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Temples, Heritage & Secrets of River Kwai

Thailand in 11 Days, 9 Nights in Destination

Up to $500 reward

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-25%

From

$3,089

$2,299

/person

Hannah, Travel Expert

Hannah
Travel crafter

The perfect trip for those who love culture and faraway destinations. This itinerary is full of adventure, discovering the most characteristic temples and heritage treasures, while touring this incredible country.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Ayutthaya
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Bangkok
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Chiang Mai
  4. map-pin-check-icon
    Chiang Rai
  5. map-pin-check-icon
    Nakhon Sawan
  6. map-pin-check-icon
    River Kwai
  7. map-pin-check-icon
    Sukhotai

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Some meals

Availability

  1. Departures available until July 2025

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + $450

  4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

  5. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. charm included

  2. superior from + $1,000

  3. luxury from + $1,400

  4. WHAT'S THIS?

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March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024

Categories Available:

charm

From $2,299

Selected

  • 9 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
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superior

From $3,299

  • 9 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
luxury

From $3,699

  • 9 nights accommodation in Luxury category hotels.

Accommodation: 9 Nights

Itinerary

Begin your adventure in Bangkok, discovering Wat Traimit and Wat Pho temples. Head to Kanchanaburi and the history of the River Kwai. Visit temples and ancient fortifications in Ayutthaya, Pan San in Nakhon Sawan, Wat Muang in Ang Thong, Sukhothai Archaeological Park, the Golden Triangle of the Mekong River, Wat Rong Khun and Wat Rong Suea Ten in Chiang Rai and Wat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai.

1st Day: US - Night on board
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Arrival at your US departure airport * ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Bangkok. Night on board.

* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Bangkok
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Touch down in the buzzing capital of Thailand and transfer to the hotel*. Bangkok is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, located in the heart of the country. It offers a variety of unique experiences, from its impressive temples and lively culture, to its exciting night markets and world-renowned cuisine. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to begin discovering this fascinating city. If your flight arrives before 2pm, you have the possibility to take the optional Dinner and Cruise excursion on the Chao Phraya River.** Overnight stay in Bangkok. 

* If you arrive in the early hours between 00:00 and 11:30, you must add the optional early check-in to have access to your room immediately. 

** Optional Evening Dinner & Cruise Excursion Along the Chao Phraya River: Transfer to the Chao Phraya River, or King of Thai rivers, to embark on board a modern river cruise with open-air terrace from where you will enjoy the panoramic night view of the illuminated city, while enjoying an international buffet dinner (drinks not included).

The temples on the river banks, the skyscrapers and the live music accompanying the dinner will make you spend an unforgettable night in Bangkok. After the dinner and river tour, return to the pier and transfer to the hotel or head to Patpong night market to enjoy the nightlife and stalls.

Please note: You will only be able to board the cruise in time if your flights lands before 2PM. Passengers landing after 2PM won't be able to join this activity..

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Royal Bangkok or similar
tripadvisor rating

835 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Light

See more
3rd Day: Bangkok
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, get ready to discover the city and its temples on an exciting tour! Begin along the main avenues of Bangkok to reach the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. Our first stop will be at Wat Traimit Temple or better known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It houses a 5-ton solid gold Buddha loaded with history as it remained hidden for centuries after being covered in plaster to prevent its destruction during the war. Our next stop will be the Wat Pho Temple or Temple of the Reclining Buddha, one of the largest reclining Buddhas in the world at over 150 feet-long, where you’ll find a spectacular engraving of 108 images representing positive actions of Buddhism. To finish the tour, head to a local precious stone factory where you will see a demonstration of how local craftspeople make their products. We recommend an optional excursion to the Grand Palace* to learn more about the culture of this country. Return to the hotel and overnight stay in Bangkok.

* Optional excursion to the Grand Palace: Discover 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, it mixes traditional Thai style with Renaissance influences. During the visit to the Grand Palace we will also visit Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most important in Thailand.

Please note: For the Grand Palace visit you should wear long pants that cover the ankles and a long-sleeved shirt.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Royal Bangkok or similar
tripadvisor rating

835 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to the Bangkok temples

Light

See more
Optional
Visit to Bangkok's Royal Palace

Light

See more
4th Day: Bangkok, Thailand
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the day at leisure to continue exploring the capital. Why not discover some of its many markets, where you can sample some of the famous street food dishes. We recommend an exciting and entertaining optional excursion to visit the train market and floating market*. Overnight stay in Bangkok

* Optional Excursion to the Train Market and Floating Market: Travel by road to the town of Mae Klong where you’ll see a curious market installed on the train tracks. If time and luck permits, we will be able to see how the train crosses through the market and, in record time, the merchants collect all the products they have on display on the train tracks. From there, head to the Klong Damnersaduak floating market in Ratchaburi province, considered the most important in the country.

