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Friday, 30 January 2026 offers a unique opportunity for bands in the live final to experience Thailand's rich heritage between competition preparations. We've curated two exceptional cultural excursions that showcase the country's most significant historical and cultural highlights, with morning sessions available for KS4&5 bands (who will soundcheck at DBS in the afternoon) and afternoon sessions for KS3 bands (who will soundcheck at DBS in the morning). These trips require an additional fee but remain entirely optional - schools may choose to join our organised excursions or plan their own independent activities during these time slots.
Both featured options are supported by Thailand's well-established tourism infrastructure and include an element of self-guided exploration, so teachers are encouraged to conduct preliminary research online beforehand. This page provides comprehensive information to support your planning, including what's included and what's not included in each excursion add-on fee. Registration and payment details will be provided with your live final competition registration materials, enabling you to discover Thailand beyond the music competition through these carefully selected cultural experiences.
Option A
Option A
Ayutthaya Historical Park
A Journey Through Thailand's Ancient Capital
Option B
Option B
Thonburi Longtail Boat Tour
Navigating Bangkok's Venice of the East
Historical Significance
Ayutthaya Historical Park preserves the ruins of Ayutthaya, the second capital of the Kingdom of Siam that flourished from 1350 to 1767. Once one of the world's largest and wealthiest cities with over a million inhabitants, Ayutthaya's architectural remnants showcase the kingdom's artistic mastery and cultural prosperity. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, these magnificent ruins stand among Thailand's most significant historical treasures, offering visitors a glimpse into the nation's golden age.
Trip Details
This cultural excursion will take place on Friday, 30 January 2026, operating in two sessions:
Morning Session: For KS4&5 bands
Afternoon Session: For KS3 bands
Important Requirements:
Each band must be accompanied by at least one teacher for safeguarding.
All members of the same band must select the same optional trip.
Schools entering multiple bands may assign different excursions to each band (e.g. Band A takes the Ayutthaya tour, Band B takes the Thonburi canal cruise), but each band must choose one trip collectively.
Limited spaces available - early registration recommended.
What's Included
For an add-on of THB 800 (approx. USD 25) per person (including accompanying teachers):
Return transportation between resort/DBS and Ayutthaya
Private tuk-tuk service for two hours within the historical park area
Maximum 6 passengers per tuk-tuk
Groups larger than 6 will receive additional tuk-tuks at no extra cost
Packed lunch for all participants
What's Not Included
Historical Site Entrance Fees:
Individual sites: THB 50 per site
Multi-site pass: THB 220 (covers all five main historical sites)
Entrance fees to be paid in cash at the site; regretfully DBS is unable to purchase entrance passes in advance
Other expenses:
Souvenir or shopping expenses
Any additional refreshments purchased whilst on the trip
Site Information
Ayutthaya Historical Park's central area is divided into two walkable zones, as shown on the map above. Tap on the above map to enlarge.
Zone A:
Wat Phra Ram
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
Ayutthaya Royal Palace
Zone B:
Wat Ratchaburana
Wat Mahathat (famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots)
Beyond these zones, you may use your tuk-tuk to visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, featuring impressive restored stupas that visitors can climb, massive reclining Buddha statues, and rows of seated Buddha images draped in saffron robes. This active temple combines historical significance with living Buddhist traditions, and is a 10-minute tuk-tuk journey one-way from the drop-off/meet-up point. There is a THB 20 entrance fee per person to enter Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon.
To access the precise location of all of these sites on Google Maps, please tap here.
Schedule
Morning Schedule (KS4&5 bands):
08:15 - Depart resort
09:30 - Arrive at Ayutthaya Historical Park
09:30 to 11:30 - Sightseeing with private tuk-tuk
11:30 - Depart for DBS
12:30 - Arrive at DBS
12:30 to 12:45 - Welcome & registration at DBS
12:45 to 13:30 - Lunch
Afternoon Schedule (KS3 bands):
13:30 - Depart DBS
14:45 - Arrive at Ayutthaya Historical Park
14:45 to 16:45 - Sightseeing with private tuk-tuk
16:45 - Depart for resort
18:00 - Arrive at resort
Evening - Own dinner arrangements at leisure
How to Register
Once bands are confirmed for the live final, schools will receive registration information including this optional trip add-on. The THB 700 add-on fee per person fee will be added to the standard Live Final registration fee of THB 4,900 per student (teachers incur no registration fee, only the add-on). All fees will be invoiced directly to the school as a combined sum.
