Authentic Thailand, West to East

BANGKOK
You’ll take the elevated train overlooking the city, its streets and its legendary traffic jams, as far as Taksin Bridge on the riverbank. From there, board a boat-bus on the Chao Phraya before stopping for a walk through the remarkable “Phak Khlong Talad” flower market. Transfer by tuk tuk to the Phra Chan pier near the Grand Palace, where small shops and restaurants line the pier alongside the amulet market. A second short tuk tuk transfer takes you to the Royal Hotel on Rachadamnoen Avenue. You’ll continue on foot through narrow lanes lined with old wooden houses and tiny shops, where life still resembles that of a village. This zigzagging walk through a largely unsuspected side of Bangkok leads to Wat Ratchanadda and the Loha Prasat (Metal Temple). From there you’ll reach Wat Saket (the Golden Mount), before taking a boat taxi along a canal lined with houses and various neighbourhoods — another side of Bangkok few visitors see.
You’ll also wander through Chinatown. Your car will drop you near Charoen Krung Avenue, one of Chinatown’s main arteries, from where your walking exploration begins. The visit ends with a reflexology session (foot massage), followed by free time to spend as you wish.
Meals not included.

AMPHAWA
Early morning departure by train to Mahachai (1h), home to one of Thailand’s largest fish markets. After this fascinating walk through crowded, colourful streets, you’ll take a ferry across the Tha Chin River, then board another small train to the Mae Klong terminal station (1h). This stretch crosses wetlands and salt marshes. Mae Klong market sits directly on the railway tracks: as the train arrives and departs, vendors push their goods aside and fold back their tarpaulins — a truly striking sight. Transfer by tuk tuk to Amphawa, a few kilometres away. Lunch at the resort. Free time to enjoy the pool, book a massage, or simply unwind by the river. Around 4pm, departure by small boat on the Maeklong River and then along one of the main canals. The canals are lined with traditional houses where life has changed little over the centuries, and children swim in the river.
Dinner at the resort.

KANCHANABURI
On the way to Kanchanaburi by boat along the Maeklong River, the first stop is Wat Bang Kung, a temple dating from the Ayutthaya era, enveloped in the roots of a banyan tree. You’ll continue along Bang Noi canal, passing traditional houses, gardens, and locals heading to their orchards by small boat, soup vendors, and more — a fascinating and moving experience. Return to the Maeklong River with a stop at Rama II Park, then continue by road north of Kanchanaburi. A planned stop at “Hell Fire Pass” lets you walk along this historic railway line, forever tied to one of the most difficult chapters of Thailand’s history during World War II. Then transfer by boat to your hotel on the banks of the Kwae Noi River, set in a magnificent green landscape, as you travel upriver along banks overtaken by vegetation.
Later in your journey, you’ll pass through Kanchanaburi again and visit the Bridge over the River Kwai.
Meals not included.

SANGKHLABURI
Departure from your hotel on a bamboo raft for a ride along the river to an elephant camp, followed by a walk through the surrounding nature. Drive on to Sangkhlaburi, around a hundred kilometres, with a stop at Kroeng Krawia waterfall for a picnic lunch. Continue on to Sangkhlaburi; the scenic road follows the shores of Khao Laem Lake with its small islands. Arrival in Sangkhlaburi, a small town at the confluence of three rivers and the beautiful Khao Laem Lake. Visit Wat Wangwiwekaram, with its distinctly Burmese character, then walk through the Mon quarter (an ethnic group originally from Burma) with its picturesque houses.
The next day, before departure, you may rise early if you wish to take part in the monks’ alms-giving ceremony. A stroll through the small market lets you sample “café boran” and local doughnuts. You’ll then board a small boat for a trip on Khao Laem Lake, where you’ll likely spot fragile fishing structures as well as the partially submerged remains of an old temple swallowed by the lake. This ride through striking scenery ends 15 km from town, by a small lakeside village.
Dinner at the hotel.

