This itinerary covers some of the most important historical and cultural sites in Thailand, and includes some local experiences as well as a few adventure activities. From the palace and local markets in Bangkok to ElephantsWorld and Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi, and to the historical park in Ayutthaya, you will have the opportunity to learn a lot about Thailand and immerse yourself into the local lifestyle while having many happy hours with your children.
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Top Notch Services
Kaya at Asia Highlights helped make our honeymoon in Thailand the perfect trip. It was truly the best balance between structured and unstructured time abroad. They cater their services to exactly what you're looking for. Also, their responsiveness is uncanny. Kaya at Asia Highlights in particular deserves special mention. She out our trip together for us, put up with us, and was always available for any hiccups during the trip. We plan to use their excellent services again for our next trip to Asia. Highly recommended, and ask for Kaya! More
, Apr 2024
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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Highlights
- Cruise along Bangkok's ancient canals and visit a floating market, which gives you an insight into a bygone way of life.
- Come face-to-face with an elephant in Kanchanaburi.
- Splash in the emerald green water of Erawan Falls.
- Enjoy an overnight stay in a floating house on the River Kwai.
- Walk into the largest and most beautiful royal palace in Thailand.
- Cycle through the historical ruins of Ayutthaya.
Journey Route
Itinerary in Detail
Your private guide will be waiting for you in the airport arrivals area. A comfortable vehicle (non-smoking) with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check in.
The rest of your day is free to spend at your leisure.
A Palace and Temples
Explore Bangkok's famous highlights in the morning when it is cooler. The landmarks of Bangkok include Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of Dawn.
Try out Bangkok's different forms of public transport — the public taxi boat, a long-tail boat, and the infamous Thai tuk tuk. This is a fun excursion that gives you a fantastic insight into the capital as well as the local people.
Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown is a popular tourist attraction and a food haven for gourmands who flock there to explore the vibrant streetside cuisine, especially after sunset.
A Railway Market and a Floating Market
After breakfast, drive for about an hour southwest of Bangkok to visit Maeklong Railway Market, which is a traditional Thai market selling food including fresh fruit and vegetables. What makes it special is that the market is located on a train line where, a few times a day, the train runs directly through the market. Later, drive for another 20 minutes to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It is the most popular floating market in Thailand and is great for photo opportunities, food, and giving you an insight into a bygone way of life.
Visit Bridge over the River Kwai
Located in downtown Kanchanaburi, Bridge over the River Kwai was built by prisoners of war during World War II, overseen by the Japanese. Walk across the bridge and learn about how World War II affected Thailand, spending a moment to reflect on those who were forced to give their lives in the process of bending this environment to man's will.
Enjoy Your Close Encounter with Elephants
Situated just outside the town of Kanchanaburi, ElephantsWorld is a self-supporting environmental conservation organization that cares for domestic elephants. It caters for the daily needs of over 30 elephants and staff by offering eco-travelers the experience of an up close and personal encounter with these wonderful creatures.
During this day program, you will have the opportunity to observe the elephants bathing as well as to prepare and cook some food for the old elephants in the morning. Lunch will be served at noon in the park. In the afternoon, gather or plant food for the elephants, such as banana trees, sugar cane, or banana grass. Take the elephants to the river for a bath and scrub them clean. Feed the elephants some fruit and vegetables.
Splash in the Emerald Green Water in the Forest
Erawan National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Thailand. The major attraction at the park is Erawan Falls, which has emerald green ponds. Erawan Falls has seven major tiers and a few smaller tiers. All tiers are easily accessible via a series of trails and footbridges that go all the way up to the sixth tier. The last tier is a bit more challenging to access. The total distance from the trailhead up to the top tier is nearly 1.5 kilometers. There are many emerald green ponds that you are allowed to swim in, so this is a good place to visit, especially for families with children. You can enjoy some gentle trekking in the forest, splashing around in the water, and relaxing while you spot some wild monkeys.
After lunch, head to Hellfire Pass Museum, which was built to honor the Allied POWs and Asian conscripts who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Thai–Burma Railway, also known as the Death Railway.
Magnificent Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Situated 60 kilometers north of Bangkok and 20 kilometers south of Ayutthaya is the illustrious Bang Pa-In Royal Palace. The original palace was built by the king of Ayutthaya in the first half of the 17th century. When Ayutthaya was invaded and destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, Bang Pa-In Royal Palace was left abandoned for almost a century. The palace was rebuilt during the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) in 1850. Nowadays, the palace is still used by the royal family. It is a picturesque and very photogenic place.
Cycle Through the Historical Ruins in Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya Historical Park is comprised of ruins of temples and palaces from the capital of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom. The park is located on an island surrounded by three rivers where the old capital used to be. During the tour in Ayutthaya, you will visit two typical temples: Wat Mahathat and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. You will take your bike trip in the late afternoon when it turns cooler.
After breakfast, you will have a private transfer to Bangkok Airport.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
Our Service Includes:
- Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
- All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
- Governmental taxes
Tour code: ah-55
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