Central Thailand Tour with River Kwai
Trip Highlights
Escorted Package Includes
- 7-night accommodations
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- 11 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
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
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1, Depart for Thailand
Depart for Thailand – Flight not included but can be arranged at additional cost.
DAY 2, Arrive in Bangkok
Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in exotic Bangkok and transfer to your hotel; remainder of the day at leisure. Time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok
DAY 3, Bangkok City Tour
This morning enjoy a tour that introduces you to Bangkok, the “City of Angels”. Discover bustling 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 to rest and relax 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 4, 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
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Siam Niramit Show & Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, 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 6, Full Day in Kanchanaburi
Day 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. A boat trip on the River Kwai and a ride on the Death Railway is included in the tour. Lunch en route before returning to Kanchanaburi
Optional: Full Day Hellfire Pass & Death Railway with lunch
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
Depart Kanchanaburi 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 8, 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 while jewelry is 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 9, Depart Thailand
Bon Voyage! Transfer to the airport for your departure.
Meals: Breakfast
Optional Tours
Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha
Morning tour of Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace. Together they form the most impressive sights for visitors to Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaew consists of over 100 brightly colored buildings, golden spires and glittering mosaics, dating back to 1782, when Bangkok was founded. From Wat Phra Kaew continue to the Grand Palace. Despite the proximity of the two, there’s a distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European designs of the Grand Palace. It is important to note that this palace is used now only for occasional ceremonial purposes and is no longer the royal residence.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
Siam Niramit Show & Dinner
Enjoy a delightful Buffet Dinner at the Siam Niramit Restaurant before attending this evening’s stunning performance of “Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom” of Siam. This $40 million production, with over 150 performers, explores the Kingdom of Siam’s history and culture, with scenes highlighting the Ancient Kingdom of Lanna, Khmer heritage, and traditions of the central plains. Then, venture into the heart of Thai mythology with scenes of Fiery Hell, the mystical Himapaan Forest, and Blissful Heaven. Lastly, enjoy a montage of joyous celebrations honoring the Buddhist tradition.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
Full Day Hellfire Pass & Death Railway with lunch
Depart early in the morning from Kanchanaburi to visit Hell Fire Pass and the Death Railway. Hellfire Pass derives its name from Allied Prisoners of War ordered by the Japanese authorities to complete the bridge and rail line earlier than scheduled. All POW’s were forced to work day and night in the jungle, digging through the mountain with simple tools. More than 12,000 soldiers and 80,000 Thais perished during construction. En route, stop for lunch before returning to Kanchanaburi.
Approximate tour duration is 8 hours.
Please note that there are approximately 154 stairs with 4 small platforms to descend to the railway bed to view the pass. You will need to climb back up the stairs to return to the start point. Walking to the pass requires walking approximately 400 meters on an unpaved path of rocks of the former railbed.
*Includes guided tours and meals as per itinerary. OPC Indemnity Fund fee of $1 per $1,000 of travel products sold is additional. Limited space, other conditions and restrictions may apply. Not all travel dates available. Offer is Subject to change or cancellation at any time.