Thailand: 12-Day Luxury Small-Group Cultural Tour with Floating Hotel Stay & Boat Cruise on the River Kwai

Dazzling cities, sacred temples and raw natural beauty: this is Thailand. An extraordinary adventure awaits you on this 12-day tour, of discovery through one of Southeast Asia’s most loved destinations, from its cosmopolitan capital city Bangkok all the way to Chiang Rai.

From its impressive archaeological ruins and grandeur that once was the kingdom of Ayutthaya to the exquisite glittering golden spire of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, through to the 13th-century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat and self-sustainable villages famous for their textiles and handicrafts, this fabulous tour will take you to some of the most iconic destinations, allowing you to delve deeper into the breathtaking beauty of Thailand.

Your Package Includes:

• 11 nights’ accommodation in handpicked luxury hotels and feature stays
• Daily breakfast and select dining experiences
• Boat cruise on the River Kwai to the floating markets
• Tour of infamous sites such as Hellfire Pass and the Nam Tok Train Station
• Visit the ruins of palaces and temples in Thailand’s former capital of Ayutthaya
• A lunch cruise on a traditional rice barge
• Bike tour through the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai
• A master class with the textile and handicraft producers at Baan Ontai Village
• Admire Chiang Mai from the lofty mountain throne of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
• Thai cooking class followed by dinner in Chiang Mai
• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary and enjoy encounter them feeding and bonding in their natural environment
• Visit the “Golden Triangle” to learn of its historic past in the opium trade
• All airport transfers and air-conditioned transport throughout
• The services of a local, English-speaking guide and entrance fees to all sightseeing listed

Your Accommodation – A selection of unique, handpicked properties, from a five-star city haven to a boutique resort nestled in the mountains

The beautiful Anantara Siam Bangkok is a serene oasis amid the bustle of Thailand’s vibrant capital. Just steps from the BTS Skytrain, the hotel is ideally located for exploring the city that never sleeps and is home to award-winning dining and a blissful luxury spa.

Enjoy a stay you’ll never forget at The Floathouse River Kwai, an exquisite boutique hideaway reachable only by boat. This floating hotel finds its home on the River Kwai surrounded by verdant green jungle. Stay in an elegant Floating Villa, where the waters of the river trickle soothingly past your private pier.

Nestled among the lush, misty hills of Northern Thailand, Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa offers a tranquil escape with sweeping views across mountain lakes, verdant hills and emerald valleys. Soak up spectacular vistas from your huge 90 sqm suite, complete with private balcony.

The tour starts at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and ends at Chiang Rai Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI).

Private airport transfers are included from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to your hotel on the first day of your tour and from your hotel to Chiang Rai Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI) on the last day of your tour only.

Flights are not included in your package, please plan accordingly. Please book your flights to arrive into Bangkok (BKK) before 1pm on Day 1 (please note your room will be made available for check-in from 3pm onwards). You can book your flights to leave Chiang Rai (CEI) any time after breakfast.

You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist.

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand

On arrival into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation nestled in the heart of the city’s shopping and entertainment precinct.

In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Chinatown for a guided walk through this bustling area, where you’ll have a chance to sample the authentic local street food.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Thai restaurant with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation: Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi (River Kwai)

After breakfast, board a small boat for a peaceful ride through narrow village canals to the famous floating market of Damnoen Saduak — known by some as the Venice of the East. Regarded as one of Thailand’s most popular attractions, vendors have been selling their goods from traditional wooden boats along the water’s edge since the mid-1800s

Afterwards, we visit the house of a villager on a palm sugar plantation — who still makes palm sugar — to learn of the traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. Here, learn about the many coconut palm tree plantations in Thailand, and how this organic palm sugar is created from the nectar of the coconut flowers.

Later, we board a boat and transfer to The FloatHouse River Kwai, where you’ll stay in a Floating Villa surrounded by lush jungle.

Accommodation: The FloatHouse River Kwai

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3: Kanchanaburi (River Kwai)

In the early morning, we set off to visit Erawan National Park — considered to be the most beautiful park in the whole of Thailand. Here, admire its azure waters which lead into verdant, bamboo-fringed pools and explore the famous seven-level waterfall, or simply swim and relax.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before travelling back towards Kanchanaburi via the Hellfire Pass Memorial, built to honour Asian workers and Allied prisoners of war who died whilst constructing the Thai-Burma railway. Cut through rock 18 metres deep, the Hellfire Pass also takes its name from the fires used to light the treacherous work at night.

Afterwards, another stop is had at the Nam Tok Train Station — constructed by the Allied prisoners of war. Here, we take a ride along the historic tracks alongside the Kwai Noi River. As you pass through Tham Krasae station close to the mountainside, keep your eyes peeled as you are given the opportunity to witness some of the most beautiful panoramic scenes of the Kwai Noi River.

The rest of the evening is at leisure.

Accommodation: The FloatHouse River Kwai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Ayutthaya

After breakfast, we journey to the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Once the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai, Ayutthaya was one of the most powerful cities in Asia. It also had more than one million residents by AD 1700 and enjoyed great riches due to trading with lavish palaces and temples.

