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7-Day Central Thailand Exploration

By Nora OuUpdated Jan. 4, 2024
The Ancient and Scenic Thailand

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.

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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.
  • 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

thailand map

Itinerary in Detail

Day 1
Bangkok Arrival
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok(4-star)/Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel(5-star)

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.

Day 2
City Exploration and Visit Bangkok's Top Attractions

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.

The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace

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.

Day 3
Bangkok to Kanchanaburi | Local Markets
Felix River Kwai Resort(4-star)

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.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

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.

Bridge over the River Kuai
Take a historical train ride along the Death Railway over the River Kuai
Day 4
Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya | Historical Sights
Iudia on the river Hotel(4-star)/Sala Ayutthaya (5-star)

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.

Bang Pa-In Royal Palace
Bang Pa-In Royal Palace

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.

Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya
Wat Mahathat in Ayutthaya

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.

Day 5
Ayutthaya to Khao Yai | An Ancient Temple and Wine Tasting
Dusit D2 Khao Yai(4-star)/Atta Lakeside Resort Suite (5-star)

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.

The Monkey Temple in Lopburi
The Monkey Temple in Lopburi

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.

Day6
A Day Tour to Khao Yai National Park

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.

Khao Yai National Park
Enjoy the spectacular natural scenery in Khao Yai National Park
Day 7
Bangkok Departure

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.

superior sky room at eastin grand sathorn bangkok hotel
Bangkok
Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok
Felix River Kwai Resort
Kanchanaburi
Felix River Kwai Resort
Dusit D2 Khao Yai
Ayutthaya
Sala Ayutthaya Hotel
Dusit D2 Khao Yai
Khao Yai
Dusit D2 Khao Yai

Our Service Includes:

7 days from
USD 2,390
per person (based on 2 persons and 4-star hotels)
  • 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

Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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