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A page of history:
After 400 years of
domination and following the destruction of Ayutthaya,
the capital was moved first to Thonburi on the west side of the
Chao Praya River and then, in 1782, to Bangkok, a small
commercial port on the opposite side of the river. The
decision was made by King Rama I of the Chakri dynasty- the
reigning dynasty today in Thailand. (The reigning King today is
Rama IX).
The capital was
officially re-named Bangkok by king Rama I. Its full name is
listed by Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest place
name. However, the name used by the Thais is Krung Thep (City
of Angels). Foreigners use the name Bangkok.
What to do and see in one day
We offer:
In the morning:
The Grand Palace –
The Royal Palace
Located in the
center of the old capital, the Grand Palace complex encloses an
area of 218,400 square meters and is protected by a defensive
wall. Within the walls of the palace, you can see all the
government offices. In the central part, there stands the King’s
audiences hall together with the royal family’s apartments and
an area for the royal family’s women and their servants.
Many buildings
were later added by other kings, in particular by King Rama V
Wat Phra Keo
The What
Phra Keo, the temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the royal chapel
and is located inside the Royal Palace. The Emerald Buddha was discovered in
Chiang Rai and is credited with many legends and horror stories.
It was kept in Laos for 250 years and then it was carried to
Thailand by the future king Rama I after the destruction of
Vientiane.
It is definitely
the most revered Buddha in Thailand. The King himself changes its sacred
golden garments when the seasons change ( cold, hot, rainy).
You’ll find the What Phra Keo stunning. It is so richly and
preciously decorated.
The Wat Po
The
Wat Po is one of the largest and oldest Wats in Bangkok. It
was built in the fifth century. It has gardens, statues and is
the home of the colossal reclined Buddha shining with golden
plating. He has an ecstatic expression while waiting to enter
Nirvana. The soles of his feet are decorated with mother of
pearls, sign it is a true Buddha.
The Wat Po is also
the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and a school for
traditional medicine and massage.
In the evening:
A
candlelight dinner cruise on the King’s river : the Chao Praya.
The Shangri La is a luxury river boat with air/con on the lower
deck. All along the river cruise, you will admire the fantastic
sights of the Royal Palace, the Wat Phra Keo and the Wat Arun
(the Temple of the Dawn)
Price per person:
110 Euros, all taxes included.
The price includes
:
English-speaking
guide for the visit of the Royal Palace, the Wat Phra Keo, the
Wat Po, the flower market.
Entrances fees.
The dinner cruise
on board of the Shangri-La boat from 19.30 to 21.30.
Excludes:
Any car transfer.
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