Complete Thailand with The River Kwai

Itinerary

B(breakfast), L(lunch), D(dinner)

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1. 
   Day 01

   Bangkok Arrival (-/-/-)

   Upon arrival in Bangkok, welcome and transfer to the hotel by our local representative. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a sprawling city known for its ornate shrines and lively street life. Overnight in Bangkok.
   Optional tour: 
   Dinner cruise on Chao Phraya River
   Pick up from your hotel in Bangkok and transfer to the pier on the Chao Phraya River – the “River of Kings.” Board a modern river cruise featuring an open-air terrace, where you can enjoy panoramic nighttime views of Bangkok’s illuminated skyline.
   As the cruise glides along the river, savor an international buffet dinner (drinks not included) while live music creates a relaxing and elegant atmosphere. Admire iconic riverside landmarks, glittering temples, and soaring skyscrapers, all beautifully lit after dark, making for a truly memorable evening in Bangkok.
   After the cruise, return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel, or opt for a drop-off at the Patpong Night Market to explore the vibrant nightlife and browse the local stalls.
   Services included: English speaking guide, transportation, buffet dinner on river cruise. 
   Services not included: Tips, Beverage, Personal expenses not mentioned above. 

2. 
   Day 02

   Bangkok (B/-/-)

   Breakfast. Departure by bus from the hotel for a tour of Bangkok's main avenues until we reach the bustling Chinatown neighborhood, where we will make our first stop: Wat Traimit Temple, better known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha, which houses a 5-ton solid gold Buddha statue steeped in history, as it remained hidden for centuries after being covered in plaster to prevent its destruction during the war. Our next stop will be Wat Pho Temple, or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world at 46 meters long, at the feet of which we find a spectacular engraving of 108 images representing positive actions in Buddhism. Next, we will visit the impressive Grand Palace complex, symbol of the city and former official residence of the King of Thailand between the 18th and mid-20th centuries, considered one of the most beautiful in the world for its exquisite decoration combining traditional Thai style with Renaissance influences. The visit to the Grand Palace includes a visit to Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most important temple in Thailand. On the way back to the hotel, visit the state gemstone factory. Overnight in Bangkok.
   NOTE: For the visit to the Grand Palace, guests must wear long pants that ankles and a long-sleeved shirt/T-shirt or one that covers elbows. 
    

3. 
   Day 03

   Bangkok (B/-/-)

   After breakfast at hotel, it’s your free day to explore the town or take an excursion to the floating market and train market. Overnight in Bangkok.
   Optional tour: 
   Klong Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Train Market
   Departure from the hotel by road to the town of Mae Klong, where we will see a curious market set up on the train tracks. If time and luck allow, we will be able to see the train pass through the market and, in record time, the merchants gather all the products they have on display on the train tracks (there is no guarantee that the train will pass during the visit to the market as it has very irregular schedules). From there we will head to the Klong Damnersaduak floating market in Ratchaburi province, considered the most important in the country. We will arrive at a pier near the floating market in Damnersaduak and from there we will take a motorboat ride through the canal area until we reach the market itself, where we will disembark and have free time to walk around, explore the products, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. After the market visit, we will return to Bangkok and transfer to the hotel.  
   Services included:: English speaking guide, transportation, entrance fee, boat trip, water during transfer.
   Services not included:: Tips, Beverage, Personal expenses not mentioned above. 
    

4. 
   Day 04

   Bangkok – River Kwai (B/-/-)

   Breakfast. Early morning departure by coach from Bangkok to the province of Kanchanaburi, known among other things for the famous bridge over the River Kwai and for being the scene of some events during World War II. We will visit the war cemetery, where the prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the bridge are buried, and the War Museum. We will take a boat trip on the River Kwai to the bridge and have free time to cross it on foot and stroll around. From there we will head to the unusual railway section known as “Hellfire Pass”, a pass built in record time by Allied prisoners of war (mainly British and Australian) between 1942 and 1943. We will have lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the River Kwai hotel, and free time. Overnight in Kanchanaburi. 
   OPTIONAL: The more adventurous will have the opportunity to go upriver by boat and then float downstream wearing life jackets until we return to the resort (activity subject to river conditions and time available).
    