Arrive at a pier in the vicinity of the floating market. Take a motor boat ride through the canal area to reach the market itself, disembark, and enjoy free time to walk around, explore their products and enjoy the lively atmosphere. After the market visit, return to Bangkok and transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Royal Bangkok or similar
tripadvisor rating

835 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Floating market and Train market visit

Light

See more
5th Day: Bangkok - River Kwai
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, prepare to discover the history surrounding the famous River Kwai and the bridge that crosses it, protagonists of books and movies for their impactful roles during World War II. Early in the morning, depart by bus from Bangkok and head to the Kanchanaburi province, where we encounter the River Kwai.

Pay a visit to the War Cemetery, where prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the bridge lie buried, and the War Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the history and gain a deeper understanding of these events.

Take a boat ride on the River Kwai to the bridge, with free time to stroll across. From there, head to the unusual railway section known as "Hellfire Pass", a cutting built in record time by Allied POW (mainly British and Australians) between 1942 and 1943. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Kanchanaburi.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
River Kwai Resotel - Jung... or similar
tripadvisor rating

1145 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to River Kwai and Hellfire Pass

Moderate

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6th Day: River Kwai - Ayutthaya - Ang Thong - Nakhon Sawan
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Breakfast at the hotel. Our first visit of the day will be the city of Ayutthaya, ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam and archaeological center of the country. Upon arrival, visit its temples and remains of the most representative ancient fortifications. Ayutthaya, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a magical place and a must-see for enthusiasts of history and ancient civilizations. Next, head to the town of Ang Thong to visit the Wat Muang Temple, famous for housing the largest seated Buddha figure in Thailand and the ninth largest in the world at nearly 330-ft high. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to the city of Nakhon Sawan to visit the 'Pa San', constructed at the point where the Ping and Nan tributaries converge giving birth to the famous Chao Phraya River, aka "River of Kings", which flows down, passing through several provinces including Ayutthaya and Bangkok, into the Gulf of Thailand. To wrap up this exciting day, visit the exterior of Wat Kiriwong atop a hill and reach a beautiful pagoda, where you’ll enjoy privileged views of the entire region. Overnight stay in Nakhon Sawan.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The Paradiso JK Design or similar
tripadvisor rating

74 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit the Ancient City of Ayutthaya and The Sitting Buddha

Light

See more
7th Day: Nakhon Sawan - Sukhotai - Chiang Rai
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Breakfast at the hotel and departure to the city of Sukhothai. The highlight of today is the Archaeological Park that houses this population, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its incredible beauty. A true example of prosperous Thai civilization, raising monumental cities and sophisticated temples. After this visit, head to Chiang Rai passing through Lampang, a small town surrounded by forests and abundant nature where you can enjoy the wonderful views along the way as well as the splendorous Phayao LakeLunch en route. Arrival in the mountainous province of Chiang Rai in the afternoon, transfer to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure to start exploring this incredible city. Overnight stay in Chiang Rai.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Wiang Inn or similar
tripadvisor rating

803 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to Sukhotai

Light

See more
8th Day: Chiang Rai - Golden Triangle - Chiang Mai
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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the "Golden Triangle" of the Mekong River, which includes areas of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar formerly dedicated to the opium trade. Upon arrival, take the opportunity to visit the Opium Museum located in the town of Chiang Rai. From there, and before stopping at the White Temple, one of the most renowned temples in Thailand, head to the new and striking Wat Rong Suea Ten or Blue Temple. Find paintings with a similar style to those at White Temple as it was there where the same architect trained for many years. Stop at the spectacular and contemporary Wat Rong Khun, where white signifies purity and glass signifies the wisdom of Buddha. Lunch en route. Finally, we make our way to the fascinating city of Chiang Mai. Upon your arrival, visit the beautiful mountainside temple of Doi Suthep, a sacred site to many Thai people, and contemplate its beauty and intricate architecture.  Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The Empress or similar
tripadvisor rating

1920 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Golden Triangle Full Day Tour

Light

See more
9th Day: Chiang Mai
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Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy today at your leisure in charming Chiang Mai. Enjoy the city's vibrant cafe scene in the trendy Nimmana Haeminda neighborhood, explore the surrounding rainforest or even take a Thai cooking class. We recommend an optional full-day excursion to the amazing Doi Inthanon National Park.* Overnight stay in Chiang Mai

* Full-Day Doi Inthanon National Park Excursion: Head to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand. Explore this fertile natural treasure trove, popular among bird watchers for its huge birdlife diversity. Visit "Vachirathan" waterfall, climb to the top of the mountain, see the royal pagodas and gardens. Stop at Mhong tribe’s local market, one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. Lunch at a local restaurant. Next, trek for approximately 2 hours by the hand of a local guide through jungle, terraced rice fields and waterfalls, in an epic natural environment. Meet another ethnic group, Karen, and finally stop in the Mae Klang area to visit our guide's village, Karen, to learn about their way of life and taste fresh local coffee.

