When a precious gilded bamboo Garuda bird, containing a sacred golden statue studded with jewels, is stolen, the lovely Malee Wongsuwan begs her school friends, Louise and Jean Dana, to help recover the treasured bird, a gift from her father.

Despite Malee's warning of possible danger, the Danas agree to take the case, never dreaming that in a few days they will be pursuing their search in the Oriental splendor of Malee's native land, exotic Thailand.

Via romantic Honolulu and fascinating Tokyo, the three girls fly to Bangkok, spectacular shimmering capital of Thailand, where a mosaic of clues and harrowing experiences await the young detectives. Along the picturesque canals, or klongs, once the chief thoroughfares of the "Venice of the East," where the lighthearted, gentle people still ply their trade from boat to boat, Louise and Jean put their sleuthing ability to its greatest test. Clues discovered during a breathtaking boat chase through the floating market and a visit to the golden Temple of the Dawn lead to the capture of an elusive international jewel thief.