Highlights
- Explore vibrant Bangkok like a local
- Visit the temples of Ayutthaya—the ancient capital of Siam
- Swim in a spectacular seven-level waterfall in Kanchanaburi
- Learn about the Death Railway and the laborers who lost their lives there
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok, Free Day to Explore | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Discover Bangkok Like a Local | Bangkok |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Kanchanaburi via Ancient Ayutthaya | Kanchanaburi |
| Day 4 | Explore Erawan National Park & the Death Railway | Kanchanaburi |
| Day 5 | Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai, Transfer to Bangkok | Bangkok |
| Day 6 | Depart Bangkok |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Free Day to Explore
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, you'll get a warm welcome from your representative and transfer to your hotel.
Today you are free to discover Bangkok at your own pace. The city combines the old with the new, and there's something for everyone. Foodies should make a beeline for Chinatown to tuck into the delicious street food that vendors will cook before your eyes. If you fancy a spot of shopping, you could spend an entire day at Siam Paragon, one of Bangkok's largest and most popular shopping malls. For the best souvenirs, don't miss the Chatuchak Market, the world's largest weekend market with over 15,000 stalls.
For sports lovers, watching a kickboxing fight will be a real thrill as you learn more about Thailand's signature sport. Culture lovers could head to a puppet show or check out Warehouse 30 for modern art exhibitions. Wrap up your day with a relaxing traditional Thai massage back at your hotel.
Day 2: Discover Bangkok Like a Local
Today you'll get to experience Bangkok's iconic highlights via many modes of transport, including BTS/MRT (Bangkok's Skytrain and transit system), public boats, and buses that locals use to travel across the city. First up is a visit to Wat Pho Temple, one of Bangkok's most impressive sights, famous for its giant gold-leaf-clad giant Reclining Buddha statue. Continue to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, where you'll see the Emerald Buddha.
Post lunch, you can take a tuk-tuk to the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, followed by a boat ride along the canal to Hua Chang Pier. You'll get the chance to stroll the area for a spot of retail therapy before returning by BTS to your hotel.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Transfer to Kanchanaburi via Ancient Ayutthaya
Leave Bangkok behind for now as you travel by bus to Kanchanaburi. Your first stop along the way is Bang Pa-In Palace, the former summer retreat of Thai kings on the Chao Phraya River, 40 miles (65 km) north of the capital. Next, it's on to Ayutthaya, one of the ancient capitals of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, and Wat Phanan Choeng, one of Ayutthaya's oldest temples and home to a towering 62-foot (19 m) seated Buddha statue.
After lunch, you'll move on to the 13th-century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat. This temple's Buddha's head, surrounded by banyan tree roots, is one of the most photographed sites in Ayutthaya. After Wat Phra Mahathat, you'll head west to Kanchanaburi (approximately three hours away) and check in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at your leisure.
Day 4: Explore Erawan National Park & the Death Railway
Today you will explore the tragic history of Kanchanaburi and marvel at its natural beauty. Start with a visit to Erawan National Park, home to a spectacular seven-level waterfall. With glacial blue waters rushing through the forest into bamboo-shaded pools, the falls are the perfect spot for a refreshing dip.
After lunch, head back toward Kanchanaburi, where you'll learn about Hellfire Pass. The memorial honors over 100,000 laborers who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Thai-Burma Railway between 1942 and 1943, earning its nickname the ''Death Railway.'' Then you'll travel a short distance to Nam Tok Station and ride along the railway's historic tracks, passing through Tham Krasae Station (one of the most beautiful, panoramic scenes along the Kwai Noi River).
After arriving at Tha Kilen Station, you'll transfer back to your accommodations. Relax at your hotel for the evening, or to head to Kanchanaburi's famous night markets to try a variety of delicious western Thai dishes.
Day 5: Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai, Transfer to Bangkok
This morning you'll head out to explore the local sights on board a traditional samlaw (tricycle). This will include the Allied War Cemetery, the Bridge on the River Kwai, and the JEATH War Museum, where you will see artifacts relating to the Japanese invasion of Thailand and the Death Railway. You'll get a deeper understanding of the area's dark history and spend a moment reflecting on those who gave their lives in the process of bending this environment to man's will. In the evening, you'll say goodbye to western Thailand as you transfer from Kanchanaburi back to Bangkok by car.
Day 6: Depart Bangkok
Tuck into a delicious Thai breakfast on the final day of your trip, sampling classics like iced milk tea, paa tong koo (Thai donuts) and jok (rice porridge.). After check-out, you'll be free to visit the local markets for a final shop to pick up souvenirs before transferring to the airport and boarding your flight back home. Safe travels!
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