Thailand Grand Discovery: Bangkok, River Kwai & the North

Our Thailand vacation starts as we board an international flight bound for Bangkok, the "City of Angels".

Touch down in Bangkok, Thailand's capital city.  Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, enjoy a transfer to your hotel and the remainder of the evening to rest and relax. 

 *Airport transfers are not included for land-only travelers

Bangkok is a city of gleaming modernity firmly rooted in ancient Buddhist tradition and beliefs. Depart on a half-day tour after breakfast to witness some of Bangkok’s most interesting sights. Visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Trimitr) to see its solid-gold Buddha, and peek inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), known for its monumental horizontal Buddha. Pass by the Paklong Talat flower market, a whirlwind of stalls selling masses of perfumed orchids, marigolds and roses. After a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the afternoon independently, or explore Bangkok’s must-sees on our optional Landmark of Bangkok tour. Tour the splendid Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, see the riverside Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), and ride a motorboat along the Chao Phraya River. Spend the evening exploring Bangkok at your own leisure, or join our optional Bangkok Heritage by Night & Traditional Thai Dinner tour to visit the Giant Swing, Wat Saket, and Democracy Monument, followed by a classic Thai dinner and a scenic drive through vibrant Chinatown.

*Men and women must have their shoulders, arms and legs covered when visiting the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple*

Following breakfast, depart Bangkok for Damnoen Saduak, one of Thailand’s most famous floating markets. Ride a long-tail speedboat around the lively canals, passing boats and stalls laden with fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. Continue to a local gem workshop and silk factory to see how these precious items are produced for sale, and perhaps purchase some as souvenirs. After returning to Bangkok, spend the evening as you wish or enjoy our optional dinner cruise on the Grand Pearl ship along the Chao Phraya River.

After an early start, travel into scenic Kanchanaburi province and visit the Bridge over the River Kwai, famously connected to the 'Death Railway' of World War II, and the poignant Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, home to 9,000 Allied war graves. Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Alternatively, make the most of your time with our optional tour to the Elephant World Sanctuary for rescued elephants. Admire, feed, and help bathe these incredible animals in the river before enjoying lunch at the camp.

After breakfast, depart for Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. Visit the beautiful Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, followed by an Ayutthaya World Heritage Tour. Explore Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet, one of the city’s most important historic temples. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy some free time, or join our optional Ayutthaya Dinner by Tuk-Tuk tour. Board a traditional wooden rice barge to glide past tranquil river life along the historic canals and rivers that once made Ayutthaya a thriving commercial kingdom, taking in the glowing ancient ruins as you enjoy a memorable dinner on the water.

After breakfast, depart by coach for Pattaya, located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. En route, make a brief stop at the motorway before continuing to Pattaya. Upon arrival, experience the virtual ‘Theme Park - Dark Ride’ at a gems gallery, learning about Thailand’s most prized gemstones. Afterwards, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon as you please, perhaps relaxing on the sands or by the pool. Later, you may wish to join our optional Pattaya by Night tour, savoring a sumptuous seafood dinner and cabaret show.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. The morning is free at leisure, or you may choose to join the optional Coral Island Tour with Seafood Lunch. Cruise to the beautiful Coral Island aboard a traditional sailing junk or fishing boat and enjoy a relaxing day by the sea. Take the opportunity to swim, snorkel, dive, or simply soak up the sun on the island’s picturesque beaches. A delicious seafood lunch is included.

Continue to enjoy Pattaya at your own pace, or join an optional visit to The Sanctuary of Truth. Located along the coast of Naklua in North Pattaya, this magnificent wooden sanctuary is a remarkable example of traditional Thai craftsmanship. Rising approximately 105 meters (344 feet) high, the entire structure is intricately hand-carved and features stunning sculptures depicting Thai, Hindu, and Buddhist philosophies. Take time to admire its impressive architecture and detailed wood carvings before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Chiang Rai via Bangkok. Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free at leisure, or you may choose to join the optional Chiang Rai Evening Escape: Dine & Local Market tour. Experience the local flavors and vibrant atmosphere of Chiang Rai as you enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a visit to a lively local market, where you can browse local products, sample regional specialties, and experience the city’s evening culture.

Enjoy an American breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, depart for the Golden Triangle, one of northern Thailand’s most fascinating destinations. Drive to the historic city of Chiang Saen and visit Wat Chedi Luang, an ancient temple known for its impressive Lanna-style architecture and historical significance. Continue to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Mekong River and the surrounding countryside, and see the impressive Golden Buddha overlooking the region.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking a relaxing boat ride along the Mekong River. Continue with a visit to the House of Opium Museum, which offers an interesting insight into the history of the opium trade and its impact on the region. Explore historical displays featuring traditional tools and artifacts related to the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of opium, as well as information about its dangers and historical significance. After the visit, enjoy some time for shopping before continuing your journey to Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the spiritual symbol of Chiang Mai. Visit this revered temple, home to a sacred Buddha relic, and admire its magnificent golden chedi and guardian Naga stairways. Return to the hotel. The afternoon is free at leisure, or join the optional Spirit of Chiang Mai tour. Visit the hill-tribe villages of the Palong and Karen communities and learn about their unique traditions and way of life. In the evening, join the optional Lanna Khantoke Dinner Show. Enjoy a traditional northern Thai dinner accompanied by a colorful cultural performance featuring Lanna music and dances.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Thailand and board our return flight back home. 

 *Airport transfers are not included for land-only travelers