The perfect introduction to Thailand for both first time and second time visitors. With your tour leader and fellow travellers explore the modern city life of Bangkok, northern Thailand's ancient temples and historical sites such as The River Kwai and Ayuthaya. The Thailand Discovery tour successfully blends relaxation and adventure to ensure your visit to Thailand is a fulfilling one.
Make this your holiday:
Exclusive Tour: your own private multilingual guide throughout the trip
Price Guarantee: costing 25-30% less than similar tours of the same flexibility and quality
Tailor Made: customised itinerary to create your dream holiday
Duration: shorten or lengthen the tour to suit your wishes
Dates: depart and return whenever you choose
Hotels: change hotel grade to suit your budget
Group Discounts: call 0845 310 2929.
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok
On arrival into Bangkok you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. This evening meet with your group for welcome drinks and a tour briefing.
Accommodation: Bel-Aire Princess
Day 2: Bangkok City Tour
Today spend a full day sightseeing in the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. Visit a selection of Bangkok’s biggest attractions beginning with the former residence of the Thai Royal Family, The Grand Palace, home to the Emerald Buddha and intricately decorated ceremony halls. Continue on to the Reclining Buddha situated in the ancient Wat Pho temple, then jump on to a long-tail boat for a cruise down the Chao Phraya River, running through the heart of the city to catch a glimpse of local life on the banks. Return to your hotel on the skytrain and enjoy the evening in the city. (B)
Day 3: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi
Depart Bangkok and journey west to the pleasant town of Kanchanaburi and the area surrounding the River Kwai. On the way stop at the famous floating markets at Damnoen Saduak to board small sampans (local boats) and negotiate the narrow canals where many locals transport goods and people. There is a chance to catch up on some shopping before continuing to Kanchanaburi. On arrival board a long-tail boat and head up stream to your unique floating hotel enjoying the scenery on the way. (BD)
Accommodation: River Kwai Floatel
Day 4: Kanchanaburi & The River Kwai
After breakfast leave for the infamous Hell Fire Pass and its museum which stands as a moving tribute to the POW’s who lost their lives in the construction of the Burma-Siam Railway. Then travel by train along the so called Death Railway and cross the world renowned Bridge over the River Kwai to arrive into Kanchanaburi. Visit some of the interesting war museums to learn about this region’s recent past and make a stop at the Allied War Cemetery. This evening is free for you to enjoy Kanchanaburi and its wonderful riverside restaurants. (B)
Accommodation: Felix River Kwai
Day 5: Kanchanaburi – Ayuthaya
Travel east to the ancient city of Thailand, Ayuthaya, stopping on route at Bang Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence. Once one of the most influential cities in Asia, Ayuthaya was built around an interconnecting system of waterways. Spend time visiting some of the city’s more intact temples including Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Amhathat which according to legend was built to house the ashes of Buddha. (B)
Accommodation: Krungsri River Hotel
Day 6: Ayuthaya – Sukhothai
This morning travel to Sukhothai, the cradle of ancient Thai culture, stopping en-route at Lopburi, an outpost of the Khmer Empire to see the Prang Sam Yot Temple and the monkeys that inhabit the area. Continue to Phitsanulok to visit the museum housing a collection of rural exhibits before arriving at your hotel. Take some time to visit the hotel's museum and gallery or enjoy the offerings of the night market. (B)
Accommodation: Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel
Day 7: Sukhothai – Chiang Rai
The city of Sukhothai produced some of Thailand's most classical examples of art and architecture. The early morning is spent seeing the area and its ruins including statues of Buddha and atmospheric temples left after invading armies from Myanmar and northern Thailand. Continue on to the town of Lampang and visit Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, the most impressive temple in northern Thailand. The afternoon is spent driving to Chiang Rai where on arrival take a short stroll to the night market. (B)
Accommodation: Wiang Inn
Day 8: The Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is a rural area high in the hills of Northern Thailand. Driving though the countryside you’ll travel to Mae Sai the northern most point in Thailand, and Sop Ruak where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Visit the Hall of Opium to learn the history of the crop and the area. In the late afternoon return to Chiang Rai where the rest of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 9: Chiang Rai – Lisu Lodge
Today travel south to the Chiang Dao Cave complex which runs for 14km and houses religious status and impressive stalagmite and stalactite formations. Continue on through beautiful scenery to the Lisu Lodge. The Lisu people are one of the hill-tribe groups of Thailand and an afternoon tour by a Lisu guide will allow you to learn more about their culture. In the evening enjoy a local dance performance. (BD)
Accommodation: Lisu Lodge
Day 10: Lisu Lodge - Chiang Mai
A relaxing morning offers a choice of activities, take an oxcart ride through the orchards at the Lisu Lodge, a bike ride or enjoy a traditional massage. After lunch travel to a local elephant camp for a trek through the jungle followed by a gentle bamboo raft downstream. You will then continue to Chiang Mai and this evening walk through the fabulous night bazaar and enjoy practicing your bartering skills. (BL)
Accommodation: Karinthip Village
Day 11: Chiang Mai
After breakfast, visit some of Chiang Mai’s most interesting temples, including the beautiful Wat Phra and imposing Wat Chedi Luang before heading to the magnificent Doi Suthep tucked away in the mountains at 1,056 meters above sea level. Return to the city and learn more about the hill-tribes of the north at the Hill-tribe Museum. (B)
Day 12: Depart Chiang Mai
Depart your hotel for Chiang Mai airport where you tour ends. (B)
NOTE: We make no extra charge for minor changes to hotels or hotel add-ons to the beginning or the end of the existing itinerary. No surcharges will be imposed within 30 days of departure. Wherever possible any downward revision in the price of trips if shown in our ‘Special Offers’ will be refunded to you.