Thailand & its History

Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be welcomed by your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Driving through the streets you’ll have your first opportunity to witness the pace, the smells, the energy and the congestion that all combine to give Bangkok it’s own, very unique feel…it’s a fantastic city. Siam’s capital moved south from Ayutthaya in 1782 and remained in Bangkok after the formation of the Kingdom of Thailand. This bustling metropolis is not to be missed, despite the infamous pollution, with world class shopping and dining opportunities, stunning temples and much evidence of its amazing cultural heritage. Overnight in Bangkok.

Once known as the "Venice of the East" due to its vast network of canals, there’s no better way to discover the true heart of Bangkok and learn more about the local way of life away from the busy city centre, than by traditional long-tail boat. After breakfast, transfer to the banks of the Chao Phraya River and board your long-tail boat. Cruise along Bangkok’s ‘River of Kings’ – a crucial lifeline for the city – before entering into the labyrinth of ‘klongs’ (small canals). There’s a noticeable slower pace of life here; you’ll pass by old teak houses and countless temples; vendors selling vegetables from wooden boats and children splashing around at the canal edge. Continue to the Royal Barge Museum on the banks of Klong Noi which houses some of Thailand's ornately carved royal barges that are used by the King on state occasions and learn about the craftmanship required in building them. Heading back to the city a final stop will be made at the majestic Wat Arun, also known as the ‘Temple of the Dawn’. One of Bangkok’s most well-known landmarks this riverside temple features a distinctive 70-metre high central ‘prang’ encrusted with coloured glass and porcelain. Transfer back to your hotel and the remainder of your day is at leisure.

An early morning visit to Wat Pho gives you the chance to experience the monks' early morning chanting ritual (starts at 9am). One of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho is home to the famous reclining Buddha, measuring a staggering 45 metres in length, as well as one of the oldest Traditional Thai-massage schools in the country. Move on to the nearby Grand Palace, a national landmark and the most important royal landmark in Thailand. Here you will have the opportunity to see the various buildings that were used for different occasions – the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. The remainder of your day is at leisure. Overnight in Bangkok.

Early morning transfer to Hualampong train station in time for your train to Phitsanulok. The train journey takes nearly five hours, so relax and watch the Thai countryside pass by. On arrival at Phitsanulok, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Wat Mahathat, famous for its gold sculpture of the Buddha, before continuing onto Sukhothai by road. Meaning ‘Dawn of Happiness’, Sukhothai was founded in the 13th century and was the first truly independent Thai Kingdom. With its wonderful temples and monuments, the city has in recent years been restored to its former glory and is now the UNESCO protected Sukhothai Historical Park. In the late afternoon, enjoy a bike ride through the park, taking the time to explore many of the ancient ruins, some of which have been meticulously restored to their former glory. The various sites are spread across a vast area, with modern day farmers still using the land the lies in-between.

After breakfast, drive out of Sukhothai for a visit to the Ban Na Thon Chan Community project. This small rural village is home to descendants of the ancient Lanna Kingdom who are preserving their culture and heritage and inviting visitors to experience and learn about their way of life. Local resources are utilized here to sustain the community and create extra income. Most villagers make a living from working in agriculture; the local men additionally make furniture for export and housewives make the village’s unique hand-woven, mud-fermented fabric. You will have time to chat to the villagers and will enjoy a delicious lunch hosted by one of the families. In the afternoon visit Si Satchanalai Historical Park, set on the banks of the Yom River just north of Sukhothai. Home of the crown Prince in the 13th and 14th centuries, Si Satchanalai means ‘City of good people’ and you will have time to explore its ancient temples and crumbled palace buildings before returning to Sukhothai.

