Thailand Classic & Cruise River Kwai 12 Days 11 Nights

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples.

The first destination is the Grand Palace. 

This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in 1770s. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of national significant events takes place there. 

Wat Phra Kaew is the most out-standing architecture in complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. The pagoda is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue.

Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho - the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold.

This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage.

After having lunch on your own arrangement, we visit the last destination of the day: Wat Traimit. This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue represents for prosperity and purity, as well as strength and power.

We will board on a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by.

On route, we stop at Wat Arun, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s riverbank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style.

Return to the hotel and you are free to explore Bangkok by night.

Accommodation :           At the hotel in Bangkok  
Meals:                           Breakfast  

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Meaklong Railway Market – a local market has grown up along the rail tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed.
Head to Damnoen Saduak, a rural floating market. Stop for a motor boat trip along the waterway to the picturesque floating market of Damnoen Saduak. Enjoy your own lunch. In the afternoon we will transfer back to Bangkok.
On the way, stop at PATOM ORGANIC VILLAGE (Open on Saturday & Sunday only).
Patom Organic Village is where you can experience the traditional Thai way of life by learning about the journey of organic raw materials to Patom products. Our open factory will show you the work that goes into our bakery, supplement, and body care factory before the products make their way to Patom Organic Living stores. Immerse yourself in our concept of organic living and participate in our selective hands-on workshops.
 
We get on the transport to back to hotel in Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.
Accommodation : At the hotel in Bangkok 
Meals: Breakfast 
 

Note: Departure every Monday & Thursday
06:00: On this day the RV River Kwai Cruise staff will pick up at the hotel Lobby. Depart from Bangkok by van / coach to Kanchanaburi via Nakorn Pathom.
09:00: Short stop to visit the highest Chedi in Thailand called “Phra Pathom Chedi” which is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia.
10:30: Visit to Khao Noi Cave Temple (Wat Tham Khao Noi) located on the west bank of the river. The monastery was constructed on a hill, decorated in the form of Chinese architecture and cultural art. 
From the top of the monastery observe the beautiful scenery of Kanchanaburi and its mountainous horizon. 
Also visit to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) nearby, built in the form of Thai cultural art. The great Buddha image and pagoda placed in the temple are respected by all Buddhists.
11:30: Continue to Kanchanaburi.
12:30: Lunch at Sommai Restaurant.
13:30: Proceed to Hell Fire Pass, a part of the Death Railway cut through the Stone Mountain. Trails lead to Hin Tok Bridge and Konyu Cutting where a plaque commemorates the ordeal of Australian and British POW’s who undertook the hazardous work in precarious conditions at the aptly named pass. 
The memorial complex (Hin Lek Fai) is intended to honor the Allied Prisoners of War and conscripted people from India, Burma, Malaysia and other countries who died during construction of the railway, as well as all who suffered as a consequence of the hardships.
16:00: Embark RV River Kwai at Daowadung Bridge and cruise downstream on Kwai Noi River
19:30: Dinner and overnight on board at Sai Yok Yai Waterfalls
Accommodation: On River Kwai Boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 

Breakfast on board while cruising along Kwai Noi River.
08:00 Morning relaxation with greenery and local community scenery viewing experience.
09:45 Continue by coach to visit Hin Dad Hot Spring, formerly called Kui Mang. It was accidentally discovered by Japanese soldiers who were supervising the construction of the Death Railway. The natural hot spring features two large pools and private baths. The mineral in the spring is believed to cure many diseases, e.g. beriberi (lack of vitamin B), arthritis, etc.
10:30 Visit to Pha Tad Waterfall located in the western zone of Si Nakharin Dam National Park. It originates from a small stream called Huai Kui Mang. Pha Tad is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kanchanaburi Province and flows into the Kwai Noi River.
13:30 Lunch at local restaurant.
15:00 River rafting or canoeing downstream on Kwai Noi River. If time allows, visit nearby the Mon Village. Then, return to join RV River Kwai.
19:30 Dinner and overnight on board. 
Accommodation: On River Kwai Boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 

Breakfast on board while cruising along Kwai Noi River.
08:15 Short visit at Sai Yok village located right on the river bank.
11:45 Lunch on board while cruising to view greenery and mountainous scenery at its best.
13:00 Board the coach to visit the Krasae Cave situated on the bank of the Kwai Noi River, an excellent view point. The cavern houses a Buddha image.
13:36 Take a 3rd class train to Tha Kilen Train Station passing over the long wooden Wang Pho viaduct.
13:51 Arrive Tha Kilen and continue by coach to "Prasat Muang Singh", historical park with Khmer architecture from the late Lopburi period, some 700-800 years ago. The extensive ruins of the temple beside the River Kwai Noi are a potent reminder of the vast expanse of the Khmer empire. The ancient border town of Muang Singh, "City of the Lions", was probably established as a trading post.
15:00 Return to the RV River Kwai and cruise along Kwai Noi River.
Afternoon at leisure on the boat.
18:30 "Farewell Dinner” and overnight on board.
Accommodation: On River Kwai Boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 

08:00: Breakfast on board while cruising downstream to Wat Tham Khaopoon.

