THAILAND – Bangkok – Multicultural Tour on the Other Side of the River

Description

A walking tour on the other side of Chao Phraya in the peaceful and hidden village of Ku Di Chin; Given as the gift and reward to Siamese soldier and traders as a reward for their help to protect Ayutthaya, Ku Di Chin land is the place of settlement of the former Portuguese Community, first western nation to have settled in Siam Kingdom. This walking tour of 4 or 5 hours, gives a chance to discover a combination of local hidden daily life and too less known part of Bangkok history.

Selling points

• A step back in time to learn an almost forgotten part of former Siam Kingdom and Bangkok history
• To learn about the past connection between Occident and Siamese History
• An ideal combination between local daily life immersion and history to discover during a day in Bangkok
• A really restful and different perspective to see Bangkok
• An opportunity to witness how several different religion live together in a same village (Buddhists, Taoists, Catholic, Muslims)
• A peaceful escape away Bangkok bustle in a still crowd-preserved area
• A tiny but very interesting museum set in a traditional house
• The occasion to taste a typical western inspired pastry of Ku Di Chin: Khanom Ku Di Chin

Level Of The Excursion

The Impact Of This Excursion

Social/cultural Impact

Environment Impact

Economic Impact

Additional Information

Positive impacts

This activity shows some lesser-known areas of Bangkok by using a bicycle as means of transportation. It focuses on culture and history. Stops along the way bring economic benefits to the visited areas.

Negative impacts

No negative

Time And Transportation

Duration

Full day for the tour only is 3 to 4.5 hours without transfers

Min pax

1

Max pax

10

How to sell it

• A peaceful escape off the beaten track away from bustle of Bangkok: silent narrow streets, silencious and religious atmosphere of Wat Kanlayanamit, Kuan Han Keng Shrine, and Wat Prayun and around Santa Cruz.
• An immersion in an area where people still living their away from touristic mindset
• Ideal for travellers who like walking and discover secluded places in Bangkok and learn a bit of history
• Perfect area for honeymooners: peaceful and quiet area with few timing constraints
• This tour should ideally start around 09:00 to avoid heath and sun during the visit
• The walking tour takes 3 to 4.5 hours with many stops on the way
• For travelers having time in Bangkok or visiting Bangkok second times
• Can be proposed before transfer to the airport in late afternoon

Why this activity

• A new activity to reply to more and more demand of guests looking to experience out of beaten tracks, especially in Bangkok
• To find a nice complementarity with river and canal activity
• A different way to showcase Bangkok.
• To propose something different that the too much known Jim Thompson House or main temples when it come to learn a bit of Bangkok and Thailand history.

Good to combine with

• Visit of Wat Arun by the river
• A morning visit of Flower Market before taking the boat at Atsadang pier just nearby
• Any Half day klong tour in Thonburi that last less than 3 hours
• Discover the delights of Bangkok street food after dark by tuk tuk
• A massage in Wat Pho school massage
• Dinner Cruise on Chao Phraya

Do not combine with

• Walking along dragon backbone (too demanding and too tiring combination : too much walking tour)
• A Feast in the Dragon Belly (too demanding and too tiring combination: too much walking tour)
• Bangkok Like a local (too long and too demanding combination)
• Any biking Tour
• Get a glimpse of a Bangkok local life on the canal (not suitable regarding the timing)
• Early Morning long haul flight arrival: even if the tour is set in the afternoon, it’s would be too exhausting after a long flight.

Market suggestion

Competitor comparison

Few local agencies offering it but differently than Easia.

