Day Tours ex-Bangkok | City and Temples Tour | [ ISVTG01]

This tour gives an insight into both the historic and modern parts of the 'City of Angels'. Leave your hotel and drive along the central business district to Wat Traimit, the Temple of the Golden Buddha. This is 5 ½ tonnes of solid gold sculptured in the Sukhothal style. Continue to Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The Reclining Buddha is a stunning sight - 46 m long. 15 m high and covered entirely with gold leaf. The 15 m. soles of the feet are intricately embellished with mother-of-pearl. Final stop is at Wat Benchambopit (the Marble Temple), a fine example of Thai architecture in stark white carrara marble. The temple houses a famed collection of Buddha images representing various periods and derivations.

Duration: 3 Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | Grand Palace Tour | [ ISVTG02 ]

Situated along the Chao Phraya River and dominating the south-western end are the fluted spires and golden domes of the Grand Palace. The splendour of the Palace grounds has no equal and it is possible to inspect the interior of one or more buildings. The more prominent ones being the Throne Hall, State Reception Hall and the Coronation Hall, each richly decorated in its own style in a fabulous array of colours. Within the compound is Wat Phra Keo, the Chapel of the Emerald Buddha which houses undoubtedly the world's most precious image of the Lord Buddha. Its history is shrouded in legend but the 75 cm statue of translucent jade sits atop an 11 m golden pedestal. The chapel itself reveals of full spectacle of Buddhist art with richly decorated pavilions, a lavish use of mother-of-pearl and murals around the walls depicting epics from which tales are told. Please note that the Grand Palace is a national shrine and tour participants are requested to properly attired. The tour may not be operated on public holidays or occasions of state.

Duration: 3 Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | Rose Garden, Thai Village and Show | [ISVTG03 ]

An hour's drive from Bangkok, the Rose Garden is a sprawling country resort with immaculate gardens, a beautiful lake, several Thai-style houses and wide range of floral display. There is also the Thai Village where you can see a cultural presentation of Thai life including the monks' ordination procession, sword fighting, folk dancing and a wedding ceremony. You can even ride on an elephant. Handicrafts are on sale and may be purchased at the numerous shops in the "Village".

Duration: 4 Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | Museum Tour | [ ISVTG04 ]

A visit to Wat Rajbopitr with its pearl-inlaid door and to the National Museum complex, a particularly interesting place to trace the history of Buddhist art of Thailand. For those who are not able to visit the splendid remains of Sukothai, Chiang Saen and Ayuthaya, the museum offers a worthwhile view of artworks dating back to prehistoric times. The 26 edifices of the museum display musical instruments, pottery and weapons dating back to the 18th century and the famed Ban Chiang potteries (5600-2250 BC). Of particular interest, too, are the model War Elephant (fully adorned with royal battle equipment) and the State Funeral Carriage.

Duration: 3 Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | Ancient City Tour | [ ISVTG05 ]

The "Ancient City" (Muang Boran) located 25 kms from Bangkok, is a recreation of Thailand's most historic monuments, including some buildings that can no longer be visited. This 200 acre "Ancient City" corresponds in shape to the map of Thailand and, set in their appropriate locations, are recreations of famous temples and palaces covering 15 centuries of Thai history, art and culture.

Duration: 3 Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo | [ ISVTG06 ]

Situated a mere 1 km from the Rose Garden and 30 km from Bangkok is the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo. Watch the exciting Elephants Theme Show, the only show of its kind in central Thailand, where kings and princes fight on elephant back. Elephant games, such as the elephants running race and elephant football, are some of the highlights. Visitors can also stroll around the zoo and see keepers showing off their skills in handling tropical reptiles Crocodile shows are also available.

Duration: 1 ¾ Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | Bangkok Floating Market | [ ISVTG07 ]

Travel by motor launch in the early morning, on the picturesque Chao Phraya River and klongs (or canals) to see farmers in tiny flat-bottomed boats market their produce. Observe the serene family homes and temples along the water-ways, which gives the city the name "Venice of the East". On the return journey, stop at the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) whose 79 m spire silhouette has become so identified with Bangkok. There will be ample opportunity to photograph the magnificent multi-coloured porcelain-studded towers.

Duration: 4 Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | ISVTG08 | [ Rice Barge Cruise ]

First, a thrilling ride by longtailed speedboat through the canals of outer Bangkok to see rural lifestyles. Then, board a converted rice barge for a cruise through the rural canals. While cruising, relax with cold drinks and chilled tropical fruits. Observe the scenery and the simple life of the friendly canal folk.

Duration: 3 Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | Tassaneeya Nava Cruise with Dinner | [ ISVTG09 ]

An enjoyable dinner cruise on board a luxurious river barge. As you cruise gently down the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok's 'River of Kings", a delicious dinner of exotic dishes delicately flavoured with the western palate in mind, is served. Come aboard the Tassaneeya Nava for a trip back to old Siam. Please note that transfers to the pier are not included.

Duration: 2 Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | Ayuthaya by Oriental Queen | [ ISVTG10 ]

Leave Bangkok from the Oriental Hotel via motor-coach for Ayuthaya, the former capital of Thailand (1350-1767). At the magnificent city ruins you can see the large Buddha image of Phra Mongkhon Bophit. Continue to Bang Pa-In summer Palace of King Rama V consisting of buildings in a quaint mixture of European and Thai architecture. You will have a chance to visit the interior of Chinese Wehat Chamrun Palace. Cruise back to Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River aboard the luxurious "Oriental Queen" cruiser. En route observe the scenic beauty and friendliness of the canal folks as you enjoy a sumptuous lunch.

