Destination: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Sukhothai

This bare circuit of 6 days suggests discovering the main magnificences of the ” Country of the smile “. You will take a chance to absorb the rich culture and traditions of Thailand in this sixteen day tour which takes visitors through its bustling capital, exploring its many historical temples, through the Central region to the ancient former capital, Ayutthaya, to the dense jungle of the country’s first national park, Khao Yai, and to Sukhothai, which are listed by the UNESCO as the site being a member of the world heritage.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, G = Guide

Day 1: Bangkok arrival (D, G)

On arrival at Suvanphumi Airport, you’ll be driven to your hotel. Rest of the day, you’ll be free to stroll around the city as you wish. You’ll enjoy a Welcome dinner at one of famous restaurants. You’ll spend the night in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok City Tour (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll begin your tour of Bangkok with a long tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to see many lively inner canals which provide some fantastic views of the local life. Along the way you will stop over at Wat Arun, the temple of dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace which dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremonies. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this complex, you will drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark of Wat Traimit is well known as the Golden Buddha Temple while Wat Pho houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. You will spend the night in Bangkok.

Day 3: Bangkok/Kachanaburi (B, L, G)

Early morning we drive to the south-west of Bangkok, visit to local market at Samut Songkram before driving to Damnern Saduak, a fascinating floating market about 110 km from Bangkok in the Ratchaburi province. You’ll then visit local Sugar Palm factory before boarding a long tails boat along Damnern canals. After spending time at the floating market, you’ll continue your drive to Kanchanaburi Town. Upon arrival, you’ll 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). Then visit world-famous Bridge over the River Kwai, a part of the Death Railway and take leisurely walks around town. You will spend the night in Kachanaburi.

Day 4: Kachanaburi/Ayutthaya (B, L, G)

Today we drive via Suphanburi to the former capital city of Siam, Ayuthaya. The ancient city of Ayuthaya is known as the “Venice of the East” due to the fact that it lies along the Chao Phraya River, the tributaries of which surround Ayuthaya province. The glory of the Ayutthaya Empire (1350-1767A.D.) is evident in the remains of temples such as Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Chai Wattanaram, which you will visit in the afternoon. A further visit includes Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. Your lunch will be served at a good local restaurant.

Afternoon, the tours continue to visit Wat Chaimongkol and continue drive to visit Bang Pa-in Summer Palace. Bang Pa In was served as the summer palace for many Thai monarchs from the 17th century. This structure has a captivating collection of marvelous pavilions in a variety of Thai, Chinese, Italian and Victorian architectural styles. Your overnight stay will be in Ayuthaya.

Day 5: Ayutthaya/Phitsanuloke/Sukhothai (B, L, G)

You’ll depart Ayuthaya early in the morning and drive directly to Phitsanuloke. Short stop at Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, temple houses one of Thailand’s most beautiful and significant Buddha images, and then visit to Sergeant-Major Dr.Thawee BuranaKhet Folklore Museum which is well known for its collection of folk arts, crafts, basketry, pottery and ancient kitchen utensils. There are also many agricultural and household instruments displayed. You’ll then continue 1 – hour drive to Sukhothai.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Sukhothai Historical Park; the first truly independent Thai Kingdom, visit the ruins of the Royal Palaces, Buddhist temples, the city gates, walls, moats, dams, ditches, ponds canals and the water dyke control system which was the magical and spiritual center of the Kingdom are now preserved and restored by the Fine Arts Department with the cooperation of UNESCO, not only with a view of fostering Thailand’s national identity but of safeguarding in fine example of mankind’s cultural heritage. Important sites inside the old city walls include: Wat Mahathat the Royal temple with a giant chedi built to house Buddha relics brought from Sri Lanka; Wat Sri Sawai with its three Hindu –style prangs; Wat Traphang Thong in the centre of a large pond and its Buddha Footprint; Wat Sa Si, an attractive temple on connecting islands with a large Singhalese Chedi; Wat Traphang Ngoen on the Silver Lake; etc. You will spend the night in Sukhothai.

Sukhothai was the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries. It has a number of fine monuments, illustrating the beginnings of Thai architecture. The great civilization which evolved in the Kingdom of Sukhothai absorbed numerous influences and ancient local traditions; the rapid assimilation of all these elements forged what is known as the ‘Sukhothai style’.

Day 6: Sukhothai/Bangkok (B, G)

After breakfast, you will be free until being transferred to the airport for the short flight to Bangkok to connect with your international departure flight.