7 Best Bangkok Tours

Bangkok is a labyrinth of meandering alleys, exotic nightclubs, scrumptious restaurants, and the perfect blend between ultra-modern cosmopolitanism and ancient tradition. Blink and you might miss something! There are thousands of things one could do while on a visit to Bangkok, but here are 7 amazing tours to help you get your fix!

River Cruising in Ayutthaya

Approximately 40 miles north of Bangkok lies Ayutthaya, an ancient city located in the beautiful Chao Phraya River Valley. Often referred to the Venice of the East, Ayutthaya once played host to dignitaries around the world and it is immediately apparent these Persian, Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch influences are reflected in the exquisite architecture. Enjoy unique views of Bangkok’s Grand Palace, and Wat Arun while dining on a sumptuous buffet lunch aboard your river cruise. Learn about the rich history and prosperity of this once regal city and take heed of its dramatic changes by viewing traditional Thai rural life. If you would like to spend more time in Ayutthaya, consider the overnight tour!

Overnight in Ayutthaya & River Cruise

If you are fortunate enough to have a little extra time on your hands, there is plenty to keep you entertained on an overnight trip to Ayutthaya. Leave your worries on the riverbank and enjoy the luxury of a floating hotel, complete with all the comforts of home, and then some. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is a architectural photographer’s dream with temple ruins as far as the eye can see. With the lush Chao Phraya Valley as your backdrop, travel through time as you experience the grandeur of 14th century Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin. Sights along the way include Bangkok’s staggering Grand Palace, Ayutthaya’s pristine Bang Pa-In Palace and of course, one of the most recognizable temples in the world, Wat Arun.

Bangkok by Canal

People often forget that Bangkok is a city interconnected by a complex system of canals and waterways. Give your feet a rest climb aboard a sleek speedboat. Sit back and relax as your cultured captain takes you on a journey down Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River to the original city center on Rattanakosin Island. The strikingly ornate longboats of the Royal Barges Museum, coupled with the myriad merchants conducting business at the river’s edge make for a fascinating feast for the eyes. Traditional wooden homes, imposing imperial mansions, floating kitchens against the backdrop of one of the oldest cities in the East are just a small sampling of what this canal tour has to offer.

A Day at Dream World

Bangkok is not often thought of as a family destination, but you couldn’t be more wrong! There are plenty of things to keep your little ones entertained, and if you’re struggling for ideas, Dream World should be at the top of your list. This delightfully affordable amusement park, affectionately deemed the “World of Happiness” offers four uniquely themed lands chock full of fun rides, cartoonish surroundings and lush gardens. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be miniature, visit the Giant’s House where you’ll be 50 times smaller than everything. Check out the heart-stopping go-kart track, ride the roller coaster and touch the sky on the Swinging Viking Boat. The park is open from 10:00 – 5:00pm daily.

Under the Sea at Siam World

If you have a hankering for spending the day under the sea but don’t want to get wet, grab the family and head to Siam Ocean World. Rivaling most North American marine parks, Bangkok is home to one of the most impressive aquariums in Southeast Asia. Spend a day exploring the seven unique ocean zones, learning about over 30,000 species of aquatic life. Walk through the 270-degree tunnel and watch as predators such as black-tipped and ragged-tooth sharks look down at you curiously! And if that isn’t close enough for you, take one of the glass-bottom boat tours and peer down as the ocean floor truly comes to life.

Day Trip to Kanchanaburi

It’s hard to imagine that Thailand’s pastoral landscapes were once hostile ground during the Second World War. Steeped in history, Kanchanaburi is home to the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai, a very dark though important part of Thailand’s history. Nestled amidst some of the most beautiful landscape you will ever see, the ‘Death Railway’, as it was known, was a pertinent supply route for the Japanese army. The panoramas on either side of the train trestle are awe inspiring, and the myriad nature scenes are reminiscent of a water color painting.

Shopping at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Come experience the thrill of being inside a moving postcard as you wheel and deal your way through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Just over an hour from the Bangkok city center, traditional Thai life brings collides with modernity. Hoards of fruit and vegetable vendors come to sell their wares and eager shoppers come to snag the best deal possible. A feast for the eyes (and the stomach), the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the most famous and most beloved Thai experiences.

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