To those who are more enthralled with Thailand’s pristine beaches in the South or its jungles and mountains up North, Bangkok could be a rather overwhelming affair: the traffic jam, the makeshift houses, and the mayhem of street vendors plying their trade. But you need not venture right away into the South or North and escape the “daunting” capital city. A huge slice of tradition and adventure awaits you amid the overall chaos.

Day 1
Temples and night markets

See the marvelous Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit. Scour the shelves of different Chinatown shops. Visit the sacred and ornately decorated Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Witness the Reclining Buddha at Wat Po. After the sacred journey you could discover Bangkok’s bustling night market culture. Pick out some orchids and garlands from the Flower Market.  Go shop-crazy at Patpong Night Market, negotiating for a couple of shirts or a replica watch. You could also try the famous Chatuchak Market if you happen to be in the city on a weekend.


Grand Palace and Temples Tour
Flower Market and Patpong Night market

Day 2
Thai village

See Thailand’s only remaining authentic floating market at Damnoen Saduak. Photograph the country’s tallest chedi in Nakorn Pathom. Have a quiet lunch at Rose Garden. Proceed to the adjoining Thai Village for a cultural feast: a fingernail dance, elephants, and a traditional Thai wedding ceremony, to name a few.


Floating Market and Rose Garden

Day 3
River Kwai

Reserve this day for a trip to the River Kwai. Visit the infamous bridge built by the hands of World War II prisoners. See a replica of Japanese concentration camps at the JEATH Museum. Join a train ride along the notorious “Death Railway.”

River Kwai