Central Highlights Thailand

Central Highlights Thailand

Day 1 >> BANGKOK – MAHACHAI – AMPAWA (-/L/-)

We depart Bangkok in the morning and drive to Mahachai, home to one of the biggest seafood piers in the Gulf of Thailand. Stroll along the river towards the pier at the junction where Klong Mahachai canal and the Ta Chine River converge to watch fishermen offload their catch: big and small shrimps, myriad fish, cuttlefish, shellfish and other fruits of the sea. Deckhands slide baskets of seafood down from the boat into the hands of traders who immediately auction off the catches and distribute them either to one of the many frozen seafood plants in the area or to vendors at the fresh market just behind the pier. At 10:00 hrs we board the local train for a scenic one-hour ride to Mae Klong. The train passes right through the bustling fresh market, which offers unique photo opportunities. Walk around the market for 30-minutes, then ready yourself for the hectic activities of the vendors along the railway tracks, when they raise the awnings of their stalls to clear the passage for the train on its return journey to Mahachai. Continue by van or coach to Ampawa to Baan Ampawa Resort. Check-in and freshen up. Later in the afternoon, we depart on a boat trip through the scenic canals, passing coconut and fruit orchards and rural dwellings. We visit the Benjarong House and Museum, where you have the opportunity to watch skilled artisans painting delicate china ware with intricate designs, then continue by boat along Mae Klong River to Wat Bang Kung, built during the Ayudhaya period (more than 200 years ago). This interesting temple is completely embraced by the roots of a huge Banyan Tree. Return to the resort for a deserved rest.

Optional evening tour: Later in the evening, you may join a boat trip along the canals to watch the fireflies, for which this province is so famous for.

Day 2 >> AMPAWA – FLOATING MARKET – RIVER KWAI (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the resort, we drive to the nearby floating market of Damoen Saduak, before we continue to Kanchanaburi. We make a brief visit to the war cemetery and a photo stop at the famous Bridge over the River Kwai. Then board the local train for the exciting ride on the Death Railway. After lunch at local restaurant, we visit Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. During the Second World War, thousands of forced local labourers and Allied Prisoners of War suffered and died constructing and maintaining the Burma-Thailand railway. The museum explains to visitors the story of why and how the railway was built and attempts to convey the hardships and suffering endured by so many who were forced to work in extremely harsh conditions. A walking trail follows the alignment of the original Burma-Thailand railway from Hellfire Pass to beyond Compressor Cutting.

Transfer to your hotel located on the Kwai River by long-tail boat. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Optional activities (not included in our tour price): Mountain biking, canoeing on the Kwai River, traditional Thai massage. Overnight at RIVER KWAI RESOTEL.

Day 3 >> KANCHANABURI – AYUTTHAYA (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the resort, short long-tail boat transfer on the Kwai River to the waiting vehicle, followed by a 255 km drive to the former capital city of Siam, Ayutthaya. Located approximately 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, the ancient city of Ayutthaya is known as the "Venice of the East", and it lies along the Chao Phraya River, the tributaries of which surround Ayutthaya province. The glory of the Ayutthaya empire (1350-1767A.D.) is evident in the remains of temples such as Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Chai Wattanaram, which we will visit in the afternoon. A further visit includes Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. This well-tended temple was founded by King U-Thong in 1357 as a center for monks returning from study in Sri Lanka. The white reclining Buddha near the entrance was built by King Naresuan. The massive pagoda was also built by King Naresuan to celebrate his defeat of the Burmese at Suphanburi in 1593 by killing their crown prince in a single-handed combat on elephants. Overnight at KRUNGSRI RIVER HOTEL. Optional: Dinner cruise on a converted Rice Barge (minimum 2 persons).

Day 4 >> AYUTHAYA – BANG PA IN – BANGKOK (B/-/-)

Optional: 06:00AM visit the morning market where you may buy fresh food to donate to the monks, who are making their rounds to receive alms from the local people. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Visit Wat Panangchoen, which contains the oldest large cast bronze Buddha image in Ayutthaya. A 40-minute boat trip on the Chao Phraya River brings you to Bang Pa In, followed by a visit of the Royal Summer Palace. Return transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. Arrival in Bangkok at noon.

Seat-in-coach tour: Departure every Tuesday from Bangkok with bi-lingual German-, and English speaking guide (minimum 2 persons).

Private tour: Daily departure from Bangkok with a guide in the language of your choice (surcharges for certain languages may apply).

Our tour prices are inclusive of transfers and tours by air-conditioned van / coach with bi-lingual English- / German speaking guide, baggage handling, entrance fees, boat fees, meals as specified in the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), accommodation in air-conditioned room with shower/bath, service charges and Taxes. Not included are other meals than mentioned in the program, surcharges for compulsory gala dinners, optional tours, expenditures of personal nature.

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