Thailand At Its Most Colorful: Bangkok Shore Excursions

You’ll quickly understand how Bangkok came to be Thailand’s bustling, modern capital city and one of Asia’s top destinations on a shore excursion. Among ancient temples and historic sites, there are also some of the world’s biggest skyscrapers. There are plenty of things to do in Bangkok from a cruise, whether you’re exploring its downtown or taking in thousands of years of history at Erawan Shrine or the Grand Palace. Thai royalty doesn’t live inside the Grand Palace anymore, but the palace remains one of the most visited sites in all of Bangkok.

When your cruise to Bangkok docks at this popular port of call, you might be torn between city-centered or more natural Bangkok shore excursions. Luckily, Bangkok has a little bit of everything. If you love ancient ruins and walking in the footsteps of history, head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ayutthaya, like Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Mahatha. Don’t miss the chance to shop for fabric and clothing at the famous Pratunam Market in the city. Then there’s the incredible floating market of Damnoen Saduak, where vendors paddle over to you in tiny boats to sell their wares.

After enjoying a full day seeing Bangkok's best sites, you’ll find yourself pretty hungry. Westernized Thai food is often offered to tourists, but dare to eat adventurously in Thailand, whether that’s authentic pad thai or curries. Fish and dried eels are sold at local markets.The food in Thailand, particularly the street food, is a foodie’s dream of aromatic spices and unexpected flavor combinations.

Take a quick break from the hustle of downtown Bangkok and instead head to the village of Chachoengsao where you can tour ancient temples and walk the countryside before arriving at  Klong Suan Market for shopping and haggling with local vendors for their goods. You’ll find the oldest temple in the city at Wat Hong, and get a sense of the community’s faith and culture while you’re visiting.

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