PILOK
Continue by road to Thong Pha Phum, with a stop by the Kwae Noi River for lunch at a local restaurant. After a short visit to the local market, continue toward Pilok, Thailand’s westernmost point, around 45 km from the Burmese border. The scenic road climbs gently along the forest, offering fine viewpoints, including a breathtaking stop overlooking the region, its mountains, and Khao Laem Lake in the distance. A 4×4 will meet you along a small track and take you to a remote guesthouse at the end of the road, where you’ll be welcomed with tea and cakes. Dinner at the guesthouse.

AYUTTHAYA
Your visit will be by “kermitt” tuk tuk (with two facing bench seats), a style unique to Ayutthaya. You’ll visit the ancient capital’s main sites: Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the symbol of Ayutthaya within the former royal palace grounds; Wat Mongkhon Bophit; Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon with its reclining Buddha; and the majestic Wat Chaiwatthanaram on the riverbank, before finishing with a stroll through the local market.
Meals not included.

KHAO YAI NATIONAL PARK
Enter Khao Yai National Park from the south; the small road winds through forest and, in places, jungle. Stop to visit Haew Narok waterfall. The road then climbs toward park headquarters before branching off to Haew Suwat waterfall.
Picnic lunch in the park.
Continue toward Khao Yai headquarters, then stop for the start of a jungle walk with a park ranger (an easy walk, lasting around 1h30 to 2h). Your local guide will teach you to recognise animal calls and explain the local flora and fauna; you may spot monkeys, hornbills, and other wildlife. Continue to your resort, located a few minutes from one of the park entrances, and check in.
Dinner not included.

SURIN
Departure from Khao Yai and entry into the Isan region. The eastward road leads to Isan’s famous Khmer sites. Visit Phanom Rung Temple, built atop an extinct volcano, where a grand staircase leads up to the temple, lending the site its majesty — unquestionably one of Thailand’s finest Khmer temples. Visit Muang Tham Temple, with its ponds flanked by naga serpents, located some ten kilometres away. Continue east through Surin province to the small town of Buachet. Arrival and check-in at your villa. If you wish, you can prepare an authentic Thai dinner with your hosts and learn a few culinary secrets.
Lunch not included, dinner at the villa.

KHONG CHIAM
In the morning, visit Buachet market with its local specialities before heading east toward Sikhoraphum, stopping at a small basket-weaving village along the way. Then visit the small Khmer temple of Sikhoraphum, with its brick towers and finely carved lintels. Continue toward Sisaket. In Sisaket province, visit the small Khmer site of Kamphaeng Yai, then stop en route at the forgotten temple of Prasat Ban Prasat, with its Laotian-style towers. Visit a village where women weave silk at home (during the dry season). Lunch at a small local restaurant, then continue to the country’s eastern border at Khong Chiam, where you’ll spend the night.
Dinner not included.
The next morning, head to Pha Taem National Park overlooking the Mekong. Beyond fine views over Laos, you’ll see Thailand’s most significant rock paintings, dating back 2,000 to 3,000 years, as well as striking “mushroom” rock formations shaped by erosion. You’ll then board a motorised longtail boat for a ride on the Mekong and to the confluence with the Mun River.

In summary:
– 3 nights in Bangkok, 3-star hotel
– 1 night in Amphawa, 3-star boutique hotel
– 1 night in Kanchanaburi, 3-star boutique hotel
– 1 night in Sangkhlaburi, 2-star hotel
– 1 night in Pilok, boutique guesthouse
– 1 night in Kanchanaburi, 3-star boutique hotel
– 1 night in Ayutthaya, 3-star boutique hotel
– 1 night in Khao Yai, 3-star hotel
– 1 night in Buachet, private villa
– 1 night in Khong Chiam, 3-star hotel

The activities listed in this itinerary are subject to change depending on weather conditions, site closures (public holidays or government decree), or guest safety.