5. 
   Day 05

   River Kwai - Ayutthaya - Ang Thong - Phitsanulok (B/-/-)

   Breakfast. Our first visit of the day will be to the city of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam and the country's archaeological center par excellence, where we will visit its most representative temples and remains of ancient fortifications. Ayutthaya, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991, is a magical place and a must-see for lovers of history and ancient civilizations. Lunch en route. Next, we will head to the city of Ang Thong where we can visit Wat Muang temple, famous for housing the largest seated Buddha statue in Thailand and the ninth largest in the world at almost 100 meters high. Next, we will depart for the city of Phitsanulok, located in the heart of Thailand and considered one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage centers in the country. During the journey, we will witness the change in the landscape, which becomes increasingly lush and green, foreshadowing the jungle landscapes of the north of the country. Upon arrival, check in your hotel. Overnight in Phitsanulok. 

6. 
   Day 06

   Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Chiang Rai (B/-/-)

   Early in the morning, for those who wish to do so, we will leave the hotel to make an offering to the monks and experience one of the most emblematic aspects of Thai culture up close. 
   After the buffet breakfast, we will leave for Sukhotai. The highlight of the day is a visit to Sukhotai Historical Park, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its incredible beauty and as a testament to several centuries of Thai civilization. Next, we will depart for the city of Chiang Rai, entering the evocative northern landscape of Lampang province. We will have lunch en route (guest’s own arrangement) and stop to rest on the shores of the spectacular Phayao Lake. We will arrive in Chiang Rai in the afternoon and have free time to rest or visit the city's night market. Overnight in Chiang Rai. 
    

7. 
   Day 07

   Chiang Rai (B/-/-)

   Buffet breakfast. We will make our first stop at the novel and striking Wat Rong Suea Ten or Blue Temple, where you can find paintings in a style similar to that of the White Temple, as it was there that its architect trained for years. Heading north, we will stop along the way to visit an enclave called the Northern Tribes Union, home to different ethnic groups in the region, such as the Akha, Lahu, Kayaw, and the well-known Karen Long Neck Women. We will be able to see their houses, their fields, and even their nursery school. This place seeks to preserve their culture and traditions, and with our visit we will contribute to their goal of becoming self-sufficient. Next, we will head to Chiang Saen, home to the famous “Golden Triangle” of the Mekong River, which covers areas of Thailand, Laos, and Burma formerly dedicated to opium trafficking. We will stop at the Opium Museum, which displays and seeks to educate visitors about the history of drug trafficking in the region, as well as the dangers of addiction. From there, we will travel to Mae Sai, a town on the border with Burma where we will find a curious market selling Burmese products and witness the constant hustle and bustle of goods and people. Lunch en route. On the way back to Chiang Rai, we will visit some spectacular tea plantations where we will have time to taste teas from the region or enjoy the views from the area. Return to Chiang Rai for overnight.  

8. 
   Day 08

   Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai (B/-/-)

   Buffet breakfast. We will depart in the morning, making our first stop at the spectacular and contemporary White Temple (Wat Rong Kun in Thai) on the outskirts of Chiang Rai. In local culture, white represents Buddhist purity and wisdom. We will then travel through the famous landscapes that separate these two northern cities: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The journey takes about 3 hours through unforgettable scenery. Once in the vicinity of Chiang Mai, we will visit the popular craft street where most of the traditional decorative objects of the north are made, such as hand-painted umbrellas, jewelry, and precious stones. We will have lunch en route. Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, we will climb up to the famous mountain temple - Wat Doi Suthep (in Thai) from where we can admire the city of Chiang Mai in all its splendor. In the evening, we can stroll through the famous night market. Overnight in Chiang Mai.  
    

9. 
   Day 09

   Chiang Mai (B/-/-)

   Buffet breakfast and transfer to the elephant camp, located in the heart of the jungle, where we will see a demonstration of the strength and skill of these magnificent creatures. Next, we will begin our elephant safari, following the riverbed and crossing the thick jungle vegetation. After the safari, we will enjoy an exciting and fun descent down the river on bamboo rafts. We will have lunch and visit an orchid plantation where we can witness the unparalleled beauty of this beautiful floral species. Afterwards, we will return to the hotel and have free time. Overnight in Chiang Mai.  

