Treasures Of Thailand

Get to know Thailand’s capital! Visit the highlights, including the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, “Temple of Emerald Buddha” a 22-inch jade statue considered to be the symbol of the country, hence making it the most sacred temple in Thailand. Also visit the second most important temple, Wat Pho, with the famous 46-metre reclining Buddha. Explore the canals (klongs) of legendary Chao Phraya River lined with stilted homes and colonial mansions before stopping at Wat Arun, the “Temple of the Dawn,” one of the most iconic temples in Thailand.

In the morning head to Khao Yai National Park. Visit Wat Phra Phutthabat, a first-class royal temple constructed in 1624. The highlight of the temple is known as the Lord Buddha’s footprint. After analysis, the then-king commissioned a pavilion to be built to shelter the precious artefact. Visitors can also see an inscription by King Rama V, engraved during his visit to pay respect to the Lord Buddha’s footprint. After that visit Wat Theppitak Punnaram Temple with its 45-metre-high, white Buddha statue given by His Majesty King Rama IX. The meaning of the measurement is that the Buddha had been meditating for 45 years before his enlightenment. In the evening, embark on a night safari to see if you can spot wild animals such as civet, barking deer, porcupines, or elephants. Overnight at Phuwanalee Resort (or similar).

Drive to Khao Yai National Park, stopping at Heow Suwat waterfalls, made famous when they were used as a site location for filming the movie The Beach. Continue to Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Phra Mahathat, believed to house relics of the Lord Buddha. Visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet, from which the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok has been copied. Overnight at Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya (or similar).

Ayutthaya was once one of Indochina’s most prosperous cities, with numerous magnificent structures and ruins. Visit Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, used by the royal court as a summer retreat in the 17th century. The only royal residence open to the public is Wehart Chamrunt Palace, constructed entirely of materials imported from China. Visit JEATH War Museum, a realistic depiction of prisoner-of-war living quarters, with photographic, pictorial and physical memorabilia dating from World War II. Continue to Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, final resting place of 6,982 war prisoners (mostly British, Dutch, Australian and American) who lost their lives during the construction of the Bridge over the River Kwai and the railway to Burma (the Death Railway). Stay the next two nights at the Mida Kanchanaburi (or similar).

Today, we will visit Hellfire Pass (Konyu Cutting) and Hellfire Pass Museum, built and maintained by the Australian government, and dedicated to the Allied prisoners of war and Asian labourers who suffered and died at Hellfire Pass and elsewhere in the Asia Pacific region during World War II. Also visit world-famous Bridge over the River Kwai, a part of the Death Railway constructed by Allied prisoners of war. Take leisurely walks around town and pictures on the world-renowned Death Railway.

Today, head to Hua Hin in the Cha Am district. After you arrive, the rest of the day is free at your leisure. Stay the next three nights at Grand Pacific Sovereign Resort & Spa (or similar).

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by a free day at leisure.

Discover the beaches and small town of Hua Hin, with another free at leisure.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Bangkok for your onward journey.