Discover the Nature and History of the Thai Countryside

📍 Bangkok – Wat SothornWararamWoraviharn (88.8 km): 1.03 hr Wat SothornWararamWoraviharn – Talad Baan Mai (4.2 km): 5 min Talad Baan Mai – TaladKlongSuan (21.6 km): 22 min TaladKlongSuan - Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital (92.8 km): 1.18 hr Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital – Khao Yai (147 km): 2.23 hr

Escape the chaotic capital city and take a journey back to a more traditional Thai era. Begin with a short train ride to Chachoengsao, a lesser-known historical town east of Bangkok. (Note: Train delays can occasionally occur in Thailand. If this happens, the program may be adjusted, and a private van will be used to reach Chachoengsao instead)

Upon arrival at the train station in Chachoengsao, hop on a tuk tuk ride to Wat Sothorn Wararam Woraviharn, the famous temple known for its remarkable hall made of Italian marble. Afterward, continue to Talad Klong Suan, a 100-year-old canal-side market that charms visitors with its simple daily lifestyle. Admire the old shophouses and stalls selling a variety of items, including food, quaint utensils, and antique tin toys. If your visit falls on a weekend, an alternative is Talad Baan Mai, another 100-year-old market.

Enjoy lunch at the market.

After lunch, depart for Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Prachinburi. Housed in a charming yellow colonial building, the hospital features a center for the study and training of traditional herbal pharmacy. Experience the variety and healing properties of Thai herbs.

Continue to Khao Yai via a scenic road along Khao Yai National Park. Take a short 1 km walk through the forest to Nong Phug She Tower, located near Nong Phug Shee Pond, the main water source for many local species of animals.

Continue to the hotel.

Overnight at Khao Yai

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a free morning at leisure.

Drive through the scenic countryside to the nearby GranMonte Vineyard in the Asoke Valley for lunch at Vincotto, a charming restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere. After lunch, explore the vineyard and enjoy wine and grape tasting. Return to the resort.

In the late afternoon, drive to the open rice fields surrounded by lush mountains, where you will witness an incredible phenomenon: thousands of bats flying out of the cave over the paddy fields.

Overnight at Khao Yai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Khao Yai – Bang Pa-In Summer Palace (133 km): 2.02 hr Bang Pa-In Summer Palace - Ayutthaya (20.5 km): 27 min Ayutthaya – Ang Thong (34 km): 34 min Ang Thong – Uthai Thani (121 km): 1.30 hr

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to Ayutthaya, the capital of Thailand for over 417 years, from 1350 to 1776. The first stop is Bang Pa-In, to see the Summer Palace built by King Rama IV during a period of growing European influence in Thailand. Admire the Italian-inspired palace buildings and surrounding temples, and also visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a Gothic-inspired temple beside the river.

Continue to the most important ruined temples in Ayutthaya Historical Park, including Wat Mahathat and Wat Pra Sri Sanphet, traveling by local “Kermit” tuk tuk. Enjoy lunch at a pleasant riverside restaurant.

After lunch, continue north to Ang Thong Province to see the Sukhothai-period reclining Buddha at Wat Pa Mok Woraviharn, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, before proceeding to Uthai Thani.

Overnight in Uthai Thani

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Uthai Thani – Wat Tha Sung (9.4 km): 13 min Uthai Thani – Kanchanaburi (228 km): 2.57 hr

After breakfast, visit Wat Chantharam (Wat Thasung) with its magnificent crystal hall, then continue to the local marketplace for a stroll through the village to experience authentic rural life. There is also an opportunity for a bike ride around a small island to meet local people.

This afternoon, enjoy a lunch cruise on the Sakaekrang River. Very few tourists pass through this part of Thailand, allowing guests to truly experience the natural rhythm of the country. Following the cruise, drive to Kanchanaburi, where guests can visit the “Bridge on the River Kwai” and the Railway Museum before transferring to their hotel. After freshening up, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Kanchanaburi town – Erawan National Park (87.8 km): 1.07 hr

After breakfast, depart for Erawan Waterfall - a beautiful seven-tiered waterfall. Located in Erawan National Park, the best time to visit is during rainy season from May until September. Walking up to see each of the picturesque falls, it is best to bring good walking shoes. Also, guests should remember to bring their swimming suit if they wish to swim in the fall’s natural pools.

Note:

• Depending on the circumstances the guide will decide whether it is safe enough or not for swimming in the waterfalls. Guests should always respect and follow his decision.
• Erawan waterfall is a famed attraction for locals as well as tourists, hence expect it to be busy during weekends and Thai public holidays

After lunch at a local restaurant, take a short train ride along the infamous ‘Death Railway’ through Kwai Noi gorge.

Return to the hotel and dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Kanchanaburi – Mae Klong Samut Songkram (109 km): 1.28 hr Mae Klong – Amphawa (16.8 km): 19 min

After breakfast, visit Prasat Muang Singh Historical Park - a Khmer temple complex dating back to the Angkorian period. Walk around the peaceful historical ruins and explore the history and culture of the area, then drive to the garden province of Samut Songkhram in the Mae Klong river delta area. First, *visit a unique country market along the railway tracks. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then continue the afternoon by strolling around the fruit orchards and visiting some interesting temples in the area. Check in at the resort in the afternoon and enjoy an evening dinner in Amphawa.  

If the visit falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, the upcountry trip will be spiced up with a visit to the weekend evening floating market, which is full of vendors selling local delights. (Note: An optional boat ride along the river to see the glittering fireflies at night.)  

Overnight in Amphawa.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Amphawa – Bangkok (90 km): 1.17 hr

In the early morning, freshen up and ‘make merit’ by giving alms to the local Buddhist monks (by the river or in front of the resort, depending on where guests stay).

Then, visit Tha Kha**, one of the many floating markets in the area where guests can observe authentic local trading. Take a fascinating paddle boat journeying through the maze of klongs (canals), cruising by plantations before stopping to enjoy a glass of palm sugar syrup and a chat with a friendly local family. Following lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to King Rama II Memorial Park which houses a Thai-style pavilion museum displaying artifacts from the early Rattanakosin era and a landscaped garden filled with native flowers. Visit artisans who produce exquisite hand-painted Benjarong porcelain and pottery before returning to Bangkok in the late afternoon.

(Note: The Tha Kha market is held every Saturday and Sunday. Weekday availability is 5-6 times a month depending on the lunar cycle calendar. On the days when Tha Kha is not open, we will head to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although quite touristy today, the market remains the best example to showcase how a floating market originally was like decades ago.)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch