Bangkok – Wat Sothorn Wararam Woraviharn (88.8 km): 1.03 hr Wat Sothorn Wararam Woraviharn – Talad Baan Mai (4.2 km): 5 min Talad Baan Mai – Talad Klong Suan (21.6 km): 22 min Talad Klong Suan - Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital (92.8 km): 1.18 hr Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital – Khao Yai (147 km): 2.23 hr

Escape from the chaotic capital city and take a journey back into a more traditional Thai era. Start with a short train ride to Chachoengsao, a lesser-known historical town east of Bangkok (Note: We sometimes experience delays with trains in Thailand. Should this occur, it may require changes to the program).

Upon arrival at the train station in Chachoengsao, hop on a tuk tuk and ride to Wat Sothorn Wararam Woraviharn, a famous temple with a remarkable hall made from Italian marble. After that, continue to Talad Klong Suan, a 100-year old canal-side market which impresses visitors with its simple daily lifestyle and dazzling old shop houses and stalls selling a variety of items including food and antiques. If a visit falls on the weekends, we may also visit Talad Baan Mai, another 100-year old market.

Lunch at the market.

After lunch, depart for Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital in Prachinburi. Within this charming yellow colonial building lies a centre of traditional herbal pharmacy study and training. Experience the varieties and healing properties of Thai herbs, and then relax with a traditional Thai massage for 30-60 minutes (choice of Thai, foot or oil massage). Continue to Khao Yai via a scenic road that runs alongside Khao Yai National Park. Start a 1km walk through the forest to Nong Phug She Tower, which is located near Nong Phug Shee Pond - the main water source for many species of animal.

Continue to the hotel.

Overnight at Khao Yai

Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning at leisure.

In the early afternoon, drive through scenic countryside to the nearby GrandMonte Vineyard in the beautiful Asoke Valley. This is the epicentre of Thailand’s burgeoning wine industry. Despite the tropical climate, the wine vintners here have developed a method for cultivating Old World grapes which produce surprisingly complex wines. Learn about this process while enjoying a scrumptious lunch at Vincotto, a charming restaurant with a beautiful scenic atmosphere. After that, explore the vineyard and experience wine and grape tasting. Return to the resort afterwards.

In the late afternoon, drive to verdant rice fields surrounded by lush mountain scenery and be prepared to observe an unforgettable natural phenomenon.  As dusk approaches, watch as the sky becomes full with untold numbers of bats which leave a nearby cave to hunt for insects over the paddy fields.  

Overnight at Khao Yai

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

Drive to Ayutthaya, the capital of Thailand for more than 400 years from 1350 to 1776. The first stop is at Bang Pa-In to see the Summer Palace, built by King Rama IV at a time of growing European influence in Thailand. See the Italian-inspired palace building and surrounding temples. Also visit Wat Niwet Thammaprawat, a gothic-inspired temple beside the river. Continue to the most important of the ruined temples in Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Mahathat and Wat Pra Sri Sanphet by local “Kermit” tuk tuk -one of only two places in Thailand where they are found.

Take lunch at a pleasant riverside restaurant before continuing north to Ang Thong Province to see the Sukhothai Period reclining Buddha at Wat Pa Mok Woraviharn, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, before continuing to Ban Phae Village, where various sizes of drum are made. Next, proceed to Uthai Thani.

Overnight in Uthai Thani

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, before continuing to the local market place for a stroll through the village to experience rural life. There is also an opportunity for a bike ride around a small island to meet up with local people.

This afternoon, enjoy a lunch cruise on the Sakaekrang River. There are very few tourists passing through this part of Thailand, and guests will get a strong feeling for the natural rhythm of traditional Thailand here. Following a drive to Kanchanaburi, visit the “Bridge on the River Kwai” and the Railway Museum. Learn about the tragic, but fascinating role this area had in WWII, and then transfer to the hotel for the evening. After freshening up, enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi

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, be sure to bring a swimming suit along to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the waterfall’s natural pools.

Note:

Depending on the circumstances the guide will decide whether it is safe enough to swim in the waterfalls. Guests should always respect and follow his or her decision.

Erawan Waterfall is a famed attraction for locals as well as tourists, 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

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 - an ancient 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. Marvel at how insanely close stalls are set up to the oncoming trains. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, continue the afternoon by strolling around local 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

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 one can observe authentic local trading. Take a fascinating paddle boat journeying through the maze of klongs (canals) and 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 artefacts 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 one of Thailand’s best examples of a traditional floating market.)