Smiling Albino

Intro

Total Trip - 4 days

Modern Bangkok boasts undeniable charm, but hidden beneath a layer of time and development, tucked behind lanes and canal communities, lays a treasure trove of stories, sights and secrets waiting to be discovered. The year 1910 marked a time of dramatic change in Thailand. King Rama V, the first Thai monarch to visit Europe, passed away, leaving a legacy of modernization which propelled Siam into the global community. It was a time of tradition, family, trade and travel - a time of discovery.

Begin this nostalgic journey with an afternoon exploring Yaowarat's (Chinatown) back lanes provides a colorful side to a city that was very much shaped by Chinese immigrants. Then take a railway journey out of the city and back in time, stopping at the Railway Market where goods are traded on the tracks amidst the bustle of passing trains. We'll cruise up quiet canals as fireflies light up the night, take in the riverside commerce of the original floating markets and explore mangrove forests along the Gulf of Thailand.

Step back 100 years and delve into a different kingdom, a different Thailand - this is Bangkok 1910.

No other city in South-Eastern Asia compares with Bangkok in the gripping and growing interest which leaves a permanent and fragrant impression on the mind of the visitor.

from: Guide to Bangkok with Notes on Siam - 1927

Itinerary

Take a stylish step back in time.

Day 1 - The Old City - Rattanakosin Island

You'll be met by a host at the airport and personally escorted to your luxurious home away from home at the city's most celebrated hotel the Mandarin Oriental. Dive in to your personalized Nostalgia Kit featuring circa maps, vintage postcards, era news clippings and a SIM card to remain connected to the moment. In the early evening a boat takes you up-river to the city's venerable fresh market. From the vantage point of Memorial Bridge you'll witness traders supplying produce as they've done for generations.

Our walking journey explores the development of Bangkok's canal system and illuminated landmarks on Rattanakosin Island, where Bangkok originated. Dinner and drinks at a riverside balcony overlooking Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) round out your first day back in time.

It is the oldest hotel in Bangkok and has long since established and still maintains a reputation as a firm favorite with visitors. The hotel is lighted all through with electric light. Every room in the hotel has a bath room attached. The hotel maintains a steam launch at the disposal of the visitors and many of the guests find it very convenient to employ the hotel's launch as a mean of conveyance for sight seeing along the river.

from: Guide to Bangkok with Notes on Siam - 1927

Meals: D

Day 2 - Yaowarat (Chinatown)

Now home to 10 million, in 1910 Bangkok was already a huge city of 600,000 residents, with 200,000 of those being traders from China. These immigrants settled along the banks of the Chao Phraya, the city's primary river, and played an important role in shaping the city we now know. Fear of foreign influence and these masters of trade made life and assimilation very difficult. With a revolution in China on the brink and an Absolute Monarch in power in Thailand, the early 20th century were a tumultuous period in the kingdom. Trace the routes of Chinese influence and explore one of the world's most vibrant Chinatowns by foot with an expert host, sampling Chinese delicacies along the way. Tonight is yours to enjoy as you wish with lots of insider recommendations to make the most of your night in the City of Angels.

Meals: B,L

Day 3 - Railways, Markets, Canals & Fireflies

A private shuttle takes you south of the city to the bustling seafood market at Mahachai, then a train journey on the Mae Khlong Route, running since 1901, takes you the riverside town of Mae Khlong. Here you'll witness the vintage Railway Market – one of the world's most unique – where traders ply their wares on the tracks and scamper to fold up stalls when trains pass through.

Settle in to your luxurious Thai Villa at the Amphawa Resort and Spa, reminiscent of the styles favored by early 20th century Siamese aristocracy. Board a private boat to One of the original Thai floating markets, at Amphawa, as the sun sets for an evening cruise through small canals to see fireflies light up the night, visit charming local shop houses, sample specialty Thai snacks and enjoy an authentic Thai feast.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4 - Floating Markets & Mangroves

Rise early (if you wish) to offer alms to monks then explore the age old charm of Amphawa district by foot or bicycle, getting an intimate glimpse of farming communities, ancient forts, Catholic churches, teak shop houses and fruit plantations. We'll then experience the Mangrove Forest Conservation Centre and boat through a mangrove forest out to the Gulf of Thailand, seeing monkeys along the way.

As Bangkok has grown it the riverside communities are in a challenge to maintain balance in local ecosystems. Your hosts will lead a planting session of mangroves, collect clams and host a feast in a stilted house right in the Gulf. A late afternoon shuttle takes you back to Bangkok about 5 PM.

In no other city, again, is it possible so often to turn from the throng of a city street and to find oneself, miraculously it would seem, in a little residential quarter of half a dozen bungalows, each sitting cool and sequestered in a large compound that is tree-covered, green and refreshing. It is as though a short walk of two hundred and fifty yards had taken one into the country, miles removed from the din and dust, the fret and fever of the city.

from: Guide to Bangkok with Notes on Siam - 1927

Meals: B,L

 

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FAQs

How active will the day be?

This adventure features multiple modes of transport and is ideally suited to anyone who likes walking and has no major physical limitations. Great for adventurous souls of all ages.

What kind of clothing should I bring?

Travel in clothing you feel comfortable wearing in hot weather for an entire day. Quick-dry, wick-away fabric is ideal for active days. For a more on this subject, check out What to Pack.

Our group includes a variety of ages, interests and abilities - will we enjoy the same trip?

Yes, our adventures are flexible. If one member of your group doesn't want to ride a bike, we'll have a van waiting while you enjoy a good pedal. You may not want to ride a motorscooter, so you can enjoy the comfort of our van or even try riding on the back of your guide's bike for a while. We are experienced in ensuring everyone has their own perfect holiday while traveling together.

Read our Testimonials to learn more about how flexible our trips are.

What if I don't ride a bike?

No problem. Our trips are designed to be flexible. When others in your group are biking we can take you to see some other sites and activities. It's that simple!

What if it rains?

Our adventures run year-round, rain or shine. During the rainy season (July-Oct) it's a good idea to bring an umbrella and be prepared to get a bit wet. When it really pours we take shelter, enjoy a beverage and let it pass, which is usually quickly - then we'll continue exploring. It's a great experience to see a SE Asian rain shower up close!

Have more questions?

We have lots more information in our Travel Tips section that will give you an idea of what it's like to travel with Smiling Albino. You can read more on food, weather, language, history and culture, see where you'll be travelling, and maybe find a book or two that you can read before your adventure.

Visit the Travel Tips area.

 

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Upgrade Options

Need time on the beach when you're done? Our Thailand beach escapes are second to none.

Smiling Albino has an extensive selection of amazing beach resorts and destinations. Check out our options and let us know if we can add a beach escape to your trip.

Flights to & from Bangkok can be arranged.

Like to customize this adventure as a private trip?

Any of our trips can be changed up and moved around to give you the perfect experience. Take a look at one of our custom trip examples and let us know what we can do for you.

Need a hotel in Bangkok before or after the trip?

Either downtown or at the airport we can accomodate you.

Downtown: Majestic Grande $105US/night or the Four Seasons $300US/pp/night (double) or $600US/pp/night (single).
Airport: Rama Gardens airport hotel $100US/night or the Novotel Suvarnabhumi $225US/night.

Need an extra night at the Oriental in Bangkok?

Let us know if you'd like additional nights at the Mandarin Oriental for approximatley $400US/night depending on the season.

 

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