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 Bangkok
- Chao Phraya River
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Viewing the Grand Palace and Wang Lang
 Rattanakosin
Island on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River is famous for the
national heritage of its fi ne arts and architecture. The tour starts
from Chang Pier, passing Na Phra Lan Road to the Grand Palace, the
sanctuary of elaborate royal structures, including the royal temple,
the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where the most signifi cant Buddha
image, carved from a huge piece of jade is enshrined, and the murals
depicting the Ramayana are featured on the gallery. A detour can
be made via Na Phra That Road, with a pleasant stroll to view the
European-style shop-houses around Chang Pier and Na Phra Lan Road,
followed by a visit to the Art Gallery of Silpakom University and
the Silpa Bhirasri Memorial National Museum. One can then proceed
to the Phra Chan Pier and take a shuttle boat to cross the river
to the Wang Lang - Phran Nok Pier, located in Wang Lang Lane, where
food, clothes, and commodities are offered at low prices. Lying
within walking distance is Wat Rakhang Khositaram, where the over
200-yearold triplex scripture hall and lacquered and gilded scripture
cabinet are on view. Crossing back, a walk past Thammasat University
takes one to the National Museum of Bangkok, where national treasures
are displayed in the various royal halls, formerly the royal residence
of the viceroy. From the National Museum, take a further walk past
the National Theatre, the Tourism Division of the Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration, to Phra Athit Pier.
From Phra Athit Pier to Bang Lamphu
 In
the past, the riverside area on Phra Athit Road was the site for
palaces of princes in the Fourth Reign. Such structures remain and
can be observed, including the Maliwan Mansion, now the regional
head offi ce of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
The structure was designed by an Italian architect, and completed
in 1917. Also of interest is Chao Phraya Mansion, formerly the palace
of Prince Sathit Thamrongsawat, and later occupied by His Highness
Prince Khamrop, who headed the Metropolitan Police in the Sixth
Reign, as well as Phra Athit Mansion, formerly the residence of
Chao Phraya Woraphongphiphat, M.R. Yen Issarasena, a high-ranking
offi cial during the Fifth to the Seventh Reigns, and later turned
into the ThaiGerman Cultural Institute, which includes the Goethe
Institute, but it is now a private fi rm’s offi ce. The pleasant
evening riverside stroll ends at the Santi Chaiprakan Park, established
in commemoration of His Majesty the King’s auspicious sixth-cycle
birthday in 1999, with the Santi Chaiprakan Royal Hall situated
on the riverbank. Not far from the royal hall, one fi nds the last
remaining lamphu plant of the area, and a sculpture entitled “Lifestyle
of Bang Lamphu,” telling the history of the ancient community
from the Ayutthaya Period to the Seventh Reign of Bangkok. Also
in the area is the Phra Sumen Fort, one of the two remaining forts
originally built around Rattanakosin Island.
Touring Chinatown
 From
Ratchawong Pier, one can take a stroll to view the old Western-style
buildings, houses, and shop-houses in the Talat Noi area, and walk
along Ratchawong Road, up to the Chinatown area at the edge of Yaowarat
Road. A visit to the fi rst Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok,
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, is in line, followed by a wander through
small alleys, such as Soi Issaranuphap, the wholesale market for
fish and high-quality seafood. There are also fruits, food offerings
for Chinese festivals, vegetables from China, seasoning materials,
and dried and canned food, also from China. One can sample tea or
coffee at the traditional coffee shops or try Chinese dishes at
one of the original restaurants of Yaowarat on Phat Sai Road, and,
if time permits, walk further towards Sampheng and Phahurat or Little
India, the textile market, where Indian food and spices are also
available.
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Tours:
Programme 1 - Taking a Boat Ride to Inspect Temples and the Mon
Gifts
and Souvenirs
