Luxury Small-Group Tour of Exotic Thailand including a Floating Hotel Stay & Boat Cruise on the River Kwai
From bustling cities to verdant mountains, ancient Buddhist temples and palm-fringed rivers: immerse yourself in the exotic beauty of Thailand on a 12-day luxury small-group tour (max. 16 travellers). Learn the secrets of traditional Thai recipes during a hands-on cooking class, cycle your way through the historic ruins of Old Sukhothai, soak in the surrounds on a scenic cruise on the River Kwai and indulge in local flavours during a lunch on board a traditional rice barge. Includes 11 nights luxury accommodation – including an incredible stay in a floating hotel on the River Kwai, accessible only by boat – daily breakfast plus additional dining experiences, private return airport transfers and private transportation throughout, the services of expert local, English-speaking guides, a 60-minute massage and so much more.
Your Itinerary at a Glance:
- Boat cruise on the River Kwai and visits to infamous sites such as Hellfire Pass and the Nam Tok Train Station
- Visit the stunning temple city of Ayutthaya
- 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
- Visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary
- Thai cooking class followed by dinner
- Visit to the “Golden Triangle” to learn of its historic past in the opium trade
What You’ll Love…
Your Accommodation – A selection of unique, hand-picked 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 Experiences – Float along waterways and see elephants in their natural habitat
Thailand is famous the world over for its deliciously fragrant cuisine - and you’ll have the chance to learn its secrets with an authentic cooking class. Discover the key ingredients used in traditional dishes and how to use them before feasting on your creations.
Visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, a World War II memorial created to honour the Asian workers and Allied prisoners of war who lost their lives during the construction of the Thai-Burma railway, and the final stop on the line: Nam Tok Train Station.
Enjoy a cycling tour through the ruins of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sukhothai Historical Park, which date back to the 13th and 14th centuries and are located among tranquil lakes, gardens and ponds dotted with lotus flowers.
Encounter Thailand’s majestic elephants at an ethical sanctuary which cares for adopted, orphaned or rescued elephants. See these incredible animals as they play and eat in their natural habitat and learn about the organisation’s efforts to feed and care for the animals and provide education on humane treatment to the local community.
Visit a handloom house in Baan Ontai Village, where a local artisan will share the age-old techniques of bamboo-weaving before helping you make your own creation.
Watch local life unfold along the river banks as you enjoy a delicious lunch aboard a traditional rice barge.
Float along the waterways of the ‘Venice of the East’ to reach the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market, where vendors sell their wares from traditional wooden boats.
Visit the home of a local villager to discover how organic palm sugar is created using coconut flower nectar and generations-old techniques. Plus, sample the famous street food of Bangkok in the China Town district and enjoy an authentic Thai lunch at an organic farm crafted using fresh farm fare.
Your Package Includes:
- 11 nights’ accommodation in hand-picked luxury hotels including Anantara Siam Bangkok and an incredible stay at The Floathouse River Kwai
- Daily breakfast plus a selection of dining experiences
- Boat cruise on the River Kwai and visits to infamous sites such as Hellfire Pass and the Nam Tok Train Station
- Visit to the stunning temple city of Ayutthaya
- Lunch cruise on a traditional rice barge
- Bike tour through the historical ruins of Old Sukhothai
- Master class with the textile and handicraft producers at Baan Ontai Village
- Visit to an ethical elephant sanctuary
- Thai cooking class followed by dinner
- Relaxing 60-minute traditional Thai massage or foot massage
- Visit to the “Golden Triangle” to learn of its historic past in the opium trade
- Private airport transfers and air-conditioned transport throughout
- The services of expert local, English-speaking guides and entrance fees to all sightseeing listed
The tour starts at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and ends at Chiang Rai Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI).
Private airport transfers are included in your tour 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.
Getting to Bangkok is easy. Flights to Bangkok fly direct from most major Australian cities. Airline carriers include Thai Airways, Qantas, Emirates and more with an approximate flight time of nine hours.
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 you may wish to make, including assistance with international flights, with no booking fee to you.
A visa may be required to 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’s website Visa 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. Click here to visit the website.
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
On arrival into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) you will be met by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to your luxury hotel, nestled in the heart of the city’s shopping and entertainment precinct.
Late this afternoon we take a transfer to China Town for a guided walk through this bustling area, where you’ll have a chance to sample authentic local street food. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Thai Restaurant with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Anantara Siam Bangkok
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Bangkok - River Kwai (Kanchanaburi)
This morning, board a small boat for a ride through narrow village canals to the famous floating market of Damnoen Saduak, where vendors sell their wares from traditional wooden boats. One of Thailand’s most popular attractions, it’s known by some as the Venice of the East, where vendors have been selling their goods along the water’s edge since the mid-1800s.
After a short drive we’ll arrive at a palm sugar plantation, where we’ll visit the house of a villager who still makes palm sugar using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. There are many coconut palm tree plantations in Thailand, and this organic palm sugar is created from the nectar of the coconut flowers. Afterwards, 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: The River Kwai (Kanchanaburi)
In the early morning set off to visit Erawan National Park, considered the most beautiful in the whole of Thailand with azure waters leading into verdant, bamboo-fringed pools. Explore the famous seven-level waterfall, or simply swim and relax.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before travelling back towards Kanchanaburi and Hellfire Pass Memorial, where you’ll learn about a tragic episode in the area’s history. The memorial was built to honour Asian workers and Allied prisoners of war who died whilst constructing the Thai-Burma railway. Cut through rock 18 metres deep, Hellfire Pass takes its name from the fires used to light the treacherous work at night. Also visit Nam Tok Train Station - constructed by the Allied prisoners of war - which can be found at the end of the line. Take a ride along the historic tracks alongside the Kwai Noi River. As you pass through Tham Krasae station close to the mountainside, you’ll see one of the most beautiful panoramic scenes of the Kwai Noi river.
