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Scott
Trip Date 03/15/2011 Posted On 09/02/2019 17:20:28 |
Destinations | Cruises | Thailand | Bangkok | Laem Chabang Port | Diamond Princess | Thai Tour Guide | Chob Panma | Port Day in Bangkok | Private Tour Guides
We departed on our 16 night cruise aboard the Diamond Princess from Tianjin, China, the nearest port city to Beijing. Cruising down the Asian coast, we had one port of call in Japan followed by two ports each in China and Vietnam. Although our cruise was closer to ending with each passing day, we were excited for our upcoming two ports of call in Thailand. Due to the long distance from the port city to Bangkok, our search for private tour guides in Bangkok helped us find Chob Panma.
If you'll be docking at either Laem Chabang Port or Klong Toey Port and are in search of ideas on how to spend your port day in Bangkok, you're in the right place! A private tour with Thai Tour Guide should be high on your consideration list. With pick-up right at the port, transportation to and from Bangkok, and an incredible day exploring some of the city's most popular sites, it's a day that will be hard to beat!
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Bangkok, Thailand
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is situated just north of the Gulf of Thailand. In terms of population, no other city in the country is larger. In addition to these two claims to fame, Bangkok has a great variety of attractions which entice travelers with all interests.From newly constructed skyscrapers to historical temples, the city's architecture is quite diverse. It would be easy to spend a full day exploring the Grand Palace of Thailand for those who enjoy walking. If relaxing sounds more appealing, perhaps a cruise on the Chao Phraya River and canals would rank higher on your list. For shoppers, Bangkok has everything from luxury shopping to bargain shopping, and everything in between.
And, what would Bangkok be without tuk-tuks? You'll know exactly how they got their name when you hear the sound of an underpowered tuk-tuk engine nearby! If you just need to travel a short distance, a tuk-tuk can can be a fun way to get there. Do be prepared to bargain with the driver, however, as the first quoted price is hardly ever the best that you'll get.
Laem Chabang Cruise Port
All but the smallest of cruise ships dock at Laem Chabang Cruise Port, a commercial container port. While the city of Laem Chabang is not a popular tourist destination on its own, it is the major cruise port for Bangkok. Because of the distance and the traffic, the drive takes at least two hours in each direction.There is a port much closer to Bangkok's main attractions. Getting to the Klong Toey Port, however, requires ships to travel along the Chao Phraya River. Because of the river's winding and rather narrow width, it is not navigable for most cruise ships.
We encountered similar drives at several ports in southeast Asia. When we have the opportunity to return to this part of the world, we will thoroughly research the itineraries that include ports that we want to explore. We now realize how important it is to know where ships will dock at each port of call. This will ensure that we have the knowledge of how much time will be needed just to get to the sites that we hope to see. A comparison of factors including price, size of ship, itineraries and ports will help us decide whether a smaller or larger ship will meet the majority of our goals.
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Thai Tour Guide
After reading reviews from previous travelers, we hoped for availability on our scheduled port day. Our experience with Thai Tour Guide was positive from beginning to end. We communicated with Chob via e-mail (chob@thaitourguide.com or thaitourguide@gmail.com) and always received timely and detailed responses (including when we needed to change our tour date). He even forwarded a professional customized itinerary along with important information such as payment requirements and proper dress for the sites that we would be visiting.Our price quote included pick-up at and return to Laem Chabang Port for six passengers in an air conditioned van. In addition to both van and boat transportation within Bangkok, all entrance fees were also built into the total cost. Chob agreed to be our guide for the full day, and his knowledge of the English language is excellent (as is also true for most of his team of guides). We paid a deposit of 30% of the total cost several weeks before our arrival, with the balance being paid while in Bangkok.
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Chob met us at the port just as promised. He escorted us during our two hour drive in each direction during which he answered the many questions that we threw at him. Chob's knowledge of history and traditions in Bangkok truly enhanced our visit. He even surprised each of the six of us in our group with Phuang Malais. These small garlands, symbolizing luck and respect, are made from fresh flowers every day.