09:00: Visit to Wat Tham Khaopoon, a Buddhist temple which served as a big camp of World War II.  There is a middle cave containing stalactites and stalagmites and many remarkable Buddha images.  Behind the temple enjoy a marvelous view down the valley of the Kwai Noi River.

09:30: Continue by coach to Kanchanaburi to visit the world-famous bridge over the River Kwai.  The sturdy Iron Bridge spanning the River Kwai Yai, which was a crucial part of the Death Railway, was built in some 16 months by Allied prisoners of war and Asian conscripts. 

The bridge was destroyed in Allied bombing raids towards the end of World War II and was later rebuilt by the Japanese as war reparations.

Continue to the Thailand-Burma Railway Center Museum, an interactive museum which provides a remarkable research and information centre dedicated to presenting the story of the Thailand-Burma Railway. 

Finally, visit to the Donrak War Cemetery which contains the remains of 6,982 Allied prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the “Death Railway”. 

12:30: Rejoin RV River Kwai at Saphan Mai and lunch on board while cruising towards Nong Ya dock.

15:00: Disembark RV River Kwai at Nong Ya dock and return to Bangkok by coach.

18:00: Arrive Bangkok and transfer to your hotel in Bangkok downtown.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You have free day until we pick up and transfer you to Chiang Rai.
Night in Chiang Rai
Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast
 

Today we will depart for Mae Chan and then explore the upland villages of the Akha and Yao ethnic minority groups. The people here are very welcoming to visitors and eager to show you the way of their life.

We then continue to Chiang Saen, a small ancient town on the banks of the Mekong River followed by the Golden Triangle, strategic point from which you will contemplate a unique landscape, shared between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

In the afternoon a long drive through the jungles and over the moutains of Northern Thailand awaits for us. Arrive in Chiang Mai in the late evening and check-in at the hotel for your overnight.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we have a walking tour to the old town. You will see the most beautiful temples of Chiang Mai including of Wat Phra Singh temple, Wat Phan Tao, Wat Chedi Luang

Wat Phra Singh is one of the most sacred temples in Chiang Mai with Lanna style architecture. And it is well-known for the name”The temple of the Lion Buddha”

We then continue to Wat Phan Tao, an ancient temple with beautiful garden area sitting right next to the sacred Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai town.

Next to Wat Phan Tao is Wat Chedi Luang a Buddhist temple in the historic centre of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Its chedi is one of the tallest structures in the old city. There are a lots of important Buddhist holidays take place here

Then you will stroll along small streets lined with traditional houses, where you will take a rickshaw tour.

After that, you will take a walking through the central market of Warorot, which is a great spot for travelers wanting to experience the true Thai culture and daily life.

In the afternoon we cannot miss the Doi Suthep hill. The mountain's temple is one of the most historically and spiritually significant places in Thailand. We drive up the scenic mountainous terrains and pass by lush landscapes on your way to the base of the complex.

We then climb up for more than 300 staircase and finally take an elevator to the top. Here get your chance to admire the picturesque panorama views of Chiang Mai City.

Return to the hotel and you can relax or enjoy going to the night market by your own.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast

08:00 – 08:30 : Pick up from your hotel or accommodation
08:30 : Drive approximately 1.5 hours South of Chiang Mai through rolling hills, forest, and local farming areas.
10:30 : Arrive at the Sanctuary. Meet your guide and walk for 10-15 minutes through the Jungle to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Change into traditional Karen clothing. Enjoy an introductory lesson about elephant anatomy, history, and behavior.
11:00 : Meet the elephants. Feed, interact, and play with the elephants in a natural environment as you learn about their behavior and history. Take photos with the elephants.
12:00 : Enjoy a lunch of traditional Thai food and fresh fruit.
13:00 : Learn how to make herbal medicine balls, feed the Elephants and then walk with the elephants to the river. Bathe and brush the elephants.
14:00 : Join the elephants for a therapeutic mud spa. Swim in the river and take photos with the elephants.
15:00 : Change clothes and say good bye to the elephants
15:30 : Leave the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Chiang Mai.
17:00-17:30 : Drop off at your hotel or accommodation.
Accommodation: At the hotel in Chiang Mai 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
 

Say goodbye to Chiang Mai, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok and then connect with your international flight. End of our service