River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

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3 Days From

$645

River Kwai & Ancient Thai Kingdoms

3 Days Starting and ending in Bangkok

Visiting: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Kanchanaburi, Kanchanaburi, Kanchanaburi/Bangkok

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TTAR

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $645

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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.

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.

  • 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

  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, EcoThailand Foundation. Donations help educate school children on important environmental issues like climate change, nature appreciation, conservation and sustainability.

  • 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.

  • Travel to the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai for gorgeous views over the water.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Kanchanaburi

Location: Bangkok/Ayutthaya/Kanchanaburi

Accommodation: River Kwai Bridge Resort or similar

Meals Included: lunch

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.

Included Activities:
-Ayutthaya - Ayutthaya Historical Park
-Bang Pa Inn Palace - Summer Palace

Day 2: Kanchanaburi

Location: Kanchanaburi

Accommodation: River Kwai Bridge Resort or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

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.

Included Activities:
-Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
-Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum
-Kanchanaburi - Historical Train Journey

Day 3: Kanchanaburi/Bangkok

Location: Kanchanaburi/Bangkok

Meals Included: breaksfast

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.

Included Activities:
-Kanchanaburi - Tour (WWII museum, Allied War Cemetery, Bridge over River Kwai)

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (2 nights)

  • 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)

  • Meals

    2 breakfasts, 2 lunches

Transport

  • Private minibus , Songthaew , Train

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in your selected accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible, which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and explore the new destination.
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Included Activities

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

Important Information

  • 1. This Short Break Adventure starts at 8 am on Day 1 and finishes in the afternoon at approximately 2 pm on Day
  • 2. You will be picked up on Day 1 from the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Trip Note Information for this itinerary. Pick-up will take place between 8 am and 8.30 am in the hotel foyer.
  • 3. If you require pick up from another centrally-located hotel in Bangkok, please inform your booking agent at least 14 days prior to departure.

Mode of Transport

  • Private minibus , Songthaew , Train

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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