Pros

• Easia Signature product in the heart of Bangkok
• A bit of history combined with local life: cheap price for a rich content: value for money
• Ideal location: accessibility to combine with other activities around the river (Rattanakosin, Klong tours, Chinatown and even Sathorn/Silom) with public boat transportation

Cons

• The walking tour could be tiring in April and under the heath: no shadow around Wat Kanlayanamit and Santa Cruz Church
• Not so many proper toilets along the way except in the Museum
• Some parts are in the open air and are subject to weather conditions (too hot/rain)
• Santa Cruz is often closed except during the mass time (around 17h)

Information

• The Museum closing on Monday, it is strongly recommended to propose this tour from Tuesday to Sunday. Without the museum, the tour loose a part of its meaning.
• Around 3 kilometers walk
• As it s rather remote area with still some traditional custom and religious places (temple, mosque) guests must dress in a polite way and cover shoulders and legs when entering the religious places
• Not suitable for little children under 8 and not suitable to keep children attention even teenagers.
• Not suitable for differently able people

Alerts

• Avoid selling on Sunday, Monday, Tueday
  • The traditional bakeries are closed over the weekend, avoid selling it on the weekend
  • Baan Kudichin Museum is closed on Monday. As it is an highlight of the tour, we strongly recommend to avoid to book the tour on Monday.

Important information

• Baan Ku Di Chin Museum is closed on Monday
• Sun block, hat and umbrella are recommended
  Routing:
  • From Hotel, transfer to Atsadan Pier (not included): two options

  Option 1

  • BTS to Saphan Taksinn
  • Take Chao Phraya Express Boat to Yodpiman pier or Ratchanee
  • Walk to Atsadang pier (2 minutes) and take little ferry 5 minutes to Wat Kanlayanamit pier 5 THB / pax

  Option 2

  • Transportation (Taxi or private vehicle) to Atsadang pier (cashier located in Yodpiman river walk)
  • Take little ferry 5 minutes to Wat Kanlayanamit pier 5 THB / pax

  KU DI CHIN  WALKING TOUR DESCRIPTION

1- Disembark at Wat Kanlayanamit pier and head to the Temple Ubosot

2- Normally, at the entrance of the temple, some stalls and street inhabitants are selling (among other products) some alive fishes from different species : each specie is linked to a day of the week: the belief is that if you free a fish in the river, according to birthday dates, it will return to guest in good luck. Could be good that guide explain this belief to guests. (not necessarily buying the fish: if clients want to do, this is at their own expense).

3- Continue to the Ubosot of Wat Kanlayanamit and his Buddha calling the Earth to witness.

Then to the second hall with his Sitting Buddha. (This second hall on the left side of the Ubosot is often closed.)

4- When taking out of the temple, go back in direction of the pier and the river bank and ahead to Kuan An Keng Shrine, a very nice old peaceful Taoist shrine built by Hokkien community.

5- After the visit of Kuan An Keng Shrine, going out of Kuan An Keng Shrine, guide can bring clients walking on the river bank (fresh air nice view). They will pass in front of Windsor House: well known in the area for this ‘haunted house appearance’. The clients will arrive in the front of Santa Cruz Church. Guide can explain here the story of the church.

Then going on the left of the church, go and enter the Soi Ku Di Chin 1

6- Ku Di Chin Exploration: (the guide can decide) but it could be interesting to begin by entering Soi Ku Di Chin 1 and let get lost into very authentic narrow alleys to discover the peaceful atmosphere of the area. When walking in the village.

Go until soi 11, then soi 8, and follow the narrow soi until soi 9

7- Take slowly the direction of the Museum.

(Museum is very tiny: visit shouldn’t last more than 45 min (surely less)). Guide must advise the guests that they can go and climb the stairs to see the rooftop view overlooking Ku Di Chin roofs, and the River surroundings.

8- It is possible to have drink in the peaceful garden of the museum (included) (If clients don’t want to have the drink in Museum, they keep the amount to have this drink in Thanusingha Bakery)

9- After going out of the museum, turn right on soi 7 and arrive in the shophouse of Thanunsingha Bakery House where guests can taste Kanhom Farang Kudijeen (Kanom Farang Kudijeen), the endemic pastry of Ku Di Chin (included). Clients can order (tea or another drink at their own expense (if they already have consumed a drink in the museum)

10- Turning right, guests will head a lovely traditional house: Jantanaphap Thai House: one of the most ancient family settled in Ku Di Chin. Note that from the rooftop of the Museum (just next door) guests can see this typical traditionnal decorated wooden roof representing a sun. Continue in Soi Ku Di Chin 6 and 4 until arriving on a very cute little shadowed and peaceful square facing Santa Cruz Church where guests can sit for a break.

