Heart of Thailand

Day 1: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand

Welcome to Thailand. On arrival you will be met at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and transferred to your hotel.  The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand.

Day 2: Bangkok

Spend the morning exploring Bangkok City including three Buddhist temples and the famous Grand Palace.  Start at the ornate Wat Trimitr, home to a giant Golden Buddha that weighs 5.5 tons. Then visit Wat Po, the largest temple complex in Bangkok with a 46m reclining Buddha and the magnificent Grand Palace, one of the most beautiful examples of a traditional Siamese Court.  This former royal residence includes the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House and the Emerald Buddha Temple. Note: The dress code at the Grand Palace is strictly enforced, the following clothes are not allowed for any visitors: sleeveless tops showing shoulders, see-through garments, dresses above the knee, short pants or three-quarter pants, sportswear. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3: Bangkok – Khao Yai National Park

Leave Bangkok and commence your adventure through scenic countryside to World Heritage-listed Khao Yai National Park. This huge tropical rainforest area is home to diverse flora and fauna including abundant bird species, elephants, clouded leopards, tigers and gibbons. On arrival, trek to the spectacular Haew Narok Waterfall, where water falls 50m over three levels. Stop at the largest vineyard in Khao Yai for a short tour followed by wine tasting and lunch. Tonight you will stay at the peaceful Lala Mukha Tented Resort in chic glamping tents surrounded by tropical rainforest and grassland overlooking limestone mountains. Your comfortable free-standing canvas homes include air-conditioning, comfy beds and private bathrooms. Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Khao Yai – Ayutthaya

Explore ancient Ayutthaya, the capital of Siam 1350-1767. During its heyday, merchants came from across the globe to trade here. See the ruins of palaces, temples, monasteries and statues on a 4km wide island at the confluence of three rivers. Depart Khao Yai on a two-hour drive to Ayutthaya Historical Park to visit impressive 14th century Wat Yai Chaimongkol. This features a towering spire which is a prominent landmark of Ayutthaya and 15th century Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the most important temple in the Ayutthaya Kingdom that served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. You will also see Wat Mahathat, famous for the head of a stone Buddha image entwined in tree roots. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing 90-min river boat tour for a beautiful view of Ayutthaya and its relics from a different perspective. Overnight in Ayutthaya. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Ayutthaya – Kanchanaburi

Today’s historical and cultural exploration involves a trip back in time to see a royal palace and gain an insight into WW2 history. Visit Bang Pa-In, King Rama V’s summer palace that was used by the royal court as a retreat in the 17th century. It was ransacked by Burmese invaders in 1767 and later restored by King Rama IV in the mid-19th century. The expansive landscaped grounds surrounded by waterways contain many impressive buildings built in Thai, Chinese and European architectural styles. Drive to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Then take a ride down original wooden sections of the Thai-Burma Railway which is part of the Siam-Burma ‘death railway’ build by Allied prisoners of war (POWs). A highlight is the Wang Pho Viaduct where the train snakes along  an elevated track attached to a riverside cliff. Visit the JEATH War Museum, which details the living conditions of the captured Allied POWs. Spend 2 nights in unique floating accommodation in Kanchanaburi. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Kanchanaburi

Today you explore some natural wonders. Travel along the Kwai Noi River by river boat to Sai Yok National Park which covers approximately 300 sq km and has interesting caves and the famous Sai Yok Yai Waterfall. This protected area is also home to numerous wild animals and extensive plant species. After lunch, visit Elephant Haven  to feed and bathe the jumbos and tour this sanctuary to learn about the elephant’s habitat, observe their natural behaviour and learn about their complex social structure. The is no elephant riding, just respectful interaction with the magnificent animals. The herd has the freedom to roam, socialise, enjoy a mud bath and cool down in the river. Meals included: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Kanchanaburi – Bangkok – Hua Hin

Travel from Kanchanaburi to Hua Hin on the coast, just a few hours south of Bangkok.  Check in to your hotel where you will stay for 7 nights. Meals included: Breakfast

Days 8-13: Hua Hin

Hua Hin has been the seaside destination of choice for Thai royalty and aristocrats for nearly a century.  Your deluxe beachfront resort is modelled around a Thai village among lush tropical grounds.  Your days in Hua Hin are at your leisure to spend as you wish relaxing by the beach or pool and exploring the area. You can choose to dine on fresh local seafood while overlooking the ocean or relax in the award-winning spa oasis. Meals included: Breakfast Daily

Day 14: Hua Hin – Bangkok

Farewell Hua Hin today, you day is at leisure before your transfer from Hua Hin to Bangkok. Meals included: Breakfast

To extend your trip and discover more of Thailand, have our team customise a package for you. Here are a few other vacation ideas to get you started:

Classic Thailand – 3 cities – 14 Days
Luxury Thailand – Romantic Getaway – 14 Days
Thailand Beaches – Island Hopping – 16 Days
Taste of Chiang Mai – Culinary Adventure – 3 Days