Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PART I
THONBURI
These three walks will take us through Thonburi, which was briefly the capit-
al before Bangkok was founded. We explore the southern bank of the
Bangkok Yai canal, walking alongside the old coastal railway line to the
former betel nut market and visiting landmarks known to Thonburi's only
monarch, King Taksin. Our second walk takes us through the old harbour
district to neighbourhoods settled by the Portuguese, Hokkien Chinese and
Cham Muslims, ending at a Lao community of bamboo flute makers. The
third of the walks leads us through what was the fortified part of the city,
taking in famous landmarks such as the Temple of the Dawn and Wat
Rakhang, before visiting a small community founded by bronzesmiths who
had fled the destruction of Ayutthaya, with our journey ending at a macabre
museum.
