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Day 1 Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Kanchanaburi

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Around 8 am-9 am this morning you’ll be picked up from the joining point hotel, along with other travellers in your group. If you prefer to be picked up from a different, centrally located hotel in Bangkok, please advise your booking agent at least 14 days before your departure date. Your first stop is the Bang Pa Inn Palace, a former summer retreat of Thai kings on the Chao Phraya River 65 kilometres north of the capital (approximately 1.5 hours). Admire the magnificent grounds, which are a combination of European and Thai designed buildings and gardens. Next, visit Ayutthaya, one of the ancient capitals of Siam and a World Heritage site. Here, explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, a temple that might offer a glimpse into the future, as it’s home to a fortune teller. Continue to Wat Phanan Cheoeng, Ayutthaya's answer to the Taj Mahal (approximately 40 minutes). It’s one of Ayutthaya's oldest temples and home to a 19-metre-high Buddha image. Behind the temple is a small 18th-century shrine built to honour a Chinese Princess, who drowned herself because of the king's infidelity. After lunch, move on to the 13th century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat. The rows of Burmese beheaded Buddhas are very atmospheric, and a Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots is perhaps the most photographed site in all of Ayutthaya. Head west to Kanchanaburi (approximately 3 hours) and check in to your resort, located on the famous River Kwai.

Day 2 Kanchanaburi

In the morning, set off to visit to Erawan National Park (approximately 1.5 hours) where you can explore the famous seven-level waterfall or simply swim and relax. The falls are considered the most beautiful in the whole country, with glacial blue waters rushing through the forest into bamboo-shaded pools perfect for a refreshing dip. If you want to make the climb all the way from level one to level seven it’s about a ninety-minute hike, with the uppermost level usually quiet and with a stunning view over the jungle below. Be sure to pack your swimming gear, but also appropriate footwear if you’re going to make the walk. After lunch, travel (approximately 1 hour) back towards Kanchanaburi, where you'll learn about a tragic part of the area's history. Hellfire Pass memorial was built to honour the Allied POWs and Asian conscripts who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Thai-Burma Death Railway – the eponymous pass, cut through rock 18 metres deep, got its name from the hellish fires used to light the work at night. Then you'll travel a short distance (approximately 20 minutes) to Nam Tok Train Station - The end of the original death railway station during the second world war which was constructed by the allied POWs. Take a ride along the historic tracks alongside the Kwai Noi River, passing through Tham Krasae station which is one of the most beautiful panoramic scenes of the Kwai Noi river from the curves of the wooden railway line close to the mountainside. After arriving at Kilen Train Station, transfer back to the hotel (approximately 30 minutes). Tonight there's an option to head into Kanchanaburi's famous night markets and try a variety of Western Thai dishes.

Day 3 Kanchanaburi/Bangkok

After breakfast, head out on a tour of the sights surrounding the town. This will include the WWII War Museum, the Allied War Cemetery, and the Bridge over the River Kwai itself. Travel through magnificent scenery and back to a dark time in the area’s history, and spend a moment reflecting on those who were forced to give their lives in the process of bending this environment to man’s will. You will then end this short adventure with a return to Bangkok (approximately 2 hours), where your trip ends in the afternoon at approximately 2 pm. Notes: There is no accommodation included tonight.

Day 1

Arrival in Bangkok (-)

Warmly welcome you on arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Pick up by guide and driver then transfer to the hotel for check-in (check-in time is at 14h00, the surcharge for early check-in is not included). Then take your time to have a rest after a long flight and lunch time. Overnight at the hotel in Bangkok.

Day 2

Bangkok – Full day city tour (B)

After breakfast, we visit the Grand Royal Palace dedicated to the ceremony of the royal family of Thailand. In the same compound is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew which is known for the Statue of the Emerald Buddha. After visiting this complex, we continue to visit Wat Pho, a giant house of the lying Buddha. Then, we visit the Wat Traimit which is well known as the Golden Buddha.

Afternoon, boarding on a long tail boat for an excursion along the Chao Phraya River and many bustling interior canals that offer fantastic views of local life close by. Along the way, we stop at Wat Arun, the temple of the Aube. Return to the hotel and free time for relaxation. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 3

Bangkok – Railway market – Floating market – Kanchanaburi (B)

Early in the morning, we drive to the southwest of Bangkok, visitting the Maeklong railway market, taking photo, and enjoying the local snack in the market before driving to Damnoen Saduak - a rural floating market. Stop for a motor boat trip along the waterway to the picturesque floating market of Damnoen Saduak.

