Thai Impressions: Bangkok, River Kwai & Ayutthaya

Explore unique Thailand on a five day luxury round trip with INTOSOL. We will take you to the most awe-inspiring places and monuments the fascinating country has to offer. Look forward to memorable days in the Land of Smiles! Your journey starts in Bangkok: Feel the beat of the pulsating multi-million metropolis or step away from the bustling crowds, visiting some of the most remarkable Buddhist temples. Certainly, one of the most outstanding temples is Wat Traimit. An architectonic marvel, Wat Traimit shines with bright colours and golden ornaments. The temple holds a mighty treasure: Inside, you will find a huge Buddha statue made from 5.5 tons of pure gold. Bangkok has lots to offer: Wat Pho is next on the list. Take a moment to absorb the quiet, contemplative ambience. Wat Pho is not only one of the city’s oldest temples, it has also become famous for its lying-down Buddha statue measuring astounding 46 metres in length and 15 in height. The courtyard accommodates the chedis of kings – grave-shrines containing the ashes of the royal family. Later, stop by the Grand Palace which is a fine example for the cultural wealth of the once mighty Siam empire. In former days it functioned as a home for kings featuring a room or hall for just about every purpose. Moreover, in its interior you will find the breathtakingly beautiful Emerald Buddha. On day two you leave early for Mae Klong where you will be visiting the Railway Market. Observe the nimble vendors displaying their merchandise to an approaching train. Nimble feet and quick negotiations are essential to make the sale. Especially the fresh fruit and vegetables come in every tropical shape and colour imaginable. You continue onwards to the floating market at Damnoen Saduak. Here the merchants have spread out onto the water, selling their products from a series of bobbing boats. Traditional Thai houses line the banks. Take it slow and observe the locals going about their daily business. Your best option is to take to the river, too, and gently float along on a boat. Around noon, you will be arriving at the Bridge on the River Kwai. Having become famous through the movie of the same name, the bridge was constructed by prisoners of war during the Second World War and still functions as a railway line connecting Bangkok with Rangoon. Lunch will be served in the region. After lunch, visit the war museum and memorial. Journey back in time and learn more about the war, which – for good and worse – played an essential role in shaping today’s Thailand. The experience will allow you to understand the country’s history and its people. Afterwards, you board a boat travelling through the lush, rainforest landscapes. Thailand’s tropical nature is marvellous. Soon, you will be arriving at the Hellfire Pass, which forms part of the Death Railway. Behind the gruesome names is another wartime story: The 500 metres long and 26 deep pass was cut into the hard rock by prisoners with nothing more than a pickaxes, hammers and bare hands. Later, chase away war impressions with a performance of the traditional Mon Dance. Day three is dedicated to Thailand’s tropical nature. Today you will be hiking the Erawan National Park. Admire the lush flora and fauna. Tune in to the sound of the rainforest: the birds calling and the wind rustling the large leaves. At noon, a picnic will be prepared for you. Afterwards, you enjoy the peace of nature for a while longer before heading back to your comfortable accommodation. On day four you visit the ethnically fascinating village Mon. The Mon people, so far as the term can be applied, are indigenous - the original inhabitants of Thailand. They played an essential role in shaping today’s Buddhist religion. Find out more about their ancient way of life and admire the traditional architecture. In the afternoon, you board a train passing along the track commonly known as the Death Railway. Your next destination is Ayutthaya. Once a mighty royal empire, Ayutthaya is celebrated for its scenic temple ruins. Explore the ancient relics of early Thai culture at your leisure. As a wonderful day draws to an end, settle down with a glass of wine and make plans for your last day of the trip. The sun rising high on day five, you begin your last day’s itinerary. However, you still have a lot to look forward to: Today you will be visiting Wat Mongkol Borphith. The centerpiece at Wat Mongkol Borphith is the gigantic bronze statue. In fact, your last day is composed of a series of highlights: Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Yai Chai. Every temple is different, every one uniquely special. Leaving the temples behind, you ride a boat to Bang-Pa-In, the king’s former summer residence – another outstanding example of Thai architecture at its most glorious height! Take it slow… it is almost time to say goodbye. Today you will be leaving for Bangkok. Filled to the brim with Thai impressions, your trip draws to an end in the big city, where it began. Let our INTOSOL travel consultants know about any further plans you might have. It will be a pleasure for them to plan further adventures or to arrange a city or beach extension for you!