   Alternative centers to the traditional elephant camp to visit on this day:
   ECO VALLEY AND GIRAFFE WOMEN (half-day tour, English-speaking guide) clients rejoin the group for lunch. 
   KANTA ELEPHANT SANCTUARY or similar (1-day tour with English-speaking guide): clients spend the day at the conservation center and do not participate in any of the activities on the original program. 
    

10. 
    Day 10

    Chiang Mai – Phuket (B/-/-)

    Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to southern Thailand and arrival at the largest and most idyllic island of Phuket. 
    Welcome and transfer to the hotel by our local representative. Rest of the day to enjoy the hotel and dine at one of the restaurants overlooking the sea. Overnight in Phu Ket. 
     

11. 
    Day 11

    Phuket (B/-/-)

    Breakfast. Free day to rest/ enjoy the beach or you can choose one of the optional activities.
    Overnight in Phu Ket

    Optional tours: 
    Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island by Speedboat
    Road trip to the port where we will take a speedboat to the spectacular Phang Nga Bay. This area, protected for its natural importance, offers spectacular scenery thanks to the landscape formed by the curious cliffs and limestone formations and the caves that have been created. Arrival at Khai Island and free time for snorkeling. From there, we will head to Hong, where we will board small canoes to explore the eroded cliffs and the island's famous sea caves. We will discover the “hongs,” inland lagoons between the rock formations that are only accessible through the caves at low tide. Lunch in Panyi or Fisherman's Village. After the canoe trip, we will head to the famous James Bond Island, where we will have the opportunity to tour the small island known worldwide for being the setting for legendary scenes from the 007 film “The Man with the Golden Gun.” Free time to rest, swim, or stroll along its idyllic beach. On the way back to Phuket, we will make a final stop at Panak Island. Return to the port in Phuket and transfer to the hotel by land. 
    Note: We recommend that you bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen for this excursion. The itinerary may be altered or varied depending on sea conditions, tides, and weather conditions. Drinks on board included.  
    Services included:: English speaking guide, transportation, entrance fee, boat trip, set menu lunch at local restaurant, water during transfer.
    Services not included:: Tips, Beverage, Personal expenses not mentioned above. 

12. 
    Day 12

    Phuket (B/-/-)

    Breakfast. Free day to rest/ enjoy the beach or you can choose one of the optional activities.
    Overnight in Phu Ket

    Optional tours: 
    Phi Phi Island & Bamboo Island by Speedboat
    We will travel by road to the port to take the boat that will take us to the Phi Phi archipelago located in the Andaman Sea, 48 km southeast of Phuket. First, we will discover the wonders of Bamboo or Khai Islands and from there we will head to the famous Monkey Beach where, if we are lucky, we may encounter wild monkeys. Next, we will continue to the other island that forms the archipelago, Phi Phi Don, where we will see Monkey Beach and take a dip in a bay surrounded by cliffs. We will stop at a nearby beach to enjoy a local lunch (drinks NOT included). From there, we will head to Viking Cave, where those who wish to can go snorkeling (both the mask and snorkel are included in the excursion). Free time to swim in Pileh Lagoon before making the last stop of the day at Rang or Pearl Island, where you can relax until it is time to return to Phuket.  
    Services included:: English speaking guide, transportation, entrance fee, boat trip, set menu lunch at local restaurant, water during transfer.
    Services not included:: Tips, Beverage, Personal expenses not mentioned above. 
     

13. 
    Day 13

    Phuket – Bangkok (B/-/-)

    Breakfast and hotel check-out at 12:00 p.m., rest of the day free
    At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, check in your hotel. Overnight in Bangkok. 
     

14. 
    Day 14

    Bangkok Departure (B/-/-)

    Breakfast. Check out at 11:00 a.m. Free time until transfer to the airport for your flight back home. End of services. 
    Note
    The standard check-out time is 11:00 noon.
     

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