Bangkok holidays

This tour will take you on a fabulous journey into Bangkok's colourful past. Water has always played a major part in Thai life, but ever increasing 'modernisation' is creeping up on old customs resulting in many familiar sights such as the traditional floating markets, gradually disappearing. Take advantage of this very special tour during which you can still witness, first hand, Thai-style canoes laden with colourful, succulent fruits, vegetables, sweets and meats, gently weaving their way through the canals at Damnoen Saduak. On your way to lunch at the Rose Garden Cultural Centre, you make a stop at Phra Pathom Chedi, the largest Pagoda in Southeast Asia. After a traditional Thai lunch served in unique and wonderfully picturesque surroundings, you are entertained by an unrivalled production of events portraying a full and varied selection of Thai history, tradition and culture such as re-enactment of a Thai Wedding ceremony: elegant finger-nail dancing, traditional bamboo dancing, Thai boxing and an elephant show - and even an elephant ride, should you wish!

This is a 'must' for all visitors to Bangkok. The Grand Palace complex, which includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keow) is unquestionably one of wonders of the world today. Within its enormous grounds is the most exotic Buddhist temple and at the heart of the temple itself is a fabulous Buddha image, carved from one piece of Jade, which is the holiest and most revered of religious objects in Thailand today. Nearby is Grand Palace, once the official home for the Kings of Siam built in traditional Thai architecture mixed with European designs. You can also see the Royal Funeral Hall and the Royal Coronation Hall.

This relaxed afternoon tour allows you to experience the timeless world of "The Venice of the East". In Bangkok people still depend on the waterways to transport their merchandise, in particular rice, as the canals are linked to the rice fields. Cruise by motor boat through exotic flora and picturesque canal houses Midway join the converted rice barge, all you need to do is sit back, relax and take in the scenery. Soft drinks and local fruits will be served onboard.

Visit the world-renowned ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’. Built during World War II by allied prisoners of war, the original bridge was destroyed by bombing in 1945 but its replacement still stands. Take a 40-minute train ride on the Death Railway – over 9000 soldiers died tragically during its construction – and tour the war cemetery and Death War Museum. A haunting, unmissable experience.

There is no better way to learn Thai Cooking once you are in Thailand and taking a Thai cooking class, taught by qualified Thai personnel. This is an ideal home-style learning environment that is different from most of the hotels and restaurants in Thailand. A real hands-on experience. You will be amazed what you can cook! *Joint tour with minimum 2 persons, English speaking guide only. NB Operating times are as a bove except Monday and Public Holidays.

Cruise on Chao Phrata, the so-called 'River of Kings' out of Bangkok in a traditional rice barge and visit a host of famous sites such as peaceful Wat Arun (temple of the Dawn) and the glittering Grand Palace, all the while learning to prepare and cook delicious, traditional Thai dishes.