Duration: 9 Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | River Kwal Tour | [ ISVTG11 ]

Leave your hotel in Bangkok early in the morning for a tour to the historic "Bridge over the River Kwai". Travel northwest through pastoral scenery and sugar cane fields framed by the distant "T'anowsi Hills to reach Kanchanaburi, the land of unspoiled nature. The town lies about 2 km from the famed bridge and the start of the "Death Railway" which cost the lives of more than 16,000 allied prisoners-of-war and 100,000 forced labourers in World War II. Visit the war cemetery which, till today, a still a chilling sight. Lunch is included.

Duration: 12 Hours

Day Tours ex-Bangkok | Thai Dinner and Classical Dance | [ ISVTG12 ]

An evening of Thai tradition in an authentic Thai restaurant, complete with cuisine that truly spells Thailand. While you dine, there will be a performance of Thai Classical Dance. Watch the grace and beauty of the dancers in their exotic, colourful costumes and jewellery, enacting the legends and folklore of Thai culture. Bring your camera along as this will be a night to remember. Note that transfers to and from the restaurant are included.

Duration: 3 Hours

Day Tours ex-Pattaya | Elephant Village Tour | [ ISVTG13 ]

A unique spectacle unseen elsewhere the elephant round-up at Pattaya Elephant Village is literally a big gathering of elephants, the gigantic beasts which have long borne the brunt of the heavy work in the forests and jungles of Thailand. This event features the thrilling and spectacular demonstration of the two methods of capturing wild elephants - the Kraal or Keddha system and the chasing and catching on the open plain system. See how these wild elephants are trained and put to work. There will be an opportunity to ride and feed these elephants. Finally, witness an elephant procession and ceremonial rites before visiting a mahout village.

Duration: 2 Hours

Day Tours ex-Pattaya | Nongnooch Village Show | [ ISVTG14 ]

Against a background of lush, green hills and a natural setting, Nongnooch Village is situated along Sukhumvit Road, just a 15 minute drive from Pattaya. On entering the village, you are introduced to a palm-lined road across lush plantations. Then the scene opens to a vista of a breezy lake, beneath a green hill with cottages and restaurants dotting the area. Its wooded parks are inhabited by tame deer, gibbons swans and monkeys. There are also rose gardens, an art theatre, a museum which houses a private collection of antiques, a nursery and countless shady nooks.

Duration: 3 ½ Hours

Day Tours ex-Pattaya | Coral Island with Lunch | [ ISVTG15 ]

This is an exhilarating experience from the moment the motor launch leaves Pattaya Bay until the return in the late afternoon. Sail across the sparkling aqua-blue water of the Gulf of Thailand for over an hour and then anchor offshore from Koh Lam (Coral Island). Here, under the brilliant tropical sun, you can relax, swim, dive, snorkel or simply bronze yourself on the island's golden beaches and forget the troubles of everyday life. The whole day is designed to let you enjoy the unique experience of an idyllic tropical island. After a delicious buffet lunch on the island, board a glass-bottomed boat to view the beautiful coral formations around the island. Return to Pattaya Bay in the late afternoon.

Duration: 6 Hours

Day Tours ex-Phuket | City Tour | [ ISVTG16 ]

This tour will bring you in touch with Phuket's local people, their lives and their culture. See the tin mines of Phuket which provide an important income for Thailand. There will be an opportunity to buy souvenirs such as tin-ware, sea shells, locally-made handicrafts, pearls and trinkets made from mother-of pearl.

Duration: 5 Hours

Day Tours ex-Phuket | Naga Pearl Village Tour with Lunch | [ ISVTG17 ]

Depart for the jetty and board boat to Naga Noi Island. Visit a pearl farm and observe a demonstration on cultured pearl operations by pearl farm experts. After lunch, enjoy swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing. A seafood lunch is included.

Day Tours ex-Phuket | Phang-Nga Bay | [ ISVTG18 ]

Spend a full day Phang-Nga Bay - one of the most beautiful spots in the world. See unusual, towering limestone "islands" with cliffs that rise straight up from the clear blue waters. You might even find the place familiar for it was the site of the James Bond film "The man with the Golden Gun". A delicious seafood lunch will be served, and later, observe the simple way of life when you visit the Gipsy Village.

Duration: 8 ½ Hours

Day Tours ex-Phuket | Pee Pee Island | [ ISVTG19 ]

Leave in the early morning in a boat for a comfortable trip to Pee Pee Island. Two isles form the Pee Pee Island - Pee Pee Don and Pee Pee Le. The former is flat with many beautiful uncrowded beaches and the latter is rocky with high stone cliffs. There are several caves on the island, which are inhabited by swallows. This is the place where there is an abundance of the bird's nests, which the Thais use as a cuisine delicacy. On the way back, stop at the Pee Pee Don where the underwater scenery is remarkably beautiful. Crystal clear waters and the shallow sea-bed offer unique sights of coral reefs and marine life.

Duration: 10 ½ Hours

Day Tours ex-Phuket | Thai Cultural Show | [ ISVTG20 ]

Enjoy a comprehensive show depicting Thai lifestyle. Watch folk dances, Thai boxing, traditional ceremonies and cultural features of the entire kingdom. Emphasis will be on the unique aspects of Phuket and the south.