Description
Highlights of this safari:
- Bangkok’s old and famous temples
- Kanchanaburi River Kwai & Burma Railway
- Ayuttaya, the old Siam Capital
- Chiang Mai’s nature and night markets
- Koh Samed sandy beaches
Short overview:
Day 1 – 2: Bangkok
Day 3 – 4: Kanchanaburi
Day 5: Ayuttaya
Day 6: Sukhothai
Day 7 – 9: Chiang Mai
Day 10: Night train to Bangkok
Day 11 – 13: Koh Samed
Day 14: Departure from Bangkok
Program & Route:
Day 1: Bangkok, Nouvo City Hotel
Upon arrival, meet with the Wild Times representative and transfer to the hotel. Time to relax and explore your neighbourhood.
Day 2: Bangkok – Nouvo Hotel
Meet your guide after breakfast and head to Wat Po, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples – famous for the 43 metre long reclining Buddha. Visit Lak Muang, Bangkok’s city pillar, before heading to the famous Grand Palace.
See the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), the most revered shrine in the Kingdom. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant before boarding a longtail boat to explore the klongs, Bangkok’s maze of canals and waterways – see parts of Thai traditional life.
End the day with a visit to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.
Day 3: Kanchanaburi, River Kwai Jungle Lodge
Early morning you will be picked up from your hotel by minivan and guide and driven to the old fishing port of Samut Songkram, locally known as Maeklong, which is well known for its railway market. Just before the railway station vendors use the space between the rails for their trays of vegetables, fruit and fish. We board the train to Nam Tok over the infamous Burma Railway. After lunch in Paksaeng we will take a long-tail boat for trip on the Kwai Noi River and pass mountainous jungle scenery on the way to the River Kwai Jungle Rafts.
Day 4: Kanchanaburi, Royal River Kwai Resort & Spa
After breakfast, you will return back by boat and continue by car to visit the Erawan Waterfall. Walk up all the way to the top of the waterfall or have a swim in the crystal clear water. After a simple Thai lunch at the falls, transfer to your hotel in Kanchanaburi town. In Kanchanaburi you will visit the Bridge over the River Kwai, War Cemetery and the interesting Thailand Burma Railway Centre.
Day 5: Ayutthaya, Sala Ayutthaya Hotel
After a leisurely breakfast, embark for a journey of about 4 to 5 hours to Ayutthaya. We stop on the way at the impressive Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, the highest stupa in Southeast Asia. Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam from the 15th through the 18th century. The Thai moved their capital to Bangkok (Krung Thep) in the 1770’s. Visit Wat Phanachoeng, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol and Wat Mahathat, with the famous head in the tree. We will have lunch at a nice local restaurant.
Day 6: Sukhothai, Rueanthai Hotel
This morning we leave for Nakhon Sawan where you will visit Wat Krieng Krai, but watch out for those naughty monkeys. Continue to Kamphaeng Phet where there is time to have a look around its historical park. Upon arrival in the late afternoon at Sukhothai check in at your resort, where you can go for a refreshing dive into the hotel pool.
Day 7: Chiang Mai, Shewe Wana Suite Resort
This morning, meet your guide and depart Sukhothai and drive to Chiang Mai, making a full day of it with interesting stops. First stop at Si Satchanalai. This 12th-century Khmer outpost was also an important pottery-producing center. Next stop is in the town of Lampang. We visit the famous Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, a great example of Northern Thai Style architecture. We take the back roads along the Ping River to Lamphun, where we will visit Wat Haripunchai. Late afternoon we arrive in Chiang Mai and this evening is free at leisure.
Day 8: Chiang Mai, Shewe Wana Suite Resort
We take a classic Samlor (bicycle taxi) for a short ride to 300 years old Wat Bupparam. King Muang Kaew founded this temple in 1497. The Burmese-style chedi was rebuilt in 1958, and there is a well nearby which supplies holy water for apointing the King. A small Lanna style viharn contains a large Buddha. Though over 300 years old, much that is seen today probably originates from a restoration. We continue walking to the 17th century Wat Mahawan. Finally we wander down small lanes to Wat Pan Tong and the more than 500 years old Wat Loi Kroh.
Day 9: Chiang Mai, Shewe Wana Suite Resort
Optional activities are avialable to explore Chiang Mai and the surroundings. We would like to highlight the following suggestions: hot air ballooning, a canopy tour and wild water rafting.
Day 10: Chiang Mai naar Bangkok met een nachttrein
This morning (08.00) you’ll be transferred to the Elephant Camp for a unique and hands-on experience. Once at the camp, you will be briefed on the history of the domestic elephant in Thailand before beginning your training session. During the course of the day, you will learn about elephant farm management and elephant breeding programs. After your briefing, walk into the jungle to find the elephants in the bush. Spend some time feeding and taking care of your elephant. You’ll then unleash and walk your elephant to the river for a bath.
Day 11: Koh Samed, Sai Kaew Beach Resort
Upon arrival at Hua Lumpong railway station in Bangkok, you will be picked up and transferred to the Ban Phe pier. Then board a local boat to Samed Island. Upon arrival, continue transfer on own to your resort.
Day 12&13: Koh Samed, Sai Kaew Beach Resort
Two days to fully explore the island of Koh Samed. It’s inviting to have some relaxing beachdays and just enjoy the sun and sand. You can also discover a spectrum of experiences from diving and snorkling to jet skiing or even learn more about Thai Boxing.
Day 14: departure from Koh Samed
This morning board a join-in local boat back to Ban Phe pier, where you will be picked up and transferred to Bangkok International Airport
