This itinerary is a good combination of historic sights and stunning landscapes. From the celebrated palace in Bangkok and the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Ayutthaya to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai and its historic railway to the tropical rain forest in Khao Yai National Park, you will have the opportunity to witness the past glories of the Siam empire, learn about the Second World War's effect on Thailand in Kanchanaburi, enjoy the spectacular natural scenery, and spot different kinds of wild animals.
Highlights
- Cruise along Bangkok's ancient canals and visit a floating market, which gives you an insight into a bygone way of life.
- Take a historic train ride across the famous Bridge over the River Kwai.
- Walk into the largest and most beautiful royal palace in Thailand.
- Enjoy the spectacular sight of Ayutthaya's historical ruins when they're lit up at night.
- Walk through the forest and spot wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park.
Journey Route
What Our Customers Said
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Albee Ning arranged everything perfectly. Not a flaw in the whole 3 weeks. Guides, flights (7 in total), hotels, private tours…everything was excellent. Travelling on a private tour gave us so much freedom to change our day if we chose to rest or go somewhere else. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Asia Highlights is the way to go without any question. Next overseas trip will be booked with them for sure. Thank you for a wonderful and stress free vacation experience. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Over the last 5 years we've used Asia…
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Sharon was fantastic. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible. MoreTodd Atwell, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia MoreNancy Parker, Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip MoreAZ, Feb 2023
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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 transport ' 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 and Take a Historical Train Ride
Located in downtown Kanchanaburi, Bridge over the River Kwai was built by prisoners of war during World War II, overseen by the Japanese. Board the train and take an hour's ride along the Death Railway over the Kwai Noi River, traveling over the original wooden viaduct (Bridge over the River Kwai) that was constructed by the Allied POWs. Pass through magnificent scenery and spend a moment reflecting on those who were forced to give their lives in the process of bending this environment to man's will.
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.
Historical Ruins and the Buddha Head in the Tree Roots
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. The most famous scene that you'll see is the Buddha head among the tree roots in Wat Mahathat.
Rice Barge Dinner Cruise
In the evening, board a converted traditional teak rice barge and drift slowly along the majestic Chao Phraya River and her tributaries. Appreciate the stunning night views of the historical ruins of Ayutthaya and observe the timeless day-to-day activities of the people living along the riverbank, while enjoying a selection of Thai food. Relax in the romantic atmosphere of the old capital.
Phra Prang Sam Yot (the Monkey Temple)
After breakfast, drive for about an hour to Lopburi and discover the monkey temple in the city. Phra Prang Sam Yot is Lopburi's best-known landmark and one of its oldest. It is one of several monuments that date back to the Khmer era. The monument, located in the center of Lopburi, is perhaps best known for the large number of monkeys that run around freely, constantly on the lookout for food.
Have Lunch in a Local Thai Restaurant
PB Valley and Wine Tasting Tour
PB Valley Estate is situated on the edge of Khao Yai National Park and is the birthplace of the Khao Yai wine region. Take a guided tour of the vineyards and listen to explanations about the various wine grapes grown at the estate. The tour also includes other fruit orchards, such as those for dragon fruit and passion fruit. These are also interesting to many visitors, who enjoy tasting different kinds of wine during the wine tasting session as well as visiting the education center.
Hike in the Jungle and Spot Wild Animals
Established in 1962 as Thailand's first national park, Khao Yai is the third largest national park in Thailand. The park covers an area of 2,168 square kilometers, including rain/evergreen forests and grasslands. The average altitude of the national park ranges from 400 to 1,000 meters above sea level. It is a good place to go hiking in the jungle and search for wild elephants and other exciting animals.
For a day tour, activities include hiking in the jungle, in search of elephants and other wild animals, visiting a viewpoint, and enjoying the stunning Haew Suwat Waterfall, which was featured in the movie The Beach.
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-51
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (prior to 3 weeks before departure, more details)
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