Ancient Thailand

A comprehensive tour visiting the ancient Thailand Kingdoms of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the Bridge over the River Kwai and the fascinating scenery and temples of northern Thailand.

Ancient Thailand can be taken as a Standard or Superior tour with the differing hotels highlighted in the following itinerary. When the same hotel is used, room category will be variant dependent on the Standard or Superior option. For a relaxing finish, why not add a Thai beach extension.

Guide

•   Accompanied by an English speaking local guide from departure on Day 3 to departure from airport on Day 11.
•   Extensions are unescorted, however assistance will be available from our local representatives.

MEAL PLAN
•   Breakfast Days 4-11 and lunch on Days 3-10.
•   Breakfast included in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui extensions.

ACCOMMODATION
•   A choice of 3½ star (Standard) or 4½ star (Superior) accommodation. 
•   Hotels outside of the city are fairly basic and often the best available standard.
•   On occasion it may be necessary to use alternative accommodation due to local availability, weather and road conditions.

GROUP SIZE
Up to a maximum of 12 people.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers (Please call for details).

GRATUITIES
Tipping is at your discretion.

TRAVEL TIPS
Take a light sweater as the evenings in the northern parts of Thailand can get cooler.

NB
On certain dates the Grand Palace in Bangkok closes for royal celebrations, in which case you can enjoy a guided city tour of Bangkok instead.

DAY 1 - BANGKOK
Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to the Majestic Grande for a two night stay. Next day enjoy a half day tour of the spectacular Grand Palace and temple of the Emerald Buddha.

DAY 3 - BANGKOK TO RIVER KWAI
First thing, enjoy a long-tail boat ride to the floating market of Damnoen Saduak then visit the Nakorn Pathom temple, Phra Pathom Chedi and the cultural Rose Garden. Later, drive to Kanchanaburi on the River Kwai (approx. 142 miles) for two nights at the Felix River Kwai Resort.

DAY 4 - RIVER KWAI
Today, see the famous Bridge on the River Kwai and journey to Wang Po on the ‘Death Railway’. After lunch visit Hellfire Pass and Jeath Museum (approx. 103 miles).

DAY 5 - RIVER KWAI TO AYUTTAYA
Visit the Don Rak war cemetery before driving east to Ayutthaya. See stunning temples including the Buddhist monastery of Wat Chaiwatthanaram and Wat Mongkol Bophit. Overnight in Ayutthaya at the Kantary Hotel (approx. 196 miles).

DAY 6 - AYUTTAYA TO PHITSANULOKE
Drive north to Lopburi visiting the Sacred Three Spired Pagoda and Monkey Temple. Continue to Uthai Thani which runs along the Sakae Krang River and cruise on a traditional rice barge. Continue on to Phitsanulok (approx. 202 miles) and overnight at the Ayara Grand Palace Hotel (approx. 202 miles).

DAY 7 - PHITSANULOKE TO SUKHOTHAI
Visit Wat Maha Dhat and see its revered Buddha statue. Then continue to ancient Sukhothai to discover its magnificent temples, monasteries and giant Buddha statues (approx. 59 miles). Stay at the Ananda Museum Gallery Hotel (Standard tour) or Sukhothai Treasure Resort & Spa (Superior tour).

DAY 8 - SUKHOTHANI TO CHIANG RAI
Continue on to Phrae journeying through a large teak forest. Visit Wat Phra That Suthon Mongkhon Khiri, with its reclining Buddha, stunning golden pagoda and Lanna-style paintings before then continuing on through tropical mountain scenery to Chiang Rai (approx. 264 miles). Overnight at the Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai (Standard tour) or Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort (Superior tour).

DAY 9 - CHIANG RAI TO CHIANG MAI
Continue to the ancient town of Chiang Saen on the banks of the Mekong River and visit the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Continue to the Opium Musuem and enjoy lunch at Mae Sai on the Burmese border. Drive to Chiang Mai (approx. 177 miles) with two nights at the Chiang Mai Plaza Hotel (Standard tour) or Le Meridien Chiang Mai Hotel (Superior tour).

DAY 10 - CHIANG MAI
Today, enjoy a morning visit to an elephant camp plus optional hour-long elephant-back safari through the forest. Discover exquisite orchids at an orchid farm and visit the butterfly enclosure, then after lunch, see artisans at work in San Kamphaeng. Tonight, enjoy an optional traditional Thai dinner.

DAY 11 - CHIANG MAI TO...
Drive to Doi Suthep and climb the 300 steps (or use the cable car) to the hilltop temple Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, for panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Later, transfer to the airport in time for your onward flight.

Why not extend your stay with four nights at a Thai beach resort. Please check your options using the price calendar on the left of this page, or alternatively call for details.