
Half Day Temples & City Bangkok is a city of contrasts, with perhaps none as pronounced as that between the bustle of its modern metropolis and the serene tranquility of its Buddhist temples. Experience this tension first-hand on this 3 hour tour. First is Wat Benchamabophit, known to travelers as the Marble Temple. Both its name and grandeur derive from its outer facades, constructed in stunning white Carrara marble imported from Italy. Next is the famous Wat Pho, home to the Reclining Buddha. Commissioned by the King of Thailand in the early 19th century, the gilded statue is almost 50 feet tall and over 100 feet long. The temple surrounding it is one of the oldest in the city, and features numerous shrines, stupas, and other ornately decorated buildings. Finally, be awed by the Golden Buddha at the Wat Traimit temple. Weighing 5.5 tons, it is the world’s largest statue to be made of solid gold. Cast in the medieval period, its true nature was concealed by a layer of plaster for over 200 years, before it was accidentally rediscovered in 1955. 3 hrs	$165	$On Request	$250
Half Day Grand Palace (Closed Saturday & Sunday) The extravagant Grand Palace, located in the center of Bangkok along the Chao Phraya River, is the setting for this 3 hour tour. Begun by the Chakri Dynasts upon selecting Bangkok as their capital, its various buildings tell the tale of the Thai Kingdom. The palace’s main facade is the Chakri Maha Prasat, an interesting synthesis of western and Thai styles where traditional spire and gable roofs crown an otherwise European Renaissance palace. This current throne hall is the work of King Chulalongkorn, who desired to modernize the country in the late 19th century. Other temples and halls display more traditional architecture, and date back as far as 1782. Also part of the palace complex is the Wat Phra Kaew, or Emerald Buddha Temple. Amongst the ornate tile and brilliant gold stupas is a scale model of Angkor Wat, built when the Cambodian landmark could not be taken by the Thai Kings. The last stop, and the most significant, is the statue of the Emerald Buddha, a symbol of Thailand and its most revered artifact. A statue of the Buddha in a meditation pose, its name refers to the color of its semi-precious stone, rather than its actual composition. 3 hrs	$165	$On Request	$250
Full Day Ayuthya Discover the lost splendor of the Kingdom of Siam with this 8 hour day trip to the former royal city of Ayutthaya. Journey along the Chao Phraya River north from Bangkok, reaching first the Bang Pa-In Palace. Known as the Royal Summer Palace, it was a prominent royal residence from its foundation in the 17th century until the early 19th century, with a resurgence in the 1870s. Decorative pavilions in various styles ornament the tranquil palace gardens. Further up the river, explore the ruins of Ayutthaya itself. Once claimed by French explorers to rival Paris, its massive footprint of decaying walls and temples carries this legacy. The most fascinating sights are the crumbling stupas, as well as a massive reclining Buddha, and the Tree Buddha, artfully mounted amongst twisted roots. Finally, complete the return to Bangkok in style with a voyage on the Grand Pearl river cruise. 8 hrs	$300	$On Request	$455

Transfers	Sedan 1‑2 pax	Luxury Sedan 1‑2 pax	Minivan 1‑4 pax
Airport - Hotels	$85	$	$105
Rail Station - Hotels	$85	—	$105

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