Wat Bang Kung temple visit and mangrove boat ride from Bangkok

Lying along the Gulf of Thailand, the province of Samut Songkhram is best known for its floating markets and swimming monkeys. This tour from Bangkok shines the spotlight on two of the area's top attractions - Wat Bang Kung Buddhist temple and Khlong Khon Mangrove Conservation Centre.While Thailand has many Buddhist temples to visit, Wat Bang Kung is one of the most iconic. Swamped by the roots and branches of a huge Banyan tree, it's like nothing you've seen before. It's believed that the ancient temple was built over 300 years ago, as it houses paintings from the late Ayutthaya period. Inside, discover the famous golden Nila Manee Buddha statue, which many locals visit daily to worship. Then take a relaxing stroll along the Mae Klong river.Up next is the Mangrove Forest Conservation Centre in the coastal village of Khlong Khon. You'll board a longtail boat and cruise through mangroves, getting up close and personal to wild monkeys that patrol the river banks. Some of the cheeky creatures may even swim up to the boat to greet you. The tour ends with a tasty seafood lunch served at a local restaurant.