Afterwards we continue the road to the city of Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival, visit the World War II memorial including the Jeath War Museum, Cemetery. Lunch will be served at a local floating restaurant next to the Kwai River Bridge.

We continue to Wang Pho to boarding a train for riding along the beautiful river for around 30 minutes to Ban Kao station and transfer then city to visit Kwai bridge. Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Day 4

Kanchanaburi – Erawan waterfalls – Ayutthaya (B)

Morning breakfast and depart for Erawan Waterfall - a beautiful seven-tiered waterfall. Located in Erawan National Park, Walking up to see each of the picturesque falls, it is best to bring good walking shoes. Also, guests should remember to bring their swimming suit if they wish to swim in the fall’s natural pools.

In the afternoon after lunch time, we continue the road to Ayutthaya. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is known as the 'Venice of the East’ because it is found along the Chao Phraya, the tributaries that surround the province of Ayutthaya River. Many monuments and remains of the period can be visited in this city founded in 1350 by King Uthong when the Thai had to migrate to the South under pressure from their neighbours to the North. Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Day 5

Ayutthaya – Bang Pa-In – Night train to Chiang Mai (B)

Morning after breakfast we will catch Kermit tuk tuk. These ‘cute’ tuk tuks are found in only two of Thailand’s provinces: Ayutthaya, and Trang. Along the ride, explore the temple highlights of the city from Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Wat Mahathat (with a Buddha face emerging from a tree), and strolling through a local market en route to Wat Phra Srisanphet. And after that we visit will be the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favorite summer palace of the King. And transfer to the station to embark on the night train to Chiang Mai. Overnight onboard.

Day 6

Chiang Mai City Tour (B)

Breakfast served at the hotel. The morning will be mainly devoted to the walking tour of the old town with a stop at the old wall, the moat and a door of the old town. You will see the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai: Wat Phra Singh temple, Wat Phan Tao temple, Wat Chedi Luang temple. Then you will stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take rickshaw tour.

After that, you will take a walking through the central market of Warorot. In the afternoon you will visit the Doi Suthep hill. Then visit craft villages: lacquer factories, silk weaving, manufacture of umbrellas, wood carvings and goldsmith work. Then transfer back to the hotel. To brighten up your evening, browse the Night Market for yourself. Stay overnight in Chiang Mai.

Day 7

Chiang Mai – Elephant Sanctuary Nature Camp (B, L) Join tour

Today, you'll explore northern Thailand on this full-day trek in Mae Wang area. You will visit the Karen Hill Tribe, a waterfall and also trek through the forest in the Mae Wang area. Mae Wang Elephant Camp treats its elephants with respect. You will have the experience of feeding and bathing an elephant without seeing the scarred head that you see in many other camps. A bamboo raft ride on the Mae Wang River is also included in this full-day trek. This is an ideal trek for those who are less energetic as the hike is shorter and easier than other day hikes.

Itinerary: 8h00 - 8h30: Reception at the hotel by minibus (air-conditioned bus) We take one hour drive to south of Chiang Mai to the Mae Wang area.

• Visit of the Karen tribe of the hills and the village
• 1 hour walk
• Waterfall (swimming)
• Bamboo rafting
• Feed and bathe the elephant without riding
• After that, return to Chiang Mai around 5 p.m.

Day 8

Chiang Mai – Mae Kampong – Chiang Mai (B, L)

Your guide will meet you at the hotel. It’s a beautiful drive to Mae Orn. We will stop at the San Kampaeng market to buy the ingredients for our lunch and fruit of the season. We will continue to Mae Kam Pong.

Upon arrival in Mae Kam Pong we will be met by some of the villagers and our local community guide. You will learn about the history of this remarkable village and make a beautiful trek around the village. Most villagers are engaged in growing bai miang, a kind of plant that can be processed into tea. Apart from bai miang, they also grow coffee and aromatic mushrooms. Other villagers are making handicrafts such as decorated pillows filled with tealeaves, rattan baskets and bamboo furniture.

Various walks are possible around Mae Kam Pong. Our program is flexible and will be adjusted according to your wishes. Lunch will be either in a homestay in the village or a picnick lunch along the way, depending on the program. A traditional massage is available. Late in the afternoon we return to Chiang Mai.

Day 9

Chiang Mai - Departure (B)

You depart with driver to the Chiang Mai airport taking an international flight to your next destination. End of our services."