Wat Pho, the Thonburi Canals and Wat Paknam: a Full Day on the Water
A full day that crosses the river and leaves the traffic behind. See the 46-meter Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, then take a private long-tail boat into the khlongs, the canals of old Bangkok. Stand under the giant Buddha and the painted emerald ceiling of Wat Paknam, stop at the century-old Artist House on stilts, and finish at the porcelain towers of Wat Arun. Thai lunch included.
Book with us
- English-speaking assistance and secure booking
- Fast reply and confirmation within 24 hours
- Officially TAT-licensed tour operator
Officially TAT-licensed tour operator
Temples and Water: a Full-Day Thonburi Canal Tour of Bangkok
Thonburi was the capital of Siam before Bangkok was, and the western bank still lives at the pace of the water. The day begins at Wat Pho, the cradle of traditional Thai medicine, where the gilded Reclining Buddha stretches 46 meters under a low roof. From the pier we board a private long-tail boat and turn into the khlongs, the canals of old Bangkok: wooden houses on stilts, gardens growing down to the waterline, and the ordinary daily life of families who still treat these channels as roads.
Wat Paknam comes next, with its enormous seated Buddha visible from far off and, inside the pagoda, a green glass stupa under an extraordinary painted emerald ceiling. Lunch is a proper Thai meal at a local restaurant on the canal, beside the Artist House (Baan Silapin), a hundred-year-old wooden house on stilts that now works as a small arts center. The day closes back on the main river at Wat Arun, whose prang are covered in broken Chinese porcelain and reward being seen up close, from the steps.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFBKK03 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Bangkok |
| Duration | Full Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Private |
| Guide Language | Italian, English, Multilingual |
| Interests | Culture & Temples, Nature & Trekking |
| Available Period | All year round |
| Availability | Daily |
Sample Itinerary
Pickup from your hotel reception and transfer to the pier, where your day among the temples and canals of Thonburi begins.
We visit the Wat Pho compound: the 46-meter gilded statue and the inner courtyards, along with the story of the temple as the home of traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage.
We board a private long-tail boat to explore the canals of Thonburi. Along the way you see the daily life of the people who live on the water, the old wooden houses and the vegetation lining the banks.
A stop for the huge seated Buddha, and a visit inside the pagoda to take in the extraordinary painted emerald ceiling and the sacred relics kept beneath it.
A relaxed stop at a local restaurant in the area for a selection of traditional Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients. We then visit the Artist House, the cultural and arts center that sits directly on the canal.
Back to the main river for Wat Arun. We explore its prang, the towers covered in multicolored porcelain that form one of the best-known outlines of the capital.
Transfer back to your hotel at the end of the day.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- English-speaking assistance
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private long-tail boat trip through the Thonburi canals
- Lunch in a local restaurant (drinks not included)
- Entrance tickets to the sites visited
Not Included
- Tips
- Extra drinks at lunch
- Personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether an excursion is right for me?
Every tour and activity is described in detail in your personalized itinerary. For each excursion you will find precise information on:
- Difficulty level: easy, moderate or demanding.
- Duration: from half a day to a full day.
- Requirements: minimum level of fitness, recommended age and accessibility.
Please also bear in mind that sea excursions by speedboat are usually not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart or back problems. Travelers with disabilities should be accompanied by someone who can assist them when needed. If you have any doubts or specific requirements, your Travel Consultant is always at your disposal for personalized advice.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Safety is our priority. If weather conditions make an activity dangerous or inadvisable, the excursion will be:
- Rescheduled: we will try to move the activity to another day of your trip.
- Replaced: if rescheduling is not possible, we will offer an alternative activity of equal value.
- Refunded: if neither rescheduling nor replacement is possible, you will receive a full refund for the excursion you were unable to take.
Please remember that rain during the wet season rarely spoils an entire day. You will always be informed in advance of any changes.
What are the pick-up times?
All meeting and pick-up details are clearly stated in your final travel documents (which you receive about 3 weeks before departure).
- Time: we will let you know the exact pick-up time. Please be ready at the agreed place at least 15 minutes beforehand.
- Pick-up point: in most cases the pick-up takes place directly in the lobby of your accommodation (if it lies within the areas covered by the service). If it does not, we will tell you the nearest meeting point.
What should I bring with me on the excursions?
For every excursion we provide a list of recommended items. In general, we always suggest:
- Suitable clothing: for example, long pants and no low-cut tops when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, light and breathable clothes for hot areas, a swimsuit, or comfortable shoes for light trekking.
- Protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Hydration: water, especially on hot days.
- Vouchers and documents: where required, a copy (digital or printed) of your booking voucher.
Are meals or drinks included during the tours?
It depends on the excursion. The description of each tour in your itinerary clearly states whether the following are included:
- Lunch, dinner or snacks.
- Water or other drinks.
If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know when you book, so that we can inform our local partners in advance.
Can I cancel or change a single excursion?
Yes, but specific terms apply. Cancellation and amendment conditions vary from one activity to another.
You will find the exact details for each excursion in the Terms and Conditions attached to your quotation. If you need to make a change or a cancellation, please write to us at info@thailandfantastic.com as soon as possible.
Are young children and infants allowed?
It depends on the activity. Some excursions, especially those by boat or those requiring physical effort, may have age or height restrictions for safety reasons. Any such restriction is stated in the tour description.
Please always tell us the exact age of every participant, children in particular, when you request a quotation.