Important Notes
This is primarily a self-guided experience - teachers should prepare accordingly in advance.
The DBS Music team is available to assist with planning questions before the event.
Appropriate dress is required when visiting religious sites (covered shoulders and knees) - tap here for more details.
January temperatures average 21-33°C (70-91°F); sun protection recommended.
Do NOT miss the return coach - please be mindful of timings to avoid inconvenience to others.
This will be a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Thailand's rich cultural heritage while taking a break from the music competition! 🇹🇭
Cultural Significance
Once the heart of the Thonburi Kingdom (1767–1782), this riverside district, located within Bangkok, preserves the feel of old Bangkok with its network of khlongs (canals), traditional stilt-house communities, and centuries-old temples lining the water’s edge. Glide past the riverside spires of Wat Arun, marvel at the towering Buddha of Wat Paknam, wander through the artistic enclave of the Artist Village, and encounter the serene Reclining Buddha at Wat Khun Chan. This two-hour private longtail boat excursion offers a living portrait of Bangkok’s cultural and historical heritage.
Thonburi’s khlongs and riverside communities have recently surged into the global spotlight, thanks in part to their depiction in The White Lotus Season 3. The acclaimed series, which features key scenes along Bangkok’s historic waterways, has highlighted Thonburi’s blend of old-world charm and contemporary vitality, solidifying the district’s reputation as both a living museum of Thailand’s past and a dynamic hub in today’s cultural zeitgeist.
Trip Details
This cultural excursion will take place on Friday, 30 January 2026, operating in two sessions:
Morning Session: For KS4&5 bands
Afternoon Session: For KS3 bands
Important Requirements:
Each band must be accompanied by at least one teacher for safeguarding.
All members of the same band must select the same optional trip.
Schools entering multiple bands may assign different excursions to each band (e.g. Band A takes the Ayutthaya tour, Band B takes the Thonburi canal cruise), but each band must choose one trip collectively.
Limited spaces available - early registration recommended.
What's Included
For an add-on of THB 1,300 (approx. USD 40) per person (including accompanying teachers):
Round-trip transport between your resort or DBS and the Thonburi canal pier
Exclusive hire of private longtail boats (shared only with other FOBISIA bands; no public passengers)
English-speaking guide on each boat
Packed lunch for all participants
What's Not Included
Souvenir or shopping expenses at the Artist Village
Any additional food or beverages purchased en route
Schedule
Morning Schedule (KS4&5 bands):
08:15 - Depart resort
09:30 - Arrive at Thonburi pier & embark on canal tour
09:30 to 11:30 - Private longtail boat cruise with 30-minute stops at Wat Arun, Wat Paknam and Artist Village.
11:30 - Depart for DBS
12:45 - Arrive at DBS
13:15 - KS4&5 soundchecks begin
Afternoon Schedule (KS3 bands):
13:45 - Depart DBS
15:00 - Arrive at Thonburi pier & embark on canal tour
15:00 to 17:00 - Private longtail boat cruise with 30-minute stops at Wat Arun, Wat Paknam and Artist Village.
17:00 - Depart for resort
18:15 - Arrive at resort
Evening - Own dinner arrangements at leisure
How to Register
Once bands are confirmed for the live final, schools will receive registration information including this optional trip add-on. The THB 1,300 add-on fee per person will be invoiced alongside the standard Live Final THB 4,900 registration fee per student (teachers incur no registration fee, only the add-on). All fees are billed in one lump sum to your school.
Important Notes
Certain elements of this trip will be a self-guided experience - teachers should prepare accordingly in advance.
The DBS Music team is available to assist with planning questions before the event.
Please ensure no one misses re-boarding the longtail boat at the end of each stop - late returns cause significant delays for everyone.
January temperatures average 21-33°C (70-91°F); sun protection recommended.
Experience Bangkok’s waterways like never before - sign up for this trip and immerse yourself in the city’s historic soul! 🇹🇭
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