We will go explore Pak Khlong Talad, the original and largest flower market of Bangkok with an extensive of produce selection. Many local florists visit this market in the early morning to buy fresh flowers in bulk to make floral handicraft. On the way, we will visit the Shrine of Somdet Boonma, one of the major founders of Krung Ratanakosin (or Bangkok, Thailand’s current capitol). You will see how Thai people use flower to pay respect to the revered person.

A mini floral handicraft workshop with a local lotus seller. You will learn how to fold Bua Luang (cone-shaped lotus) and Bua Chut (ball-shaped lotus). We will bring our folded lotuses to pay respect to a buddha image at Kalayanamitr Temple (our next destination). Paying respect to the lord Buddha is voluntary. You may not need to do so if you have religious restrictions.

We will ride a ferry to Kalayanamitr Temple and have a short stop to feed fish at the pier in front of Kalayanamitr Temple. Thai people believe that feeding fish is a merit making which helps them to have a fertile and peaceful life.

Enter into the Kalayanamitr Temple, the temple with a smoothing blend of Thai and Chinese Buddhism belief. You will pay respect to the Sam Por Kong (one of the largest golden buddha images in Bangkok). You will feel that your body is so small when compared to the size of this buddha image! You will see the beautiful mural painting about peony flower, the symbol of Chinese nation. You will see Thai people paying respect to the lord Buddha in Chinese tradition (by using Chinese incenses and candle sticks). You will ring the biggest bell of Bangkok, which Thai students ring it to pray for academic success!

One hour of floral handicraft workshop with Thai local artisans in Kalayanamitr Temple. With a social enterprise in mind, we hire skillful floral artisans from Kudi Khow community, where many residents could not afford English language classes. The artisans will teach you how to make a beautiful jasmine garland (used to pay respect to the lord Buddha) and/or Bai Si (used to worship the celestial teacher to pray for the success in art and craft). To overcome the language barrier, our guide will be a translator between you and the artisans throughout the floral workshop. Moreover, we would be very appreciated if you could teach some basic English words to our floral artisans. Pls note that the types of floral handicraft are subject to change due to seasonal availability of flowers.

11.40am Visit the Guanyin Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Thailand since King Taksin’s reign (230 years ago). This Guanyin statue is different from other shrines because mostly the Guanyin in other shrines are in standing position, but here the Guanyin is in sitting position. The Guanyin statue is made of wood carved and coated with gold. Thai people usually pray to the Guanyin to recover from diseases and illness.

Let’s delve into the history of Portuguese people in Thailand. We will walk to Santa Cruz Church (also known as Kudi Chin) near Kalayanamitr Temple. The church was built when the King Taksin grants a portion of land to Portuguese people in Thailand to build a Roman Catholic church. It was the main Catholic church in Bangkok and served as the seat of the Apostolic Vicariate of Siam until 1821, when Assumption Cathedral was completed. This place would be your nice photo taking spot!

Visit the Baan Kudi Chin Museum, the learning place of local culture about history, religion, and food recipes of the Siam–Portuguese lineage who still lives in the area. You will have a chance to try Kudi Chin snack, whose recipe was invented by Miss Marie Guimar during the reign of the Great King Narai (300 years ago) and exclusively available in Kudi Chin area only. We will also have a fun talk with Thai locals here.