Thonburi Klongs Eco-Uncovered

You will be picked up at 08:30 and transferred to the Portuguese quarter. Known locally as Kudichin, this neighbourhood was established before the city of Bangkok was founded and most tourists miss this area and its quaint little streets. This feels like an entirely different continent with bakeries selling Portuguese baked treats and the Santa Cruz church bells ringing in the background. Stop at some local shops selling Khanom Farang (only operational Monday – Friday) and take a look at the traditional methods used to create the Portuguese cookies.

After a morning snack treat, take a short stroll to the pier at Wat Kalayanamit to embark on a private Thai retro solar boat. The style of the boat may seem fairly mundane, but the boat is driven in an eco-friendly way, using solar power directly from the sun during the day, which is a rare site, and an impressive feat of engineering. Now, sit back and relax on a soft cushion while the boat is slowly cruising along the banks of the Chao Phraya River through Bangkok’s historic, charming khlongs. Once a major trading route, this waterway is now lined with wooden shop houses and local temples. Then the boat continues cruising onwards to Khlong Bang Khuntien, and makes a stop at Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchaworawihan, a distinct temple with Chinese-style artwork and artifacts. Take a closer look at the temple's roof and see its unique green-coated ceramic tiling. One of the highlights at this temple is Reclining Buddha, similar to the one at Wat Pho, but it is just a smaller version. If time allows, you may have an opportunity to visit the nearby Wat Nang Nong Worawihan, another historic temple built around the era of King Rama III, with beautiful mural paintings with Chinese-influenced stories. 

Return to the boat and chill out for a little while until reaching an authentic natural garden and restaurant called “Poomjai Garden”, nestled secretly on the banks of the canal. Owned by a local Thai family, this beautiful garden is served with a long history of over 100-years, when the family decided to renovate the precious lands into an organic permaculture, while preserving some rare plants and trees like a century-old Lychee tree in the area. In the meantime, the family is connected with the nearby local community for the fresh ingredients that can be used at the restaurant.

Upon arrival at the garden’s pier, be greeted and welcomed with a local signature herbal drink, followed by a delicious lunch amongst the natural atmosphere. After delighting your stomach with yummy dishes, take a garden tour, walk through naturally decorated landscapes, and learn more about various species of herbs, plants, and trees. The tour may take up to an hour before being picked up by a private transfer and taken back to the hotel. (L)

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

Notes:

        
- There are only two solar-powered boats available, and each can accommodate up to 8 pax at the maximum. Due to this caveat the solar powered boat cannot be guaranteed 100% of the time. 
- Most Khanom Farang shops are open from Monday to Friday only (open at 09:00). If a visit falls on weekends, the guide will buy the cookies from another store and take you to the Kudichin museum to eat with tea. The museum is open at 09.30. 
- Reclining Buddha at Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchaworawihan is similar to the one at Wat Pho, but it is just a smaller version. 
- In rainy season, be aware of the slippery at Poomjai Garden during the garden tour. 
- Should you have any allergies, please inform your travel consultant in advance.
- Children are charged as adult price.