Fuel up at breakfast for a day of nautical adventure. Climb aboard a small boat and enjoy a peaceful ride through the narrow canals of neighbouring villages on your way to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – a lively and historical area also known as the Venice of the East.
Step into a villager’s home and learn firsthand about the history of coconut palm tree plantations and the traditional method of creating organic palm sugar from coconut flowers — a process passed down for gerneations.
Finish the day by boarding a boat once again, this time to travel to this evening’s accommodation — The FloatHouse River Kwai, a floating resort set amid the lush jungle.
Rise nice and early for a visit to one of Thailand’s most beautiful parks — Erawan National Park. Splash around in the enticing blueish-green waters of the seven-level Erawan Falls or relax in the bamboo-fringed pools before enjoying lunch at a local spot.
Travelling back towards Kanchanaburi, bypass Hellfire Pass and it’s memorial museum, honouring workers and prisoners of war who died constructing the Thai-Burma railway. Next, stop in at the Nam Tok railway station and ride along the historic tracks that run alongside the picturesque Khwae Noi River.
Return to your floating accommodation and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
After breakfast, today’s journey takes you to ancient Ayutthaya – once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam and one of the most powerful cities in Asia. Begin with a guided tour around Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple before continuing to the city’s own Taj Mahal — Wat Phanan Choeng, one of the oldest and grandest temples in the area.
After lunch, enjoy the afternoon exploring the 13th century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat, famous for its recognisable stone Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots.
This morning, make a stop to see the awe-inspiring, shining pillars of the stunning glass temple of Wat Tha Sung before setting off for Uthai Thani. Arrive at a local pier and board a traditional rice barge for a cruise along the Sakae Krang River, inlcuding a traditional lunch onboard. Sneak along the waterway and take in the natural beauty and vibrant wildlife along the banks.
After your cruise, journey to Sukhothai — the first ancient capital of Siam — and check into your hotel. Settle into a rejuvenating evening by enjoying either a traditional Thai massage or relaxing foot massage.
Please note: The included Thai massage or foot massage can be enjoyed on either Day 5 or Day 6.
Spend the morning exploring the historic ruins of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historical Park. Receive your hired bike on arrival and peddle around the park’s gardens and breathtaking lakes while taking in the history of the area. Rest and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked picnic lunch. If time permits, a visit to a local ceramics producer may be on the cards.
The remainder of the day is spent at your leisure to explore this scenic city at your own pace.
Please note: The included Thai massage or foot massage can be enjoyed on either Day 5 or Day 6.
Enjoy a slow morning before you begin the drive to the incredibly vibrant Chiang Mai — home to temples, mountains and markets aplenty. On the way, stop off at the city’s most popular site — the Doi Suthep, historically known by many as the most sacred temple in Thailand.
After you arrive in Chiang Mai and settle in, re-join the group for a local dinner at one of Chiang Mai’s best local eateries.
After breakfast, travel to a self-sustainable village in the Sankhamphaeng district, loved for its charming architecture and famous for its textiles and crafts. Here, you can explore the exciting village, then meet with a range of local artisans who will show you the basics of bamboo and cotton weaving, pottery and natural tie-dying. You’ll even have a chance to create your own design with a bit of expert help.
Next up, check out a historic temple dating back 600 years in the Chiang Saen district, before lunch at an organic farm where fresh ingredients are grown onsite to create delicious Thai fare.
Return to the hotel for an exciting cooking class run by local chefs. Learn the secrets of Thai cooking from experienced hands, and at the end of the day, you can feast on your delicious creations.
Wake up bright and early for an enlightening visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary that lovingly cares for orphaned and rescued animals. Get up close and personal with the beautiful creatures and learn about the organisation’s responsible approach to utilising eco-tourism to benefit the existence of Asian elephants. With a strict no-riding policy in place, simply walk with the majestic creatures and look on as they play in their natural habitat.
Spend the afternoon as you please, either relaxing in the hotel or exploring the city of Chiang Mai — it’s up to you.
After a final breakfast in Chiang Mai, it’s time to pack up and head to Chiang Rai. On the way, expect to stop off at Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, and admire the site, rebuilt to its former glory after falling into disrepair in the last 1990s. After, visit Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, a masterpiece of azure colouring and elaborate carvings.
Later, arrive in Chiang Rai, check into your hotel and spend the evening as you wish.
Today, make the journey to the famous Golden Triangle, the space where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet along the Mekong River. Aboard your cruise for the day, glide across the river and discover the history of the local opium poppy trade on a guided tour.
After your finishing cruising, visit the Hall of Opium at the Golden Triangle Park, where you will continue learning about opium poppy trading and the history and impact on the nearby community.
Enjoy some chill time this afternoon before you prepare for a group farewell dinner, served at the hotel’s restaurant.
Wave goodbye to the beautiful villages and welcoming people of Thailand. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) to continue your onward journey.