Treasures of Thailand

Day 1: WELCOME TO BANGKOK

Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your tour guide and the rest of the group in the reception area of your hotel for welcome drinks and a tour briefing.

ACCOMMODATION 2 nights
CENTURY PARK HOTEL (OR SIMILAR) – Superior room
9 Ratchaprarop Rd, Makkasan
Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
Tel: +66 2 246 7800

Day 2: BANGKOK

Begin your journey with a tour of Bangkok’s highlights, visit the Grand Palace with the Wat Phra Kaew. The other well-known name of this place is “Temple of Emerald Buddha” referring to the 22 inches tall Buddha image created out of a single jade stone inside of it. This statue is considered to be the symbol of the country, hence making it the most sacred temple of Thailand. The second important temple is the Wat Pho, which is one of the oldest temples in Thailand. Dating back to the era of King Rama I, the first King of the Rattanakosin reign, whose heirs are still sitting on the present throne. During the beginning of Thailand’s education system, this was the initiating school where monks and pupils were educated. It also houses several important Buddha images including the famous 46 meters reclining Buddha with its precious pearl inlaid soles of 3 m height and 4.5 m length. Later, we will continue with a canal (klong) tour along Bangkok’s legendary Chao Phraya River and in the Thonburi area. Appreciate the picturesque riverside scenery, as you drift past stilted wooden homes, ‘floating kitchens’, mobile shops, colonial mansions and all kinds of colorful culture along the riverfront, before stopping at the enchanting Wat Arun. This temple is one of the iconic temples of Thailand is especially known for its white Stupa which is decorated by coloured tiles. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Breakfast included

ACCOMMODATION
CENTURY PARK HOTEL (OR SIMILAR) – Superior room

Day 3: BANGKOK TO KHAO YAI

In the morning head to Khao Yai National Park. We will drive via Saraburi and visit Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Wat Phra Phutthabat is a first-class royal temple constructed in 1624 during the reign of King Songtham. The highlight of the temple is what is known as the Lord Buddha’s footprint, which had been discovered on a stone slab on SuwanBanphot Hill or SatchaphanthaKhiri Hill. The large footprint was discovered during the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya, and after analysis, was discovered to have all 108 auspicious characteristics. As a result, the then-king commissioned a temporary Mondop, or outdoor pavilion, to be built to shelter the precious artifact. Since then, the Mondop has been refurbished several times. In addition, visitors can also see an inscription by King Rama V, engraved during his visit to pay respect to the Lord Buddha’s footprint. Later, visit Wat Theppitak Punnaram, which has a large white Buddha Image called “Phra Phuta Sakol Sima Mongkol” that is given my His Majesty The King, King Rama IX. However, the villagers called the Buddha Statue as Luang Por Kao or Luang Por Yai. The statue is in the posture of meditation and equivalates to 27.25 meters wide and 45 meters high. The meaning of this is that the Buddha has been meditating for 45 years after his enlightenment. It was built with concrete mixed with iron. It is outstanding on the high mountain that is 112 meters above land level. The meaning of this is that, there are 56 virtues of the Buddha. On both left and right sides of the Buddha.
In the evening, begin your discoveries on the back of a truck as you head out on a night safari in hopes of spotting wild animals such as Civet, Deer, Barking Deer, Porcupine, and Elephants.
Breakfast included

ACCOMMODATION 1 night
PHUWANALEE RESORT (OR SIMILAR) – Superior room
Mu Si, Pak Chong District
Nakhon Ratchasima 30130
Tel: +66 44 009 151

Day 4: KHAO YAI TO AYUTTHAYA

Start you day with a drive to the National park where we will stop at Heow Suwat waterfalls, made famous when they were used as a site location for filming the movie ‘the beach’. After lunch we will continue to visit Wat Phanancherng, which is home to the oldest large cast bronze Buddha image in Ayutthaya. Afterwards visit Ayutthaya Historical Park, as well as Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Mahathat which is located west of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, at the foot of Paa Than bridge. Later continue to Somdet Phra Ramesuan, enshrined the reliquary inside the foundation of the Prang, and this incident thus originated the temple’s name “Wat Mahathat” or “Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahatat” which means the sacred temple where the relics of the Lord Buddha were installed. The Prang of Wat Mahathat was built in Early Ayutthaya. Its structure became the traditional model when constructing a temple and can be found nationwide. Within the kingdom of Ayutthaya, the reliquary holds historical and religious significance as the edifice representing the Buddha. Then visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet. This is the most important temple within the Royal Palace compound and the original from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok has been copied. Three outstanding Ceylonese style pagodas were built during the 15th century to enshrine the ashes of three Ayutthayan kings.
Breakfast included

