9 Day Central Thailand with River Kwai

From  $579 Land Only 
​$1229* Air & Land

DATES: 2019 - AUG 22, SEP 05, 19, 26, OCT 10, 17, 24, NOV 11, 18, 25, 28 DEC 02, 09, 19, 26

DATES: 2020- JAN 06, 09, 16, 27, 30 FEB 03, 10, 20,24 MAR 02,09, 16, 30 APR 02, 23, 

Escorted Package Includes

  • Round trip flights Los Angeles-Bangkok, Bangkok-Los Angeles
    Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
  • Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
  • 7 nights accommodations
    • 4 nights Bangkok
    • 2 nights Kanchanaburi
    • 1 night Ayutthaya
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 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
  • In Bangkok, visit serene Wat Po, home of the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long
  • Visit the buzzing and vividly colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
  • Walk the Bridge over the River Kwai & explore the War Museum
  • Visit Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, used as a summer palace by the Siamese royalty
  • Marvel at Chai Wattanaram Temple, one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive remaining monuments
♦ Flights from the USA may arrive early on DAY 3. Sightseeing commences in the morning of Day 3
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

TRIP ITINERARY 

DAY 1
DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Thailand
Depart for Thailand
DAY 2 
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 3 
​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 4 
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 5 
​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 memorialized the dead. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a hotel restaurant
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
​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 7
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 8
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 9
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast