Introduction to Thailand
8 days
An introduction to the country of smiles. In Bangkok you will visit the most beautiful palaces and temples, experience a surprising bicycle ride through Bangkoks hidden alleys, dine on board of a cruiseship and see the famous Floating Market. Onward to Ayutthaya, Thailands former capital city until it was destroyed in 1767 during the war with Burma. The old temples and ruins in this historical park are beautifully restored. In Kanchanaburi you will make a trainride on the famous "death railway", stay overnight in a floating hotel and spend a relaxing day near the wonderful Erawan waterfalls. The last 2 days are at leisure on the beaches of Hua Hin.
Day 1. Bangkok
Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, our local representative will wait for you in the arrival hall with a sign
with your name on it. Transfer by private airconditioned minivan to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day 2. Bangkok
Morning visit to Bangkok's most famous landmark: the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (the national
Buddha image). Several of Thailand's most significant religious ceremonies are here performed by the King. The entire
complex contains more than 100 buildings that represent 200 years of history and architecture. The afternoon is free. This
evening you can enjoy a romantic riverboat dinner cruise on board of an old rice barge which has been rebuilt. During a
quiet and romantic candle lit tour you can enjoy the traditional Kim (Thai xylophone) music. This cruise is a voyage
through Thai history, culture and gastronomy along the Chao Phraya river, passing by Wat Arun, the Temple of the Emerald
Buddha and the Royal Palace. Hotel pickup and dropoff are included.
Day 3. Bangkok
The morning is free. In the afternoon you will explore Bangkok by bicycle. This tour will bring you to places hardly
visited by tourists. You will ride through markets and little alleys. Take a boat trip across the Chao Phraya river and
continue your tour through a green landscape scattered by fruit plantations and typical Thai style houses. Listen to the
singing birds and get a friendly hello from everyone you meet. No cars, no traffic jams. Transfer from and to your hotel
is included. The evening is free.
Day 4. Ayutthaya
Morning departure to Bang Pa In, the King's beautiful summer palace. Onward to Ayutthaya. Visit the most important ruins
and the remaining historical attractions. Throughout the trip an expert guide explains the history and legends of the
respective sights. In the afternoon departure by River Cruise Boat over the mighty Chao Phraya river back to Bangkok.
Buffet lunch & dessert on board of the luxury airconditioned ship. Around 17:00 hr arrival in Bangkok. The evening is
free. Hotel pickup & dropoff included.
Day 5. Floating Market & River Kwai
Morning drive through the rural landscapes outside Bangkok. A longtail boat takes you to the famous Floating Market of
Damnoen Saduak. See, feel and smell the old style and traditional way of selling and buying vegetables and fruits from
small boats. Onward to Kanchanaburi for a visit to the Bridge over the River Kwai. The worldwar II history of the bridge
is beautifully depicted in the famous movie of David Lean in 1957. Later you will visit the Jeath war museum and the war
cemetery. Onward to board a longtail boat that will take you, over the River Kwai, to the
River Kwai Jungle Rafts Hotel,
nicknamed the Floatel. This place is magic. The floating bungalows are built on bamboo-rafts surrounded by magnificent
jungle. The accommodation is basic with private bath and shower. There is no electricity but oil lamps and a very cosy
atmosphere. It is possible to take an elephant ride, see Burmese Mon dancing or swim in the river.
Visit the wonderful waterfalls of Erawan National Park. The Erawan falls cover 7 levels over a total distance of 1550 meter. They belong to the most beautiful falls in Thailand. You can walk up to all 7 levels. The highest levels require some creative walking but the climb is more than worth the effort. You can swim on various locations. Around the park there are various caves with impressive and sometimes bizarre stone formations. Early afternoon you will make a trainride on the famous "Death railway". The scenery is stunning, especially the part over the wooden bridge construction is spectacular. Make sure that you have your cameras ready. On the way to Hua Hin you will visit the stupa of Nakhon Pathom, the world's highest Buddha monument. Evening arrival at your hotel in Hua Hin.
Day 7. Hua Hin beach
Free at leisure.
Day 8. Hua Hin - Bangkok
Checkout your hotel. Drive by airconditioned minivan with private driver to Bangkoks international airport. Arrive on time
for your connecting flight. This tour ends upon arrival at International Airport.
Instead of visiting the River Kwai and the Erawan waterfalls, it is also possible to visit the national park of Khao Yai.
For a description of this tour please follow the link to
Introduction to Thailand (Khao Yai).
or via the Booking form
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From: $ 655 per person
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Start: Day 1 at Bangkok International Airport (upon arrival from abroad); End: Day 8 at Bangkok International Airport (before departure to abroad); Included: All overnight stays based on twin sharing and including breakfast, other meals as indicated, all mentioned excursions and transfers, all admission fees, an English speaking tourguide during the excursions. Prices are based on the indicated number of persons. Our terms & conditions and payment terms apply. Not included: International return flight to/from Thailand, airport taxes, insurances, personal expenses. Surcharges: Some hotels apply surcharges, for instance for Christmas dinners, New year dinners or local holidays. These surcharges are not included. We will mention them before you book. Regular season: 10.May.10 - 31.Oct.10 (stay in Hua Hin); High season: 1.Nov.09 - 20.Dec.09 / 16.Jan.10 - 9.May.10 (stay in Hua Hin); Peak season: 21.Dec.09 - 15.Jan.10 (stay in Hua Hin); HOTELS: Bangkok: Bossotel Inn, standard room (3 star); Hua Hin: Baan Talay Dao, studio room (3-star); Many other hotels possible, from budget to 5 star. for prices and possibilities. |
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