Return to your Floating Villa where the rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Accommodation: The Float House River Kwai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya
After breakfast we journey approx. 3.5 hours to Ayutthaya. This ancient city, once the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai and one of the most powerful in Asia, had more than one million residents by AD 1700 and enjoyed great riches due to trading with lavish palaces and temples.
Here, explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple, which is home to a fortune teller. Continue to Wat Phanan Cheoeng, Ayutthaya’s version of the Taj Mahal and one of its oldest temples, which is home to a 19-meter-high Buddha. Behind the temple is a small 18th-century shrine built to honour a Chinese Princess, who drowned herself because of the king’s infidelity.
After lunch, visit the 13th-century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat with its rows of Brumese beheaded Buddhas and much-photographed Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots.
Accommodation: Classic Kameo Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Ayutthaya - Uthaithani - Sukhothai
We depart from Ayutthaya in the morning and drive approximately 3 hours to Uthaithani where we’ll visit the nearby Wat Tha Sung (Crystal Hall) with its exquisite glittering pillars.
You’ll then be transferred to the pier ready for your cruise and lunch aboard a traditional rice barge, where you can watch local life unfold along the banks as float past beautiful countryside scenery.
After your cruise you’ll journey to Sukhothai, the first ancient capital of Siam established in the 13th century. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening massage (available on either day 5 or day 6) - your choice of a traditional Thai massage or foot massage.
Accommodation: Sriwilai Sukhothai
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Sukhothai
Today you’ll discover Sukhothai’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historical park, which marks the Golden Age of Thai civilization. The ruins date back to the 13th and 14th centuries and are located amongst tranquil lakes, gardens and ponds dotted with lotus flowers. Upon arrival, we’ll hire bicycles for an enjoyable few hours of exploring and immersing ourselves in the site’s history with a home-cooked picnic lunch along the way. Time permitting, we’ll also visit a local ceramics factory.
The afternoon is at leisure (or you might choose to have your massage today).
Accommodation: Sriwilai Sukhothai
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Sukhothai - Chiang Mai
Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before embarking on a 4.5-hour 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.
Arriving into Chiang Mai we visit the city’s most famous sites, the Doi Suthep. Driving along a scenic and winding mountain road brings you to an impressive 300-step Naga-guarded stairway. The rewards justify the ascent to the top, with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention the fantastic panoramic views of the city.
After having some time to rest at your boutique hotel, we take a short walk to one of Chiang Mai’s favourite local eateries for a delicious traditional dinner.
Accommodation: Chala Number 6
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
**DAY 8: Chiang Mai **
Today we travel to a nearby self-sustainable village, a close-knit community in Sankhamphaeng district famous for its textiles and handicrafts. We’ll visit a handloom house to meet with a local artisan and learn the basics of bamboo weaving, where you will have an opportunity to create your own design with the help of the expert. Next, we’ll 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 stop at a historic temple which dates back 600 years to the Chiang Saen Kingdom and is surrounded by ancient kiln sites and verdant forest. Next, we visit an organic farm where we will enjoy a delicious Thai lunch created using ingredients sourced onsite.
Arrive back at your hotel with time to relax before you learn the art of Thai cooking at a cooking class late this afternoon. Discover the secrets of Thai Cuisine by learning about the main ingredients, how they are used and stored and what alternatives you can substitute if you can’t get them at home. For dinner, sit down and feast on the delicious results of your tuition.
Accommodation: Chala Number 6
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Cooking Class and Dinner
Day 9: Elephant Sanctuary - Chiang Mai
This morning we rise early for a special visit to an elephant sanctuary that prides itself on using ethical and sustainable eco-tourism in caring for orphaned and rescued elephants. Get up close to these majestic animals and learn how the organisation uses an ethically responsible approach to elephant eco-tourism to raise awareness and educate local people of the plight of the Asian elephant. Walk with elephants to see them play and eat in their natural habitat as you learn about their behaviour and history. Note that the sanctuary enforces a strict no-riding policy and do not make the elephants work, perform or do any activities outside their natural jungle behaviour.
Arrive back at your hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Take time to relax in your boutique hotel or further explore Chiang Mai on your own.
Accommodation: Chala Number 6
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
After enjoying breakfast we drive approximately 3 – 4 hours to Chiang Rai. On the way we stop to visit Wat Rong Kun, known as the White Temple. It was ‘inherited’ by a local artist after falling into disrepair in the late 1990s, who has been gradually rebuilding it at his own expense, with nearly a million pounds of work conducted to date. Afterwards, visit the exquisite Wat Rong Seur Ten, one of masterpiece temples in Chiang Rai, known as Rong Suea Ten Temple or the Blue Temple.
On arrival in Chang Rai, we check into our stunning mountain suite at Katiliya Mountain Resort, surrounded by verdant forest and nestled within the mist-shrouded hills of Chiang Rai. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: The Golden Triangle
After breakfast, journey to Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River, which was once supposed to be the centre of Thailand’s poppy-growing industry. Soak up the beautiful scenery as you cruise on the river while your guide tells stories of the opium trade and how it has impacted the local village communities.
In the afternoon visit the Hall of Opium Golden Triangle Park, which exhibits the history and origin of opium in the Golden Triangle, the opium war when people lived on opium planting and smoking, as well as the recovery of the people who lived here.
Late afternoon gets back to your hotel to relax at your beautiful accommodation before enjoying a farewell dinner tonight at hotel’s restaurant.
Accommodation: Katiliya Mountain Resort
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12: Depart Chiang Rai
After breakfast you will be transferred to Chiang Rai Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI) in time for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast