Central Thailand with River Kwai 9Days

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Thailand

DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Bangkok
Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in exotic Bangkok and transfer to your hotel; remainder of the day is at leisure. Time to rest, relax and acclimate to your new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok

DAY 3, Tuesday - Bangkok City Tour
This morning, take a tour that introduces you to Bangkok, the "City of Angels." Drive through Indian Market with hundreds of market stalls, street-side restaurants, and gold shops. On to colorful "Little India" with its bright hanging walls of glistening fabrics and the fragrant wholesale Flower Market. Visit serene Wat Po, (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) the oldest and largest temple in the city, with its astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive via Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure before tonight's orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5 PM, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Wednesday - Full Day in Bangkok
Today is yours to explore Bangkok independently. Or, take the optional tour to the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom, and to Wat Phra Kaew, (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), with its brightly colored buildings, golden spires and gorgeous mosaics. You'll see the distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the afternoon, embark on the optional canal tour along the Chao Phraya River passing by Wat Arun and other iconic landmarks as well as a scenic view of local life along the river. Then travel on a tuk-tuk to dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel
Optional: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
Optional: Bangkok Canal Tour with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Thursday - Travel to Kanchanaburi, Visit Bridge over River Kwai & War Museum
Travel southwest this morning to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market; observe how the ancient trading of wares is conducted between hundreds of local farmers and villagers aboard small sampan boats. The boats are fully loaded with all kinds of products including fruits, vegetables, dry goods, and freshly cooked food. From the floating market, continue to the quiet provincial capital of Kanchanaburi, with its stunning natural beauty and beautiful rivers. Walk over the steel bridge at the River Kwai, one of the most famous rivers in the world, which gained international fame in the book and film, "Bridge on the River Kwai". The bridge, several museums, and cemeteries have respectfully preserved the history and memorialized the dead. Tonight, have dinner at a hotel restaurant
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Friday - Full Day in Kanchanaburi
Today is at leisure to explore Kanchanaburi independently. Or, take the optional full day Hellfire Pass and Death Railway tour. Hellfire Pass derives its name from Allied POWs forced to work day and night in the jungle to complete the bridge and rail line using only simple tools; more than 12,000 soldiers and 80,000 Asian laborers perished during the construction. Lunch en route before returning to hotel
Optional: Full Day Hellfire Pass & Death Railway with lunch
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Saturday - Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
Depart Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as the largest city in Southeast Asia. Visit Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, this served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai kings. In the center of the city lies Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries, and towers - one can envision the grandeur and splendor that was once the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. After lunch, continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong, a commoner who overthrew the previous king and took his throne. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful and tranquil surroundings of Siam before dinner
Overnight: Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Sunday - Travel to Bangkok
This morning, time permitting, meet children at a local school* then travel back to Bangkok. En route stop at a gem gallery, to watch jewelry being made and learn more about the gems used. Time on your own in Bangkok to revisit some of the city's fabulous sites, or, indulge in a last-minute shopping spree. Enjoy a night out on the town as you bid farewell to Thailand
*School visit is subject to changes due to school scheduling
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions:
7 nights accommodations
4 nights Bangkok
2 nights Kanchanaburi
1 night Ayutthaya
Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
Hotel porterage
All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
11 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
Entrance fees per itinerary
Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
In Bangkok, visit serene Wat Po, home of the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long
Visit the buzzing and vividly colorful Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Walk the Bridge over the River Kwai & explore the War Museum
Visit Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, used as a summer palace by the Siamese royalty
Marvel at Chai Wattanaram Temple, one of Ayutthaya's most impressive remaining monuments