On a guided tour, we explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple — home to a respected fortune teller. Then, we continue onwards to see Wat Phanan Choeng, one of Ayutthaya’s oldest temples and its own version of the Taj Mahal. You will also be the chance to admire an adjacent 18th-century shrine built to honour a local Chinese Princess.

After lunch, we visit the 13th-century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat, famed for its rows of Burmese beheaded Buddhas and much-photographed Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots.

Accommodation: Classic Kameo Hotel & Serviced Apartments

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5: Ayutthaya - Uthai Thani – Sukhothai

We depart for Uthai Thani today, before stopping to admire the exquisite glittering pillars of Wat Tha Sung (Crystal Hall). You will then be transferred to the local pier in anticipation for your cruise and included lunch aboard a traditional rice barge. Onboard, relax and watch local life unfold along the banks as you float past beautiful countryside scenery.

In the afternoon, we journey to the first ancient capital of Siam, Sukhothai — established in the 13th century. Here, we check into our hotel before enjoying a relaxing evening massage — your choice of a traditional Thai massage or foot massage. Please Note: Massage can be enjoyed on either Day 5 or Day 6.

Accommodation: Sriwilai Sukhothai Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6: Sukhothai

Today you’ll discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historical Park. Covering an area of about 70sqkm, this park contains more than 190 historical ruins dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Upon arrival, hired bicycles are shared for a few hours of exploration. Immerse yourself in the site’s history and peddle past its many tranquil lakes, gardens and ponds dotted with lotus flowers, before a home-cooked picnic lunch. Time permitting, we’ll also visit a local ceramics factory.

The afternoon is at leisure.

Accommodation: Sriwilai Sukhothai Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Sukhothai – Chiang Mai

After a relaxed morning, embark on a drive to Chiang Mai. The most vibrant city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is home to many famous and beautiful temples, a fascinating old city area, a bustling night market and lush mountains.

Enroute, driving along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step Naga-guarded stairway, we arrive at the city’s most famous site, the Doi Suthep. A beautiful temple with serene surroundings which date back to the 14th century, Doi Suthep is regarded as one of the most historically and spiritually sacred temples in Thailand.

Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure, before rejoining for dinner at one of Chiang Mai’s favourite local eateries.

Accommodation: U Chiang Mai Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8: Chiang Mai

Today, we travel to a nearby self-sustainable village in the Sankhamphaeng district, famous for its textiles and handicrafts. Here, you will visit a handloom house and meet with a local artisan to learn the basics of bamboo weaving. You will also be given the opportunity to create your own design with the help of the expert.

After, we will check out the processes behind cotton weaving, pottery and natural tie-dying from a local specialist before making our way to a workshop that showcases the works of local artists.

Following this, we will also stop at a historic temple which dates back 600 years at the Chiang Saen District, before visiting an organic farm where a delicious Thai lunch waits — created using fresh ingredients sourced onsite.

Back at your hotel this afternoon, you will try your hand at learning the basics of Thai cooking with local chefs. Discover the secrets of Thai cuisine by learning about its ingredients, how they are used and stored and what alternatives you can substitute if you can’t get them at home.

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to kick back and feast on your delicious results.

Accommodation: U Chiang Mai Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Cooking Class and Dinner

Day 9: Elephant Sanctuary - Chiang Mai

Rise early this morning for a special visit to an elephant sanctuary that prides itself on using ethical and sustainable eco-tourism in caring for its orphaned and rescued elephants. Here, you will be given the wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic animals and learn how this organisation uses an ethically responsible approach to elephant eco-tourism to raise awareness and educate people on the plight of the Asian elephant. You will also get to walk with elephants and see them play and eat in their natural habitat while learning about their behaviour and history.

Please note: This sanctuary enforces a strict no-riding policy and does not make any elephants work, perform or partake in any activities outside their natural jungle behaviour.

The afternoon and evening are at your leisure to relax in your boutique hotel or further explore Chiang Mai.

Accommodation: U Chiang Mai Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai

After breakfast, we travel to Chiang Rai. En route, we stop at Wat Rong Khun, known as the White Temple. ‘Inherited’ by a local artist after falling into disrepair in the late 1990s, this temple has been gradually rebuilt with over a million dollars of work conducted to date.

Afterwards, we visit Wat Rong Seur Ten, one of the masterpiece temples in Chiang Rai, known as Rong Suea Ten Temple or the Blue Temple.

After checking into your stunning mountain suite at Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa, surrounded by verdant forest and nestled within the mist-shrouded hills of Chiang Rai, your afternoon and evening are at your leisure.

Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: The Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai

Today, you will journey to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River.

Here, board a cruise and soak up the beautiful scenery as you glide across the river on a guided tour. Onboard, you will hear stories of the notorious opium poppy trade and how it has impacted the local village communities.

Afterwards, we visit the Golden Triangle Park Hall of Opium to continue learning about the history, cultivation and trade of the opium poppy as well as the recovery of the people who lived near the Golden Triangle.

This evening, after time at leisure, a group farewell dinner is enjoyed at the hotel’s restaurant.

Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 12: Depart Chiang Rai

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Chiang Rai Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI) for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast