Art & Culture of Bangkok's Klongs
Spend half a day exploring one of Bangkok's most vibrant artisan communities, travelling by private longtail boat accompanied by your own English-speaking guide. Learn about traditional and modern art, including the intricate designs of Thai puppetry.
Your tour will start on Bangkok's iconic Chao Phraya River. Board your private longtail boat before heading down one of the city's many canals, also called 'klongs'. While these waterways are no longer the vital trading routes they once were, this is still an excellent opportunity to gain an insight into the history and heritage of the capital.
You will pass shophouses, residences, and temples before emerging at Baan Silapan. This wooden house is over 100 years old and has now been transformed into an art gallery. Spend some time admiring the artwork on display and learning about the country's modern art scene. There is also the chance to see highly detailed Thai puppets. This intricate design is an ancient art form, and if you are lucky, the puppeteers may put on a live performance.
You will head back to the main river on your longtail boat. On the way, stop off to visit Wat Arun, also known as the 'Temple of the Dawn'. This is one of Thailand's most famous temples, and it is also one of the prettiest, with a main pagoda decorated with glazed porcelain pieces.
Please note that this tour usually starts at around 1pm and finishes at around 5pm. The puppet show is available on Weekends only, and it is always subject to change as the puppeteers are not always in residence. For your visit to the temple, you will need to cover your shoulders and knees. Tight-fitting shorts and trousers are also not permitted.
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