This klong adventure takes us to the waters of the former Bangkok capital Thonburi which in 1972 merged into Bangkok. Situated on the western side of the Chao Phraya River, these waterways remain very much intact since development on this side of the river is at a much slower pace and this has ensured the capital has retained its title ‘Venice of the East.’ Here we will glide through the klongs in traditional long-tail wooden boats and soak up scenic life along the capital’s waterways. On the way we stop at the National Museum of Royal Barges which is home to elaborate royal vessels used in state processions. We then head back along the Chao Phraya to visit the magnificent Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn.

Thailand’s floating markets hold cultural significance in the country with many tourists wanting to experience this tradition. Damnoen Saduak is dubbed as the ‘real floating market’ and is around 110 km west of Bangkok. A trip to this Thai phenomenon is like travelling back to the ancient times of the Siam Kingdom where colourful clad merchants paddle along the narrow canals. Here we witness the traditional ways of trading fruit, vegetables and other small items from small boats. There are also traditional Thai houses to view and we learn how boats are a vital mode of transport for locals in their everyday lives. This tour includes a visit to the famed Maeklong Railway where stalls are erected trackside and hastily moved as trains arrive.

Yaowarat Road, in Bangkok’s Chinatown, is one of the world’s most renowned street-food destinations and the capital’s premier dining district. On this early-evening culinary adventure, we explore the diverse and sophisticated flavours of this 200-year-old thoroughfare, deeply rooted in Thai-Chinese traditions.

During the gastronomic exploration, we stroll along the neon-lit road, soaking in its frenetic nighttime energy while sampling local specialties from seven celebrated eateries, ranging from iconic street-food stalls to acclaimed Thai-Chinese restaurants. Between tastings, we gain a behind-the-scenes insight into this vibrant neighbourhood – meeting its lively characters, hearing memorable stories and visiting religious and cultural landmarks. The only thing we need to bring is our appetite!

Bangkok’s Buddhist temples are world famous and this tour takes us to three of the most unusual ones that this city has to offer. We start at the ornate Wat Traimit which is situated at the end of buzzing Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road. This temple is home to a unique Golden Buddha that weighs five-and-half tons. Next is the largest temple complex in Bangkok, Wat Po, which has an impressive reclining Buddha that is 46 metres in length, as well as Chedis of the Kings. The last stop on this temple tour takes to the district of Dusit to Wat Benjamaborpitr also known as the White Marble Temple. This is a fine example of Thai architecture, and will keep photo enthusiasts busy.

This full day of fascinating discovery includes spiritual exploration and an insight into age-old agricultural practices. From the hotels in Bangkok, we will be taken by coach to Nakhon Pathom’s landmark structure, Phra Pathom Chedi. At 127-metres-high, this is the world’s tallest Buddhist chedi. The history of the chedi goes back to the 3rd century BC when Buddhism was introduced to Thailand. The next visit is to Sampran Dragon Temple. Boasting 17 storeys, this weird and wonderful temple has been designed to look like it is in the clutches of a massive dragon. The colourful scales and claws of the dragon wrap themselves around the pink cylindrical building. It is possible to walk up a large winding staircase within the dragon to reach the top of the structure. After this surreal experience, we head to Wat Suwannaram where a long-tail boat awaits for an exhilarating journey along a canal to a rural community. We visit a lotus farm and finally, Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market where we can enjoy lunch and shopping, followed by the return journey to Bangkok.