The Grand Palace of Thailand
Of all of the sites to see in Bangkok, The Grand Palace of Thailand is, without a doubt, the city's most famous landmark. It is also the one that seems to make every "best of" list. It is there that one can easily spend a day or more exploring the grounds and buildings which make up the "royal compound". The meticulous details of both the architecture and landscaping is truly amazing.The Grand Palace of Thailand was the personal residence of the King of Thailand, the Royal Court and a number of administrative offices for 150 years. Built in 1782, the compound is spread out over 218,000 square meters filled with awesome architecture and stunning gardens.
Visitors come from all over the country and the world to see it. Even after seeing pictures before arriving, nearly everyone is still surprised by the amazing detail throughout. A sampling of the attractions within the complex include the following:
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The Demon Guardians
With all of the tourists exploring the palace grounds, there must be guards responsible for ensuring order. Well, not to ensure order, but six pairs of Demon Guardians are standing tall to ward off evil spirits from approaching the Emerald Buddha.Don't be surprised, however, if you do see some security personnel. As one would expect, there are Palace Guards patrolling the grounds of the Grand Palace.
The Temple of The Emerald Buddha
The impressive Temple of the Emerald Buddha is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. The temple itself is actually a smaller complex located in the Outer Palace on the grounds of the Grand Palace of Thailand.Located within the temple is the highly revered Emerald Buddha. Raised high on a platform, this image of a meditating Buddha was meticulously carved from a single block of jade.
If you have the opportunity to admire this icon during multiple visits to Thailand, you may notice a difference in the gold apparel. As the only person permitted near the Buddha, the "changing of the robes" ritual is performed three times each year by the King. The ritual is believed to bring good fortune to Thailand during the approaching seasons of summer, winter or the rainy season.
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The Royal Pantheon
The building known today as the Royal Pantheon was originally intended to be a new home for the Emerald Buddha. When it was built in 1856 atop the Upper Terrace, however, it was found to be too small. It wasn't until the completion of restorations to the building following a 1903 fire that it was named the Royal Pantheon.The gilded chedis flanking the Royal Pantheon were built under the direction of King Rama I. A row of very colorfully dressed demons appear to support the two chedis (one dedicated to each of his parents) and are extremely popular with photographers.
Golden Chedi
Also located on the Upper Terrace, the Golden Chedi is quite impressive both in color and in size. Built in the style of Sri Lankan golden stupas, the monument is worshipped by people worldwide.Model of Angkor Wat
If the 12th century temple located in Cambodia known as Angor Wat is not on your itinerary, the next best thing is seeing a model. The original construction of the Model of Angkor Wat, located on the Upper Terrace, was ordered by King Rama IV. In celebration of the one hundred year anniversary of the Grand Palace, King Rama V had today's more permanent plaster model created.
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Royal Reception Halls
Tourists can visit some rooms within the impressive Royal Reception Halls which are used for important ceremonial occasions today. Chakri Maha Prasat Hall served as the royal residence for King Rama V. It is the only building on the palace grounds which mixes both European and Thai architectural styles. The three wings of the three story building are connected by long hallways.With a grand spired hall, Dusit Maha Prasat Hall is often recognized as the finest architectural building of its style. In addition to annual ceremonies, the hall is where royal family members lie in state.
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The Gallery
Make sure to take some time to look at the murals in the "Gallery" surrounding the temple's many buildings. Originally painted during the reign of King Rama I, the mural's first section is opposite the Spired Hall. Proceeding clockwise, the mural is one continuous story displayed in a total of 178 sections.The story of Ramakien is based on the Indian epic of Ramayana. The Thai version depicts the battle between King Rama and the King of Demons. King Rama and his monkey army eventually defeat the King of Demons who had kidnapped his Queen in hopes that she would fall in love with him.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Just a short ten minute walk from the Grand Palace of Thailand is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho, as it is known locally, is the city's largest and oldest temple complex. The huge and majestic reclining Buddha for which it is famous appears to barely fit in the temple housing.Because of the Buddha's massive size, the only way to truly experience the gold-leaf covered statue is in person. Photos just don't do the Buddha, which measures 46 meters in length, justice. The feet of the statue, which are decorated with mother-of-pearl illustrations of the Buddha, measure five meters in length alone.
