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8-day Central Thailand with River Kwai & Flights

Save $250pp - offer ends 12 Dec!
  • history
    DURATION
    7 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    7 nights

Your journey begins in the vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis of Bangkok, where you'll see the famous Reclining Buddha statue and the King's Palace. Continue on to explore the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and see how local farmers and villagers trade their wares aboard small Sampan boats, typically loaded with fruits, vegetables, dry goods, housewares and freshly cooked food. From here, travel to Kanchanaburi and walk over the stone bridge at the River Kwai. Spend time at leisure exploring independently or join an optional tour where you will visit Hellfire Pass, ride on the Death Railway and embark on a boat trip on the River Kwai.

Head to Ayutthaya and see the ruins of this former capital with its remaining palaces, monasteries and towers, plus visit Bang Pa-In Palace and Chai Wattanaram Temple.

Plus, with a day at leisure each in Bangkok and Kanchanaburi, you can truly experience the culture and history of amazing Thailand.

Photos

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Slide 1 of 2
Read on for the full day-by-day itinerary

Inclusions/Exclusions

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  • Return flights Sydney-Bangkok, Bangkok-Sydney
    Other departure cities available. 
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • 7 nights accommodations
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 10 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
  • Entrance fees per itinerary
  • Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
  • Gratuities while on tour

Special Features

  • Visit serene Wat Po, home of the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long, Bangkok
  • Visit the buzzing and vividly colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
  • Bridge over the River Kwai & War Museum, Kanchanaburi
  • Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, was used as a summer palace by the Siamese royalty, Ayutthaya
  • Chai Wattanaram Temple, one of the most impressive remaining monuments, Ayutthaya

Itinerary

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DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Thailand
Depart for Thailand. Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in exotic Bangkok and transfer to your hotel; remainder of the day is at leisure. Time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok

DAY 2, Wednesday - Bangkok City Tour
This morning enjoy a tour that introduces you to Bangkok, the "City of Angels". Drive through Chinatown packed with hundreds of market stalls, street-side restaurants, and gold shops. On to colorful "Little India" with its bright hanging walls of glistening fabrics and the fragrant wholesale Flower Market. Visit serene Wat Po, (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) the oldest and largest temple in the city, with its astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive via Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure before tonight’s Welcome Drink and briefing by your Tour Manager, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3, Thursday - Full Day in Bangkok
Today is yours to explore Bangkok independently. Or, take the optional tour to the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom, and to Wat Phra Kaew, (Temple of the Emerald Buddha),* with its brightly colored buildings, golden spires and gorgeous mosaics. You'll see the distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the evening, attend the optional buffet dinner and stunning performance of the "Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam". Boasting over 150 performers, this lavish production delves into Siam's history and culture
*Dec 3rd departure, optional Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha is not available
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Siam Niramit Show & Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Travel to Kanchanaburi, Visit Bridge over River Kwai & War Museum
Travel southwest this morning to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market; observe how the ancient trading of wares is conducted between hundreds of local farmers and villagers aboard small Sampan boats. The boats are fully loaded with all kinds of products including fruits, vegetables, dry goods, and freshly cooked food. From the Floating market, continue to the quiet provincial capital of Kanchanaburi, with its stunning natural beauty, spectacular waterfalls, and beautiful rivers. Walk over the stone bridge at the River Kwai, one of the most famous rivers in the world, which gained international fame in the book and film, "Bridge on the River Kwai". The bridge, several museums, and cemeteries have respectfully preserved the history and memorialized the dead. Enjoy dinner at a hotel restaurant 
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Kanchanaburi 
Today is at leisure to explore Kanchanaburi independently. Or, take the optional full day Hellfire Pass and Death Railway tour. Hellfire Pass derives its name from Allied POWs forced to work day and night in the jungle to complete the bridge and rail line using only simple tools; more than 12,000 soldiers and 80,000 Thais perished during the construction. Lunch en route before returning to Kanchanaburi
Optional: Full Day Hellfire Pass & Death Railway with lunch
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
Depart Kanchanaburi and travel to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as the largest city in Southeast Asia. In the center of the city lies Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries, and towers - one can envision the grandeur and splendor that was once the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. After lunch, continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Tong, a commoner who overthrew the previous king and took his throne. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful and tranquil surroundings of Siam before dinner 
Overnight: Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Monday - Travel to Bangkok
Start your morning with a visit to  Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Tong in 1632, this served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai Kings. If time permits, there may be a visit to a local school before traveling to Bangkok. En route stop at a gem gallery, to watch jewelry being made and learn more about the gems used. Time on your own in Bangkok to revisit some of the city's fabulous sites, or, indulge in a last-minute shopping spree. Enjoy a night out on the town as you bid farewell to Thailand
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday - Depart Thailand
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

Dates and Prices

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  • Tour only from $989pp
  • Tour and flights from $1349 pp (save $250 pp - offer ends 12 Dec 2018!)

Pricing applies to 10 May 2019 departure.

Discounted fares available between Dec 2018 - May 2019. Please contact us for alternative dates and pricing.

Accommodation

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  • Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom
  • Mida Resort Kanchanaburi
  • Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya

FAQs

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How active is this trip?

This active program covers a good amount of ground each day. Expect from two-three hours walking on some touring days. The pace is moderate; however, you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. A few early wake-ups, as well as some long days of 10-12 hours, are necessary to cover the territory.

T&Cs

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Travel at 60 booking conditions apply. Please contact us to learn more.

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This holiday deal has expired.

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