8-day Highlights of Thailand with River Kwai - Including Flights!

DAY 1 - Tuesday - Depart for Thailand
Depart for 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 colourful "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 coloured 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 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 memorialised the dead. Tonight, 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 centre 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 splendour 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 jewellery 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

*Note: your itinerary will change depending upon the day of the week you depart. Optional Tours not included.

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Usually from $1,619 pp , NOW from $1,369 pp twin share

• 04 Mar or 20 Mar 2020

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• 29 Nov 2019 & 31 Mar 2020

For pricing on alternative departures dates from September 2019 to April 2020, call our friendly travel team 1300 414 198.

Tuesday Departure

• Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom
• Mida Resort Kanchanaburi
• Classic Kameo Ayutthaya

Friday Departure

• Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom
• River Kwai Resotel
• Classic Kameo Ayutthaya

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.