Bangkok Arrival at Hilton Millenium Hotel - An Oasis in this Hustling and Bustling City.
On our trip with “Daytrip” on Monday 12th February we visited several Shrines and Temples and we visited each of the below :
Nacho Sa Thai Chue Shrine
Sotho Wararam Worawihan
Ayutthaya (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya)
I have separately covered the transfer process from Oceania Riviera and the 3 stops and visits to several
The trip from the port of Laem Chabang to Bangkok city centre or the river takes approximately 1 hour and 45b minutes. We were faced with a dilemma as departure from the Oceania Riviera was required before 9.00am on 12th February , but our Check in to the Hilton Millenium was not until earliest of 3.00pm.
We engaged a travel company to complete the transfer but with 3 separate sites to be visited and inspected as toursit venues .
This involved an initial drive of some 45 minutes to a Buddhist Temple where we visited several of the Shrines.
The second then involved a visit to a larger complex of Buddhist Temples and shrines.
The Third involved an extended drive of almost 2 hours to the ancient city of Arrawatha and a visit to the historically important ruins.
Therefore , we needed to find our driver Phat and there was some confusion as we were unaware that he would be located outside the entrance to the port. So we vacated the ship, then queued to gain access to a shuttle bus for many of the independents to across the major port road and to then await our driver. Unfortunately, he had received incorrect notifications as to where the Riviera was docked but we communicated via What’s App. And we eventually were picked up some 35 minutes after the scheduled and arranged time.
Our luggage fitted comfortably in his vehicle.
We then sisited the first site after a drive of 45 minutes.
So stunning images of the Buddhist temple and the surrounding celebrations of the Lunar New Year.
We also had a drink before then progressing to the second large temple, where we experienced some confusion. We went in but didn’t realise, weren’t communicated to that we then needed to exit and visit several other sites within the same complex.
So following a lengthy visit to the second temple we were advised to visit the facilities as we had a lengthy drive. We were advised in excess of 2 hours. I quieted the need for this and our driver Phat suggested we wait and see what is planned.
We drove for over 2 hours across an amazing freeway network and back into the countryside about 50 km from central Bangkok to visit the Ancient Capital .
It was simply an amazing visit walking through ther ruins and areas under reconstruction. The City of Ayutthaya in all of its historical glory.
Our guide was correct and we enjoyed an unforgettable experience.! It was simply stunning in terms of the historical experience and the story of the leadership and historical importance of this City.
Well worth the long drive and pleased it was included.
Following our visits to the 2 temples and the ancient city we again climb back into the Car to drive to Hilton Millenium.
It is a drive of approximately 70 minutes again along excellent freeways then across the Chou Phraya river and into the tight afternoon traffic in Bangkok China town.
Our driver drives well and is safe.
We then check into our Hotel , Hilton millenium for our 4 days post cruise.
It has been quite a long day after early start and final breakfast in the Main dining room of Oceania Riviera and then our leaving the ship and transfer across the port from the pier to the entry gate where we met our driver.
The several stops were worthwhile detours and we arrived at the Hilton in good time.
We unpacked our cases and then went to the Executive lounge for a drink and decided to stay for the various tasting options, rather than have a dinner.
After a good cruise on the beautiful Oceania Riviera in Suite 11071 , we are now in Executive suite 2626 here at Bangkok’s Hilton Millenium and looking to enjoy several days.
The views over the river are exceptional. Jeanette says she can watch for hours.
So we look forward to several enjoyable days here in Bangkok.