11 – From the square in front of Santa Cruz, guide can decide to go on the left side to Thanon Thetsaban sai 1until arriving to Wat Prayunwongsawat to visit the temple and the little adjacent museum from where people can climb on the stupa. The museum hosts thousand of Buddha images discovered during successive temple restorations.

12- In the compound of the temple, there is a nice little sanctuary, looking like a Japanese garden with a peaceful pound, rocks and temples replicas: here live a lot of turtles. A very peaceful garden to make a break just before finishing the tour. His name is Khao Mo Garden. (derivation from Khmer Language to design Rock to refer to this miniature mountain replica on which are built the chedis)

13- A the exit of the Wat Prayun, in direction of the River, go to Thnon Phaya Mai bordering a little park where guests can sometimes see (depending the time) the local doing their aerobic course in music.

14- Continue to the feet of Saphan Phut, climb the stairs and cross the bridge: if this is end of afternoon, guide should invite the guests to stop in the middle of the bridge to enjoy the view and the sunset on the river banks.

15- Continue to the end of the bridge and go down to Memorial Bridge pier. The tour ends here. Clients can be pick up here or take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to another destination near the river. (Saphan Taksin)

Price range

290 THB (1 pax basis) - 220 THB (2-10 pax basis)

Quotation guideline

• ERP – Activity Easia signature – Multicutural tour in the other side of the river

Inclusion

• Boat tickets from Atsadang pier to Wat Kanlayanamit pier
• 1 Pastry per pax  at Thanusigha Bakery
• 1 Drink pax in Baan Ku Dee Chin Museum (non alcoholic) or in Thanusigha Bakery
• Donations

Exclusion

• Guide fees (to add to quotation)
• Transport in/out from hotel to Atsadang Pier
• Drink at Thanusingha Bakery
• Drinking water

Possible Extra

• Drink in Baan Kudichin Museum
• Drink at Thanusingha Bakery House
• Sapayak (Bum with Pork) Kudichin Museum
• Lunch at local restaurant in front of the Church to taste Kanom Jeen Keng Kai Kua, typical dish of Ku Di Chin

Important notes

• Please each time try to book and organize encounter with lady owner of Chantanaphap House.
  To preserve family, we informed sales that this encounter can be booked only until 7 days in advance (even if mention 3 days in advance.)

Recommended itinerary of the walking tour:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1EYhxZH7R3qGHFRNfY9bpijjFzpAIqbJ_&ll=13.740411544550083%2C100.49337557778165&z=19

Different Choice

• A pretty unique area. Alternatives are difficult to find.
• If really needed, to stay in out of the beaten tracks in Bangkok, sales can propose Baan Bu, Forgotten Community.

Contact

• Easia Travel operates it by trained guides (see itinerary above)
  

  Kudeechin community	Leader community	K.Pin	086 105 5547	To contact to open Chantaraphab house (Thai traditional house), but need to inform in advance 3 days.
  	Kudeejin Museum	K.Katib	081 772 5184
  		K.Nawinee (the owner)	089 924 2503

Special Information

Transfer is optional (not included):

• From Sukhumvit area, provide
• Option 1: public transportation until either Hualamphong MRT station then taxi to Atsadang Pier
• Option 2: Private transportation from Hotel to Atsadang Pier
• From Riverside or Sathorn/Silom Area: Provide transfer by local transportation to Saphan Taskin then Chao Phraya Express Boat to Yodpiman (located just nearby Atsadang Pier

