Thai Traditions, Rivers & Paradise Islands

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, prepare for an exciting outing to discover the history surrounding the poignant River Kwai and the bridge that crosses it, protagonists of books and movies for their significant roles during World War II. Early in the morning, we depart by bus from Bangkok and head to the Kanchanaburi province, where we encounter the River Kwai.

Pay a visit to the War Cemetery, where prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the bridge lie buried, and the War Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the history and gain a deeper understanding of these events. Take a boat ride on the River Kwai to the bridge, with free time to stroll across. From there we head to the unusual railway section known as "Hellfire Pass", a cutting built in record time by Allied prisoners of war (mainly British and Australians) between 1942 and 1943. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Kanchanaburi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Our first visit of the day will be the city of Ayutthaya, ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam and archaeological center of the country. Upon arrival, visit its temples and remains of the most representative ancient fortifications. Ayutthaya, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a magical place and a must-see for history and ancient civilization enthusiasts. Next, head to the town of Ang Thong to visit the Wat Muang Temple, famous for housing the largest seated Buddha figure in Thailand and the ninth largest in the world. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue to the city of Nakhon Sawan to visit the 'Pa San', constructed at the point where the Ping and Nan tributaries converge giving birth to the famous Chao Phraya River, aka "River of Kings", which flows down, passing through several provinces including Ayutthaya and Bangkok, into the Gulf of Thailand. To wrap up this exciting day, visit the exterior of Wat Kiriwong atop a hill and reach a beautiful pagoda, where you’ll enjoy privileged views of the entire region. Overnight stay in Nakhon Sawan.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, head to the city of Sukhothai. The highlight of today is the Archaeological Park that houses this population, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its incredible beauty. A true example of prosperous Thai civilization, raising monumental cities and sophisticated temples.

After this visit, head to Chiang Rai passing through Lampang, a small town surrounded by forests and abundant nature where you can enjoy the wonderful views along the way as well as the splendorous Phayao Lake. Lunch en route. Arrival in the mountainous province of Chiang Rai in the afternoon, transfer to the hotel and rest of the day at leisure to start exploring this incredible city. Overnight stay in Chiang Rai.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the "Golden Triangle" of the Mekong River, which includes areas of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar formerly dedicated to the opium trade. Upon arrival, take the opportunity to visit the Opium Museum located in the town of Chiang Rai. From there, head to the new and striking Blue Temple. 

Find paintings with a similar style to those at White Temple, your next stop. Behold the spectacular and contemporary Wat Rong Khun, where white signifies purity and glass signifies the wisdom of Buddha. Lunch en route. Finally, make your way to the fascinating city of Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, visit the beautiful mountainside temple of Doi Suthep, a sacred site to many Thai people, and contemplate its beauty and intricate architecture. Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy today at your leisure in charming Chiang Mai. Enjoy the city's vibrant cafe scene in the trendy Nimmana Haeminda neighborhood, explore the surrounding rainforest or even take a Thai cooking class. We recommend an optional full-day excursion to the incredible Doi Inthanon National Park *. Overnight stay in Chiang Mai.

* Optional Full-Day Doi Inthanon National Park Excursion: Head to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand. Explore this natural treasure trove, popular among bird watchers for its huge diversity. Visit "Vachiratharn" waterfall, climb to the top of the mountain, see the royal pagodas and gardens. Stop at Mhong tribe’s local market and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, hike through jungle terraced rice fields and waterfalls, by the hand of your local guide. Meet another ethnic group, Karen, and finally stop in the Mae Klang area to visit our guide's village, to learn about their way of life and taste fresh local coffee.

Please note: We recommend bringing a raincoat during the rainy season, appropriate walking shoes, mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

Important: We recommend you bring a backpack for your essential personal items overnight. Larger suitcases will remain in the vehicle and parked at the port until the next day.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Phuket. Arrive in beautiful Phuket, a paradise island of rainforests and mountains known as the ultimate escape in Thailand. After getting comfortable at your hotel the rest of the day is at your leisure to lounge by the pool or search for the most idyllic paradise coves. Overnight stay in Phuket.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to relax, explore and enjoy Phuket. Take a walk along the beaches, sip a cocktail or have a dip in the ocean, and for the more adventurous, maybe have a go at some water sports. We recommend an optional full-day excursion to iconic Phi Phi Islands *. Overnight stay in Phuket.

* Optional excursion to Phi Phi by speedboat (with lunch): The Phi Phi Islands are a must-see paradise archipelago. Discover the wonders of Bamboo or Khai Islands. Head to the famous Monkey Beach to spot wild monkeys.
Continue to Phi Phi Don, to see monkey beach and swim in a bay surrounded by cliffs. Stop at a nearby beach to enjoy local lunch (drinks not included). From there, head to Viking cave and those who wish can go snorkeling (both mask and snorkel are provided). Free time to swim at Pileh Lagoon before making the last stop of the day at Rang or Pearl Island, where you can chill until the time to return to Phuket.

Please note: We recommend that you bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen for this excursion. Itinerary may be altered or varied depending on sea, tide and weather conditions. Drinks and fresh fruit on board included.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the magnificent beaches of the island, either sunbathing, strolling around or cooling off in its crystal clear waters. Why not visit the old part of Phuket Town, the beautiful temples on the island or the great bazaars of Karon and Patong Beach. We recommend an exciting optional excursion to Phang Nga Bay *. Overnight stay in Phuket.

* Optional Excursion to Phang Nga Bay by speedboat (with lunch): Discover a landscape formed by the curious cliffs, limestone formations and caves. Arrive at Khai Island and do a little snorkeling to kick-off the day. Set off in the direction of Hong to board a small canoe to explore the eroded cliffs and the island's famous sea caves.

Discover the "hongs", inland lagoons between the rock formations and only accessible through caves at low tide. Lunch at Panyi or Fisherman Village. After the canoe ride, head to the famous James Bond Island. On the way to Phuket, make a last stop at Panak Island. Return to the port in Phuket and transfer to the hotel by land.

Please note: We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen for this excursion. Itinerary may be altered or varied depending on sea, tide and weather conditions. Drinks on board included.