For good luck, consider joining the many others who place a coin into each of the 108 bowls lining the hall. To do so, purchase a bowl of coins when you enter the room where the Buddha is reclining.
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Save some time to admire the many other Buddhas on site before leaving. In addition to being home to the largest single Buddha, the complex also houses the country's largest Buddha collection.
Canal Tour
The river was originally the main avenue as Thonburi was the capital city's epicenter prior to King Rama I moving it across the river. Although the view along the waterways has changed over the years with the coming of roads and tall commercial buildings, many of Bangkok's notable structures are still found on the banks of the river.A private canal tour in a long-tail boat is the perfect way to get some insight into life as a local in Bangkok. Traveling from the bustling Chao Phraya River to the quieter klongs (canals) of Thonburi, will make you feel like you traveled back in time.
The picturesque riverside scenery that you'll see during your journey will be quite diverse. You'll pass other tourists with the same idea as you. You will likely see kids (or even adults) jumping into or swimming in the water. You'll drift past both stilted wooden homes as well as colonial mansions (and of course some temples, too).
The colorful and unique culture along the riverfront will be on full display as you pass by floating kitchens. You'll surely be approached by a mobile vendor who will drive their shop right up next to your private boat. In addition to food and household items, shoppers will even find a small selection of souvenirs for sale.
The Temple of Dawn
Although we didn't have the opportunity to enter the temple known as Wat Arun, we did cruise by during our canal tour. The Buddhist temple stands on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River and is one of the country's most beautiful sites to see from a boat.The Temple of Dawn is said to have been named by King Taksin who arrived at the break of dawn after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya during an attack by a Burmese army. Built to represent Mount Meru, the center of the world to Buddhists, the temple has since been renovated. The surrounding spires house an image of a guardian god, each representing one of the four directions.
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Pak Klong Talat
The Bangkok Flower Market known locally as Pak Klong Talat sells more flowers than any other market in the city. In addition to retail sales, many vendors make early morning purchases to stock their neighborhood markets around Bangkok. In fact, the market is open all day and night and is said to be the liveliest in the middle of the night. It is then when deliveries stocking the market for the upcoming day are received as well.The market is a must see for visitors - if not to make a purchase, at least to see the famous location. With the wide variety of flowers, fruits and vegetables offered for sale, the bright colors and fragrant aromas are amazing. You'll find vendors preparing Phuang Malais, the country's traditional flower garlands. You can almost bet that you'll see some items for sale that you've never before seen.
The Temple of the Golden Buddha
Located at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road, the Temple of the Golden Buddha houses the world's largest solid-gold Buddha. Weighing over five tons, the seated Buddha measures nearly three meters in height.Knowing that the beautiful golden statue was covered in plaster and stucco to disguise its value for most of its over 700 year existence makes the history of the Buddha quite interesting. In fact, after being moved to its current location at Wat Traimit, no other temples wanted the Buddha due to its rather bland appearance.
In 1955 the Buddha was being moved to a new building in the temple. During the move, a part of the stucco was damaged. It was then that the beautiful solid gold Sukhothai style Buddha was discovered. In addition to seeing the Buddha, visitors today can also see some pieces of the plaster on display!
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Cruising China and Southeast Asia
Our next port of call was also in Thailand, just a little further south in the Gulf of Thailand. A subscription to our weekly e-mail notifications will ensure that you don't miss the upcoming ports of call from our Asian odyssey. You will receive no more than one e-mail per week which will alert you as additional travel posts such as Island Tour of Koh Samui, Thailand are published. Koh Samui has quite a different feel from the other ports of call on our Southeast Asia and China cruise. It's quick and easy to subscribe at Wordy Explorers User Account by completing the form.If you are considering a cruise with a planned port day in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, be sure to read our post about our day spent touring with "Zoom". In 15 Interesting Sites to See in One Day in Ho Chi Minh City you'll find contact information for a guide who is definitely worth your consideration. Additionally, along with a description and photos of some of our favorite sites, we've included some helpful information about the port city.
Favorite Thai Cities
If you were to make a recommendation to someone wanting to explore Thailand for the first time, which cities would you suggest that they consider and why?|
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