Home away from home in Bangkok & Phu Quoc (12D11N)

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples.
The first destination is the Grand Palace. This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in 1770s. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of national significant events takes place there.
Wat Phra Kaew is the most out-standing architecture in complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. Wat Pra Kwae is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue will bring back fortune and prosperity for the nation.
Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho – the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold.
This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage. The Wat Pho wall-surrounded complex was divided into 2 by Soi Chetuphon running along East – West.
The Northern complex is the one including the in Gold Buddha statue and massage school mentioned above. The Southern complex, Tukgawee, is a monastery and a school.
Then, we will visit Wat Traimit. This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue represents for prosperity and purity, as well as strength and power. The Golden Statue was defined to be built in Sukhothai period, the 13-15th century – one of the most famous periods of Thai Buddhism architecture.
After having lunch, we will board on a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by
On route, we stop at Wat Arun, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s riverbank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. “Arun” means sunrise, but it is most beautiful in the sunset.
The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style. You can climb up to the top of Wat Arun to see Chao Phraya, Grand Palace and Wat Pho at the opposite side.
Return to the hotel and you are free to explore Bangkok by night.
 

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Maeklong Railway Market - a local market has grown up along the rail tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed. We continue our way to Damnoen Saduak Floating market. Arrival at the market, you can see the vendors who wear traditional farmer dresses and hats bring local Thai foods, fruits and products to sell on rowing boats. You should not miss the opportunity to experience sitting and giving them a try on one of these boats on the canal. You are free to explore around the market, take photos/videos or even hire a paddling boat to breathe the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere here.  

We then take a boat ride out of the floating market and journey along the winding canals to see remote villages, gardens and plantations. 

Arrive at a jetty pier where you board on the vehicle and return to Bangkok. 

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok 

Meals: Breakfast 

Having breakfast at 8h30, we will transfer to pay a visit in some sites of Ayutthaya Historical Park, situated in the old city of Ayutthaya. The city was constructed by Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of Thailand until it was destroyed by Burmese – Myanmar army in 1767. Being a ruin with many temples which characterize this handicraft type of architecture built with red bricks, the park was recognized as World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO.

-     Wat Phu Khao Thong is a massive pagoda towering in the middle of paddy fields and can be seen from afar. Built by King Ramesuan in 1395, the pagoda is unique with the combination of 2 architectural styles: Thai – style and Mon – style. There is a high golden plated chedi on the top, which makes the pagoda outstanding.

-   Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Ayutthaya Grand Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. The highlight of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is 3 towers standing high together in Ceylonese style, has the same architecture with Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

-     Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit is the pagoda in which the bronze Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara is situated. This is one of the biggest Buddha statue in Thailand. It was considered to be built during the Ayuttaya period of King Srongta, who transferred the location from the east side to the west and has been the location since then. After that he ordered to build a dome on top.

-  Wat Lokaya Sutha is considered as the sacred place for pilgrims since it’s famous for the reclining Buddha statue, which is the statue of the Blessed Buddha intact compared to other monuments in the entire Ayutthaya ruins. It is also the most important relics in most of those in Wat Lokaya Sutha. Thai people believe that if they paste the golden leaf onto Buddha statues, they will be protected by Buddha.

Heading back to Bangkok. En route, we visit the Royal Summer Palace in Bang Pa-in district.

Situated about 60 km northern away from Bangkok, this palace is called Royal Summer Palace since it is a favorite resort of royal. The first palace had been built in mid-early of the 17th century, then was the ruins and be forgotten when Burman occupied Ayutthaya. It was not until the rule of King Rama IV – did the palace rebuild. King Rama IV was the first Siamese king came to Europe and was sharply impressed by the architecture there. Therefore, the whole architecture of the palace is in the way of 19th century European style.

Return to Bangkok and the rest time of day is on your own.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok 

Meals: Breakfast 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Saigon. On arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, pick up and transfer to a hotel. Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis, contrary to its northern counterpart, is crowded with bikes and motorbikes, excited by numerous shopping areas and sidewalk cafés. If we have enough time, we stroll around Saigon downtown. Overnight at the hotel in Ho Chi Minh city

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon 

Meals: Breakfast 

Morning after having breakfast, depart for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war.  Afternoon, we take a half day of city tour to visit all the famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the Reunification Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, followed by some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral. Apart from the religious meaning, the even more special captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Next, it is on to the Old Saigon Post Office. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offer guests many freshly delicious dishes. You also can find any goods for daily use as well as a variety of eye-catching local handicrafts, souvenirs here. Overnight at the hotel in HCM city.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Saigon 

Meals: Breakfast 

In the morning transfer to My Tho town, we continue to Ben Tre by passing to Rach Mieu beautiful bridge. Arrival in Bentre town, take a boat trip around Ben Tre River. Enjoying sightseeing local activities on river. Stop to see how people make bricks, salts, coconut workshop. Boat on Cai Son and Nhon Thanh creeks to see some family making mats. Take motor cart (Xe loi) pass by rice fields and vegetable plains to know how to culture in country. Stop to Mekong Green, local restaurant by the river for lunch. In the afternoon, take rowing boat along water palm creek and a long Cai Coi creek. Stop to see rice workshop before back to Ben Tre town, where we visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda. After that we proceed to Can Tho. Overnight at the hotel in Can Tho.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Can Tho

Meals: Breakfast 

07.00 Morning cruise and morning tea break served on board.
08.00 Sampan excursion to Cai Rang floating market.
09.00 Road transfer to Rach Gia, snack box. (shuttle bus service)
13.00 Departure of ferry to Phu Quoc in Rach Gia.
~15.30 Arrival at Phu Quoc Bai Vong Pier; transfer to the hotel in Phu Quoc by shuttle bus.
 

Your time would be on your own at the beach or you might consider taking a short excursion to explore PhuQuoc, savoring the best seafood, fishing or diving and snorkeling to explore the beautiful undersea world (excluded). The coral is pristine, and the scattering of small islands at the bottom of PhuQuoc is home to a rich variety of marine bio-diversity.

Accommodation : At the hotel in Phu Quoc Island 

Meals: Breakfast 

Your time would be on your own at the beach or you might consider taking a short excursion to explore PhuQuoc, savoring the best seafood, fishing or diving and snorkeling to explore the beautiful undersea world (excluded). The coral is pristine, and the scattering of small islands at the bottom of PhuQuoc is home to a rich variety of marine bio-diversity. 

Accommodation : At the hotel in Phu Quoc Island 

Meals: Breakfast 

Your time would be on your own at beach or you might consider taking a short excursion to explore PhuQuoc, savoring the best seafood, fishing or diving and snorkeling to explore the beautiful undersea world (excluded). The coral is pristine, and the scattering of small islands at the bottom of PhuQuoc is home to a rich variety of marine biodiversity. 

Accommodation : At the hotel in Phu Quoc Island 

Meals: Breakfast 

Breakfast at the hotel, after that I was transferred to the airport to take the flight to Saigon and then connect to the flight back your home country. End of service

Accommodation : NA

Meals: Breakfast