English

Multicultural Tour on the Other Side of the River

Located on the other side of the river in Thonburi, near Wat Arun, Kudeejin is a multicultural neighborhood where Chinese, Portuguese and Muslim communities cohabit. You will meet with locals and be surprised to see strangers walking so far from the usual tourist areas. The area reveals its attractions through visits such as the temple of Wat Kalayanamitr, built during the reign of King Rama 3, and its magnificent Buddha, 15 meters high and 12 meters wide; the Chinese sanctuary of Kian An Keng Shrine; the Portuguese neoclassical church Santa Cruz; You will also have the chance to taste the Portuguese pastry that has made the neighborhood famous. You will enter the small Baan Kudeeiin Museum, located in a traditional house with a magnificent view of the neighborhood and the Chao Phraya River. The Wat Prayoon and its large white stupa, the highest in the capital, where it is possible to venture inside before reaching the artificial and peaceful mountain inhabited by turtles.

Meals included: drinking water only

Duration and walking distance: 3 to 4.5 hours (excluding transfers and stopover included) – about 6 kilometers

Difficulty level: 0

Walk in small paved or concrete alleys – no difference in height.

Notes:
Correct dress is recommended in the temples (top covering the shoulders for women and pants or skirt covering the knees).

French

Tour multiculturel de l’autre côté de la rivière

Situé de l’autre côté de la rivière, à Thonburi, non loin temple de l’aube, le Wat Arun, le district de Kudeejin est un quartier multiculturel où cohabitent Chinois, Portugais et Musulmans. Au fil de ruelles paisibles, vous partirez à la rencontre de la vie locale et de gens heureux de croiser des touristes loin des zones touristiques. La région révèle ses attraits à travers des visites telles que le temple de Wat Kalayanamitr, et son magnifique Bouddha, haut de 15 mètres et large de 12 mètres; le sanctuaire chinois du sanctuaire Kian An Keng; vous passerez devant l’église néoclassique portugaise de Santa Cruz. Vous aurez la chance également de goûter la pâtisserie portugaise qui a rendu le quartier célèbre. Après cette expérience culinaire et gustative, vous entrerez dans le petit musée de Baan Kudeeiin, situé dans une maison traditionnelle bénéficiant d’une vue magnifique sur le quartier et la rivière Chao Phraya. Vous prendrez ensuite la direction du Wat Prayoon et de son grand stupa blanc, le plus haut de la capitale, où il est possible de s’aventurer à l’intérieur avant d’atteindre la montagne artificielle et paisible habitée par des tortues.

Repas inclus : eau potable uniquement

Durée et distance de marche : 3 à 4,5 heures (hors transferts et escale inclus) – environ 6 kilomètres

Niveau de difficulté : 0

Marche dans de petites ruelles pavées ou bétonnées – pas de dénivelé.

Notes :
Une tenue correcte est recommandée dans les temples (haut couvrant les épaules pour les femmes et pantalon ou jupe couvrant les genoux).

Spanish

Ubicado al otro lado del río, en Thonburi, cerca del «templo del amanecer» Wat Arun, el distrito de Kudeejin es un barrio multicultural en el que chinos, portugueses y musulmanes habitan conjuntamente. Conocerá a locales y se sorprenderá de ver a extranjeros caminando tan alejados de las zonas turísticas habituales. La zona desvela sus atracciones mediante visitas como la del templo de Wat Kalayanamitr, construido durante el reinado del rey Rama 3, y su magnífico Buda de 15 metros de altura y 12 metros de anchura; el santuario chino de Kian An Keng; la iglesia neoclásica portuguesa Santa Cruz; la pastelería de Thanusingha, donde conocerá a sus dueños antes de probar el dulce portugués que hizo famoso a este distrito; el pequeño museo de Baan Kudeeiin, en el que se puede disfrutar de unas vistas preciosas del distrito y del río Chao Phraya; Wat Prayoon y su gran stupa blanca, la más alta de la capital, a cuyo interior se puede acceder antes de llegar a la montaña artificial que alberga una cuenca a sus faltas en la que se puede alimentar a las tortugas.