Please note: We recommend bringing a raincoat during the rainy season and appropriate walking shoes, mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
The Empress or similar
tripadvisor rating

1920 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Doi Inthanon Trekking with Lunch

Moderate

See more
10th Day: Chiang Mai - Bangkok
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Breakfast at the hotel. At scheduled time transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Depending on the time of your flight, you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore more of the capital. Why not visit one of the many street food districts such as the world famous Petchaburi Soi 5 to enjoy the exquisite cuisine during your last moments in this colorful country. Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Royal Bangkok or similar
tripadvisor rating

835 Reviews

See our full selection
11th Day: Bangkok - Night on Board
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After breakfast at the hotel, say goodbye to beautiful Thailand as you transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. * Night on board.

* If your return flight departs early in the morning, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Included activities

Included

Visit to the Bangkok temples

Included activity for day 3 in Bangkok

Walk along the main avenues of Bangkok to reach Chinatown, discovering the Temple of the Golden Buddha and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Finally, visit a precious stone factory.

Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included
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We recommend you bring a backpack for your essential personal items overnight. Larger suitcases will remain in the vehicle and parked at the port until the next day. Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility.

Visit to River Kwai and Hellfire Pass

Included activity for day 5 in River Kwai

Visit to the Cemetery and the War Museum. Boat ride on the River Kwai to the bridge and railway section of the Hellfire Pass. Lunch included.

Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 7:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Visit the Ancient City of Ayutthaya and The Sitting Buddha

Included activity for day 6 in Ayutthaya

Visit to Ayutthaya,ancient capital of the kingdom of Siam. Then, discover Ang Thong andThailand's biggest statue of Buddha. (100m)

Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 06:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included

Visit to Sukhotai

Included activity for day 7 in Sukhotai

The highlight of today's visit is the Archaeological Park that houses this town, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its incredible beauty and evidence of the several centuries of prosperity of Thai civilization.

Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 06:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information

Show more

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional
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You will only be able to board the cruise in time if your flights lands before 2PM. Passengers landing after 2PM won't be able to join this activity.

Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Suggested activity for day 2 in Bangkok

Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner aboard a cruise on the Chao Phraya River with panoramic views of the illuminated city, its skyscrapers and temples. After dinner visit the Patpong night market.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 17:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional
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For the visit to the Grand Palace you must wear ankle-length pants, a long-sleeved or elbow-length shirt/shirt.

Visit to Bangkok's Royal Palace

Suggested activity for day 3 in Bangkok

A symbol of the city and former official residence of the King of Thailand, The Grand Palace is considered one of the most beautiful in the world for its exquisite decoration. Includes a visit to the well-known Wat Phra Kaew.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional
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This is a full-day activity that can not be combined with other tours on the same day

Floating market and Train market visit

Suggested activity for day 4 in Bangkok

Visit Mae Klong, where you can see a market installed right on the train tracks. Next, take a boat ride on the canals to reach the floating market of Klong Damnersaduak.

Duration 07:00h Approx. Pick up time: 06:30 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Optional
info-icon

Bring a raincoat during rainy season, comfortable walking shoes and mosquito repellent and sun screen. The trekking level is light-medium, you don't need great physical condition.

Doi Inthanon Trekking with Lunch

Suggested activity for day 9

Visit to Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand with a 2h30 trek with local guide through rice fields, waterfalls, jungle and visit tribal villages where you can sample their handicrafts.

Duration 09:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

The price includes

  • Included in all our trips. more information
  • Departures from main US airports.
  • International flights: US - Bangkok, Bangkok - US.
  • Internal flight Chiang Mai - Bangkok.*
    more information
  • 9 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.
    See hotels included
  • 9 breakfasts and 4 lunches.
  • Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.**
    more information
  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • English-speaking guide for part of the trip
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase

Not included

Drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

* Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area". It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.

** Transfers to and from the airport in Bangkok are unescorted (without a guide).

  • Entry requirements

    Passport with a minimum of six months validity and one blank passport page per stamp.

  • Visa

    No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days.

  • Currency

    Thai Baht.

  • Electricity

    220 V. European and U.S. plugs

  • Health

    Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

  • Time zone

    UTC + 07:00.

  • Other useful information

    In Thailand they drive on the left-hand side of the road.

  • Tourist Office website

    https://www.tourismthailand.org/home

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

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