Bangkok’s Historic Rattanakosin

This morning, along with your guide, make the journey to Rattanakosin for a morning walking tour exploring the hidden side of this old town area.

To get a feel for this part of the city we travel by public transport. Our first stop is at a site that was once a prison and is now a public park, popular with people exercising in the morning. It is a memorable sight watching everyone stop their work-outs to stand for the national anthem, atmospherically played over the loudspeaker system at 8:00 hours sharp! From there, we visit the city's famous Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha), originally used for Brahmanic ceremonies, before we discover a fascinating local fresh market, bustling with local vendors and shoppers in the early morning hours. Tourists rarely visit this market. After wandering through small alleys and past wooden houses, we stop for a drink in a characterful coffee house.

The focus of this tour is not Bangkok's temples, but we make a visit to the relatively unknown Wat Ratchabophit, distinct for its circular courtyard and mosaicked tiled exterior. The temple is also home to the Royal Cemetery, where the ashes of the Chakri Dynasty Royals are housed, including the late former King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The tour finishes at the atmospheric community of Phraeng Phuton where the quiet streets are lined with beautifully restored Thai-European heritage shop houses. This area is also a foodies' delight with some tasty local hole-in-the-wall eateries to tempt you.