River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

Trip Type: Short Breaks

Thailand | 3 Days | 1 - 12 People

Leave behind the fast-moving streets of the Thai capital and take time out to experience Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder near the ...

River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

Leave behind the fast-moving streets of the Thai capital and take time out to experience Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder near the border of Burma (Myanmar). Explore this ancient Siam capital with a knowledgeable local guide, and see timeworn temples, bell-shaped chedis and intricately carved relics of Thailand’s golden era. Travel to the shady town of Kanchanaburi and pay tribute to the brave POWs who perished while building the infamous Hellfire Pass and Bridge on the River Kwai. Delve further into World War II history on a visit to the War Museum and Allied Cemetery before this historical sojourn completes the loop back in Bangkok.

Itinerary

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Around 8 am this morning, you’ll be picked up from the joining point hotel to begin your adventure. Your first stop is the Bang Pa Inn Palace – a former summer retreat of Thai kings on the Chao Phraya River. Admire the grounds, which are a combination of European and Thai designed buildings and gardens. Next, visit Ayutthaya – one of the ancient capitals of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, explore Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon – a temple that might offer a glimpse into the future, as it’s home to a fortune teller! Continue to Wat Phanan Cheoeng – Ayutthaya's answer to the Taj Mahal, this is one of Ayutthaya's oldest temples and home to a 19-m-high Buddha image. 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, move on to the 13th century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat. The rows of Burmese beheaded Buddhas are very atmospheric and a Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots is perhaps the most photographed site in all of Ayutthaya. Head west to Kanchanaburi and check into your resort, located on the famous River Kwai.

This morning, you’ll visit Erawan National Park, where you can explore the seven-level waterfall or simply swim and relax. The falls are considered the most beautiful in the country, with glacial blue waters rushing through the forest into bamboo-shaded pools. If you want to make the climb all the way from level one to level seven, it’s about a 1.5-hour hike. After lunch, travel back to Kanchanaburi, where you'll learn about a tragic part of the area's history at Hellfire Pass Memorial, which was built to honour the Allied POWs and Asian conscripts who died while constructing some of the most difficult stretches of the Thai-Burma Death Railway. Travel to Nam Tok Train Station – the end of the original death railway station during World War II, which was constructed by the allied POWs. Ride along the historic tracks alongside the Kwai Noi River, passing through Tham Krasae Station – one of the most beautiful panoramic scenes of the river. After arriving at Kilen Train Station, transfer back to the hotel. Tonight, you have the option to head into Kanchanaburi's famous night markets and try a variety of Western Thai dishes.

After breakfast, head out on a tour of the sights surrounding the town. This will include the WWII War Museum, the Allied War Cemetery and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Travel through lush scenery and back to a dark time in the area’s history. You’ll then end your Short Break Adventure and return to Bangkok, where your trip ends at approximately 2 pm. If you’d like to extend your stay in Bangkok, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Inclusions

Meals
2 Breakfast(s), 2 Lunch(s),

Transport
Private minibus , Songthaew , Train

Accommodation
Hotel (2 nights)

Included Activities

Ayutthaya - Ayutthaya Historical Park
Bang Pa Inn Palace - Summer Palace
Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
Kanchanaburi - Historical Train Journey
Kanchanaburi - Tour (WWII museum, Allied War Cemetery, Bridge over River Kwai)

Trip Highlights

Explore the ancient and modern history of Thailand with a three-day trip from Bangkok, taking in Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya.
Uncover a golden age of Siam with the royal residences and atmospheric temples of ancient Ayutthaya.
Swim in idyllic rock pools fed by waterfalls in the seven-tiered Erawan National Park. If you’re game, you can even take a short hike to the top for views across the jungle.
Take a ride on the Death Railway and learn all about this tragic part of history at the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum.
Travel to the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai for gorgeous views over the water.

Trip Notes

On Short Breaks, you maintain a good level of independence and freedom, with the added bonus of having the details sorted out for you. You’ll have lots of free time and you won’t be accompanied by a Trip Leader. This means that all included activities and tours will be run by different local Intrepid partners, and these may operate independently from each other. The included activities and transfers will operate on a join-in basis, which means that you could have your Adventure all to yourself, or others may join you along the way. If you would prefer to travel in a group with a dedicated Trip Leader, just get in touch with your booking agent and they will take you through some alternatives.

Dates & Availability

Departing

Finishing

Availability

This Trip Currently has no Dates & Availability

Provided by

Intrepid Travel

Reference Code:
TTAR

Trip Location

Trip Starts:
Bangkok, Thailand

Trip Finishes:
Bangkok, Thailand

Countries Visited:
Thailand

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