Comidas incluidas: sólo agua potable

Duración y distancia a pie: De 3 a 4,5 horas (sin incluir los traslados y la parada) – unos 6 kilómetros

Nivel de dificultad: 0

Paseo por pequeños callejones pavimentados o de hormigón – sin diferencia de altura.

Notas:
Se recomienda una vestimenta correcta en los templos (top que cubra los hombros para las mujeres y pantalones o falda que cubra las rodillas).

Italian

Il distretto multiculturale Kadeejinsi trova sull’altra sponda del fiume ChaoPhraya, nei pressi di Wat Arun, iltempio dell’alba. Nel quartiere di Thonburi avrete l’opportunità di imbattervi in cinesi, portoghesi e musulmani, che coabitano pacificamente. I locali saranno di certo sorpresi di vedere turisti così lontano dalle aree più frequentate. Scoprite il tempio WatKalayanamitr, eretto durante il regno di Rama III, con il suo massiccio Budda alto 15 metri e largo 12 metri. Visiterete il tempio cinese di Kian An Keng e la chiesa neoclassica portoghese di Santa Cruz. Potrete poi assaggiare alcuni pasticcini portoghesi ed incontrare il proprietario di Thanusingha, il negozio di dolci che ha reso famoso il quartiere. Tra le altre tappe si annoverano il piccolo Museo BaanKudichin, dal quale potrete godere di un ottimo panorama sul distretto ed il fiume che lo costeggia, eWatPrayoon, con il suo imponente Stupa, all’interno del quale vi sarà consentito entrare. Alla base della montagna artificiale eretta nei suoi pressi, nuotano alcune tartarughe.

Pasti inclusi: solo acqua potabile

Durata e distanza a piedi: Da 3 a 4,5 ore (esclusi i trasferimenti e le soste) – circa 6 chilometri

Livello di difficoltà: 0

Passeggiata in piccoli vicoli asfaltati o in cemento – nessun dislivello.

Note:
Nei templi si raccomanda un abbigliamento corretto (top che copre le spalle per le donne e pantaloni o gonna che copre le ginocchia).

German

Gelegen auf der anderen Seite des Flusses, in Thonburi, nahe des Tempels der Morgenröte, Wat Arun, befindet sich der Stadtteil Kudeejin, eine multikulturelle Umgebung, in der Chinesen, Portugiesen und Muslime zusammen leben. Sie werden auf Einheimische treffen und überrascht sein, Fremde so weit außerhalb der gewöhnlichen touristischen Gebiete zu sehen.
Diese Gegend offenbart ihre Attraktionen mittels Besuche verschiedener Sehenswürdigkeiten: Tempel Wat Kalaxanamitr, erbaut während der Herrschaft von König Rama III., mit dem gewaltigen Buddha – 15 Meter hoch und 12 Meter breit; das chinesische Kloster Kian An Keng Shrine; die portugiesische neoklassizistische Kirche Santa Cruz; eine Konditorei in Thanusingha, in der Sie zunächst die Besitzer treffen, bevor Sie die portugiesischen Gebäcke kosten, die diesen Stadtteil berühmt gemacht haben; das kleine Museum Baan Kudeeiin, das einen herrlichen Blick auf die Gegend und den Chao-Phraya-Fluss ermöglicht; der begehbare Wat Prayoon mit seinem großen, weißen Stupa, dem höchsten der Hauptstadt, bietet einen künstlichen Erdhügel, an dessen Fuße sich ein Becken mit Schildkröten befindet, die gefüttert werden dürfen.

Mahlzeiten inbegriffen: nur Trinkwasser

Dauer und Gehstrecke: 3 bis 4 Stunden und 30 Minuten (ohne Transfers und Zwischenstopps) – etwa 6 Kilometer

Schwierigkeitsgrad: 0

Spaziergang in kleinen gepflasterten oder betonierten Gassen – kein Höhenunterschied.

Anmerkungen:
In den Tempeln wird korrekte Kleidung empfohlen (Oberteil, das die Schultern bedeckt, und Hose oder Rock, die die Knie bedecken).

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