ACCOMMODATION 1 night
KANTARY HOTEL AYUTTAYA (OR SIMILAR) – Studio Suite
168 Moo1 Rojana Road
Tambol Tanu Aumphur U-Thai, 13000
Tel: +66 35 337 177

Day 5: AYUTTHAYA TO KANCHANABURI

Depart for Ayutthaya, it was one of Indochina’s most prosperous cities and is one of Thailand’s major historical attractions. The grandeur of Ayutthaya is reflected by numerous magnificent structures and ruins concentrated in and around the city island surrounded by the Chao Phraya, Pa Sak and Lop Buri Rivers. Visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, which was first used by the royal court as a summer retreat in the 17th century. However, the Palace was destroyed with the fall of Kingdom of Ayutthaya and was restored by King Rama IV in the mid-19th century. Most of the buildings that exist today date from the reign of King Rama V, who regularly spent his summers there. The structures represent a variety of architectural styles, set in a large park around ponds and waterways. The only royal residence open to the public is the Chiness-style Wehat Chamroon Palace, constructed entirely of materials imported from China. Later, visit Jeath War Museum, a realistic depiction of prisoner of war living quarters, with photographic, pictorial and physical memorabilia dating from World War II. Continue to Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. It contains the remains of 6,982 war prisoners (mostly the British, Dutch, Australian and American) who lost their lives during the construction of the Bridge over the River Kwai and the railway to Burma (the Death Railway).
Breakfast included

ACCOMMODATION 2 nights
MIDA RESORT KANCHANABURI (OR SIMILAR) – Deluxe room
199 Moo 2, Ladya-Sri Sawad Rd
Kanchanaburi 71190
Tel: +66 34 919 606

Day 6: KANCHANABURI

Today, we will visit Hellfire Pass Museum, built and maintained by the Australian government, the museum is located just above Hellfire Pass (Konyu Cutting). Opened in 1998, it is dedicated to the Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers who suffered and died at Hellfire Pass and elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region during World War II. After that, visit the world-famous Bridge over the River Kwai, a part of the Death Railway constructed by Allied prisoners of war. Take a leisurely walk around town before transferring back to your hotel in Kanchanaburi.
Breakfast and Dinner included

ACCOMMODATION
MIDA RESORT KANCHANABURI (OR SIMILAR) – Deluxe room

Day 7: RIVER KWAI TO HUA HIN

Today, drive to Hua Hin which is a refreshing mix of city and sea with lively markets, good golf courses and water parks, excellent accommodation and an ambience that just keeps getting more hip and cosmopolitan. You have an entire day free to explore the town’s many glories.
Breakfast included

ACCOMMODATION 3 nights
GRAND PACIFIC SOVEREIGN RESORT AND SPA (OR SIMILAR) – Deluxe Mountain View
334/1 Ruamjit Alley, Cha-am
Cha-am District, Phetchaburi 76120
Tel: +66 32 709 899

Day 8: HUA HIN

Today enjoy the day at your own leisure where you can do as much or as little as you please.
Breakfast included

ACCOMMODATION
GRAND PACIFIC SOVEREIGN RESORT AND SPA (OR SIMILAR) – Deluxe Mountain View

Day 9: HUA HIN

Today is free for you to continue your exploration of the area. Perhaps use today to venture to Cha-Am beach or even visit the Swiss Sheep farm.
Breakfast included.

ACCOMMODATION
GRAND PACIFIC SOVEREIGN RESORT AND SPA (OR SIMILAR) – Deluxe Mountain View

Day 10: CHA-AM;HUA HIN TO BANGKOK

It’s time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. A transfer will take you to Bangkok airport for your onward travels. Breakfast included.