After breakfast depart for Ayutthaya: located at the junction of the Chao Phraya, Lopburi and Pa Sak Rivers, and on the main north-south railway linking Chiang Mai with Bangkok. The old city is on an island formed by a bend of the Chao Phraya River and served as the Thai capital for 417 years. During the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed the city to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. Even after being completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767 it still retains vast beauty in its mix of Khmer and early Sukhothai architecture. One of Thailand’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it boasts some spectacular temples and ruins within its ancient city walls. Upon arrival, hop onto a 'Kermit' tuk-tuk. Undoubtedly Thailand's most iconic mode of transport it's a great way to tour the city and the nearby ruins. Briefly stop near the Muslim quarter where you can sample a candy floss roti - one of Ayutthaya's lesser known highlights! The remainder of your day is at leisure. Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Spend the morning discovering the magnificent ruins and ancient temples within the Historical Park, making stops at Wat Mahathat, Wat Mongkhon Bophit and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Continue on to the local market for lunch where your guide can give you recommendations on which local delicacies to sample. In the afternoon enjoy a leisurely long-tailed boat ride to Bang Pa-In to explore the Summer Palace and the majestic royal mansions which are usually much quieter in the afternoon. The palace, built by King Prasart Thong, dates back to 17th Century and whilst today it is rarely used by the royals, much of the palace and its delightful gardens are open to visitors. Finally visit Wat Nivet Thammmpravat with its remarkable Gothic-style architecture and stained glass windows. Later this afternoon, depart Ayutthaya by car for the two hour transfer to Kanchanaburi. On arrival at Kanchanaburi the remainder of your day is at leisure. Situated alongside the River Kwai, the town of Kanchanaburi is surrounded by sugarcane fields and dramatic mountains. Its most well-known landmark is the rail bridge built by allied POWs during World War II. However, besides the historical World War II sites, the area is home to pristine national parks, meandering rivers and spectacular waterfalls, which are an adventure traveller’s paradise.

Make a morning visit to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai built, under Japanese direction, by Allied POWs during World War II. The tour includes a visit to the POW Memorial Cemetery and the Railway Museum. After time to explore, board a train for the short journey through Kwai Noi Gorge, with breathtaking views of the River Kwai, and on to Nam Tok Station. In the afternoon, visit Hellfire Pass, an infamous railway cutting on the former ‘Death Railway’. Constructed by Australian, British, Dutch and other nationalities’ Prisoners of War during World War II, the POW’s working on the pass worked in particularly hazardous conditions. This section of the railway line ultimately claimed a very high number of allied lives as well as many Indian coolies’ lives, having been transported in from India voluntarily. The cutting became infamous amongst the allied POW’s that worked on the railway line. Having walked through a section of the pass and spent time at the particularly good onsite museum, return to Kanchanaburi in the late afternoon where the remainder of your day is at leisure.

After breakfast depart your hotel, initially travelling by boat, before making the short drive from Kanchanaburi to Elephants' World. Founded by Dr Prasitphol, the sanctuary cares for sick, old, and abused elephants - often rescued from illegal loggers or from beggars on city streets. The sanctuary's aim is to ensure that the elephants receive the rest and care they deserve, no matter what their age, and strive to fulfil their motto of 'we humans work for the elephants, not the elephants for us'. Whilst the centre does not allow guests to ride the elephants for obvious reasons, the experience is so much more fulfilling than the standard one hour ride on an unhappy elephant that is sold across Thailand. Throughout the day you will be involved in a wide variety of tasks ranging from gathering and preparing food, feeding and bathing and spending time with the mahouts who work at the centre, learning about the skills and commitment required to care for elephants. At around 3pm you will help the mahout guide the elephants back into the forest where they spend the night - resting and foraging for yet more food! Return to your hotel, arriving in the late afternoon.

Morning departure south to the region of Hua Hin and some of Thailand’s finest beaches. A stop will be made en-route in the picturesque garden province of Samut Songkhram that lies in the Mae Klong River delta area. Here you will visit a unique country market along the railway tracks where a variety of goods are sold. If you are in the region at the weekend an additional stop will be made at the floating markets of Tha Kha, where local people come together to sell their produce from boats and floating stalls. Continue on to Hua Hin. The region has been popular since the 1920’s when King Rama VII used the area to escape city-life. Whilst some areas have remained popular since then, development has been kept to a minimum on many of further lying beaches. There are a wide range of facilities and hotels in the area and we will be happy to advise you on your options. Upon arrival at your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Overnight in Hua Hin Region.

Explore, relax and enjoy the sand.... Overnight in Hua Hin Region.

Explore, relax and enjoy the sand.... Overnight in Hua Hin Region.

depart Hua Hin Region