Another Bangkok
Bangkok Tranquille is designed for those who:
- Have already seen the essentials and are looking for something new.
- Are tired of the crowds at the Grand Palais.
- Like authenticity more than spectacle.
- Travel with children who have difficulty coping with crowds.
The nuggets of the tour
- Wat Paknam — green glass chedi upstairs, spectacular photos, few tourists (yet).
- Wat Turtle Prayoon — lake with 300+ turtles, you feed them by hand.
- Kudeejin — a Chinese-Portuguese neighborhood where time stood still in 1890.
- Amulet market — living Buddhist tradition, not folkloric.
Our advice
- Long outfit (shoulders + knees) — 3 active temples.
- Camera loaded — Wat Paknam, Kudeejin, turtles = memorable photos.
- Cash 1,500-2,500 THB for lunch + amulets/souvenirs/Portuguese pastries.
Our tip: Thanusingha Bakery in Kudeejin has been making the best Khanom Farang Kudee Jeen (Chinese-Portuguese pastry) in Thailand since 1890. Bring back 2-3 for the next day.
No deposit upon reservation. Cash payment to the guide at the end of the day. Prices subject to change.
Detailed programme
9h00
Hotel pick-up
Guide picks you up from the hotel (central areas of Bangkok).
9h30
Amulet market (Thanon Maha Rat)
Near the Grand Palais. Not very touristy area where Thais come to buy Buddhist amulets (yants, talismans). Authentic atmosphere, guide explains the meaning of each stone and inscription.
10h30
Local food market
Covered market, tasting of seasonal fruits, spices, little-known Thai desserts. Exchanges with merchants.
11h30
Private boat boarding
Private long tail. Navigation along the Chao Phraya then entering the Thonburi klongs.
12h00
Wat Paknam
One of the most spectacular temples but still little known to tourists. Elevator to indoor green glass chedi — amazing photos. You feed the giant catfish from the bank.
13h30
Local restaurant lunch
Restaurant in the Thonburi district (west side of the river), little frequented by tourists. Authentic Thai dishes.
14h45
Wat Kanlaya
Peaceful temple with garden, less visited, serenity. Visible Buddhist rituals.
15h30
Kudeejin Sino-Portuguese Quarter
Former district of Portuguese and Chinese traders. Painted wooden houses, Thanusingha bakery (Portuguese pastries since 1890), Santa Cruz church. A piece of Europe in Bangkok.
16h30
Wat Prayoon — turtles
Mount Health Temple. Its famous pond is populated with turtles of all sizes. You feed them with fruit and bread (provided).
17h15
End — your choice
Option A: **Flower market** (Pak Khlong Talat). Option B: **Wat Saket** (Mont d'Or, 344 steps, 100 THB entry, Bangkok panorama). You choose according to your shape.
18h00
Return to hotel
Guide drops you off at your hotel or metro station.
Included / Not included
Included
- Certified French-speaking guide (all day)
- Covered urban public transport (MRT, BTS, boats)
- Wat Paknam (elevator to glass chedi) tickets
- Wat Saket tickets (optional, 100 THB)
- Private boat trip 1 hour (Chao Phraya + klongs)
- Fish food at Wat Paknam
- Turtle food at Wat Prayoon
- Bottle of water all day
Not included
- Lunch (local restaurant, paid for by the group at the restaurant)
- Temple donations (optional)
- Tip guide
Before you go
Good to know
Beat the crowds
Iconic spots like Maya Bay are far calmer early in the day. Our morning departures get you there before the midday ferry rush.
National park fees
Some sites sit inside a national park, so an entrance fee may apply. Check the “Not included” list above so there are no surprises.
Sun & reef care
The tropical sun is strong — bring a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water. Reef-safe sunscreen is required in Thai marine parks.
What to pack
Comfortable shoes, light breathable clothing, water and a small backpack for the day.
Book direct vs. platforms
We are the local agency on Koh Phi Phi — compare what you get.
Price
Payment
On the island
Changes