Day 1 – Old Bangkok – Grand Palaces and Temples
 

Morning: Start your Bangkok itinerary by diving into Thailand’s cultural heritage and ticking off the city’s most famous and spectacular sights, palaces and temples in old Bangkok.

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Your first stop should be the stunning Grand Palace, a gorgeous glittering masterpiece of Thai art and architecture and the former residence of the Thai royal family.

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The Grand Palace complex is also home to Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha) which houses a revered statue of the Buddha carved from asingle piece of jade.We recommend getting there as early as possible.If you’re not staying nearby then the best way to get there is to catch the sky trainto Saphan Thaksin and then take the Chao Phraya Express Boat up the river to Phra Athit.
It’s a fun and refreshing way to get around and see the sights. Check out this guide to getting around Bangkok by boat first.

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After your mind has been blown by the Grand Palace you could check out the unique Amulet Market and then head to Wat Pho (The Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and marvel at the massive famous reclining buddha that is covered in gold leaf. You can also enjoy a foot massage at the traditional Thai medicine and massage school here.
​As these temples are religious sites they have a strict dress code. Both men and women must dress respectively (covering shoulders and legs) and remove footwear to enter. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted, so wear loose, lightweight pants and a t shirt and be respectful of the local customs and traditions. See more tips for visiting temples in Thailand.

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Be aware that there are a few scams around the Grand Palace and there’s so much detail to take in you might want to take a guided tour to learn about Thai culture and spiritualty and have the best experience. If you’d like a guide consider this private and customizable full day Bangkok tour. Your friendly guide will accompany you wherever you want to go and help you get to know the city.

 

Lunch: For lunch, why not enjoy some traditional Thai food by the riverside. Near Wat Pho you’ll find a variety of restaurants including THE SIXTH 6th, a reasonably priced cosy and tasty Thai café.

If you’d like a lunch with a view try Eat Sight Story Deck, a cosy waterfront restaurant with views of Wat Arun. They serve a variety of traditional Thai dishes like green curry and pad thai, as well as some western favourites.

Afternoon: If you want to escape the afternoon heat and learn more about Thai culture and history why not visit one of Bangkok’s air-conditioned museums. The Museum of Siam is an interactive museum close to Wat Pho and makes the ideal activity to do after lunch.

Afterwards, cross the river and visit the iconic Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn.) Wat Arun is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and is dedicated to the Hindu god Aruna. It’s famous for it’s 70 meter high mosaic covered spire (phrang) which you can climb up for amazing views over the river.
Cross back over the river and grab a taxi or tuk tuk to Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan (The Golden Mount) in time for sunset and enjoy the views over the city. If you fancy trying some Michelin starred Bangkok street food then Jay Fay’s stall is close by. This famous goggled chef is renowned for her amazing crab omelettes.

Evening: A popular and relaxing way to end your first day in Bangkok is with a Chao Phraya River Cruise. These cruises usually include a buffet dinner (and some also have entertainment or karaoke) It’s a nice way to see the temples along the river and the skyline illuminated at night.

Or check out the infamous Khao San Road, a buzzing street popular with backpackers and budget travelers that is lined with street food stalls, bars and nightclubs with cheap drinks. Even if you’re not a backpacker, it’s a unique experience and worth a look.​​​​​​​​​​​​


Day 2: Floating Markets and Maeklong railway market

After temples, another thing that Bangkok is famous for is floating markets, street food and shopping so get ready to explore these on your 2nd day in Bangkok.

Morning: Bangkok is known as the Venice of the East due to it’s ancient waterways and traditionally many markets were held on the water. Nowdays, Bangkok’s floating markets are pretty touristy but it’s still a fun and unique experience.

Start your day by heading to the Damnoen Saduak floating market where vendors ply the canals in boats selling everything from snacks to souvenirs. Hop aboard a long tail boat to join in the fun and practice your bargaining skills.

​Afternoon:

​Another interesting sight is the Maeklong railway market where you’ll experience the vendors packing up the stalls and jumping out of the way as the train comes through the market.

These markets are a bit out of the city so the easiest way to get there is with a tour. This floating market and railway market tour combines both into an easy full day trip.
 

Day 3 – Ancient Ayutthaya

Daytime: If you’re interested in Thai history and want to see some more iconic sights from Thailand’s past then Ayutthaya is a must visit.

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The ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located just 1.5 hours from Bangkok so it makes an easy day trip. It was once the capital of Siam (the former name of Thailand) and a wealthy trading port.

​The Ayutthaya Historical Park contains the ruins of the ancient temples and palaces of the former capital. A highlight is the three impressive stupas (dome-shaped structures) of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the huge reclining buddha and the Buddha head entwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat.

As the site is in ruins having a local guide will help bring the ruined capital to life so you understand it’s importance. This Ayutthaya day trip includes transport, a knowledgeable guide and also visits the nearby former summer home of the Thai kings – Bang Pa-In Royal Palace.
 

Day 4

Start your 3-day getaway early with pick-up from your hotel in Bangkok at 6:00 am and depart for Kanchanaburi. Once you arrive in Kanchanaburi, visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, an interactive museum where you can learn about the history of this famous railway. Your next visit is the Allied War Cemetery, a memorial to the 6,000 Allied POWs who died building the Death Railway. Then, Kanchanaburi’s most cone-shaped landmark, the Bridge over the River Kwai. Take a longtail boat down the River Kwai to the

River Kwai Jungle Rafts Hotel. Check in and have lunch upon arrival. In the afternoon, take a longtail boat downriver to Phu Takian Pier and continue on to visit the

Hellfire Pass Memorial. Enjoy dinner at the hotel in the evening, followed by a 45-minute presentation of the traditional Mon Dance.
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Day 5

Wake up to the sounds of nature

surrounding your room and enjoy breakfast served. You will then visit the nearby Mon Tribal Village. Learn about the way of life of the Mon villagers, originally from Myanmar who were given permission by the Thai authorities to build this village after fleeing their homeland. Enjoy an authentic Thai lunch and enjoy an easy jungle walk in the afternoon.

After a day of exploring the rainforest, return to the hotel for dinner.
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Day 6

Wake up feeling recharged after 2 days in the jungle and enjoy a final breakfast and a relaxing morning. Check out of your room and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Finally, take a historic ride on the Death Railway, traveling over the original wooden viaduct.

You will then return to Bangkok and be dropped off at your hotel around 6:00 PM.

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Included

6 Days Tour to River Kwai Bridge and Kanchanaburi and Bangkok Highlights

Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in central Bangkok

English speaking tour guide

Entrance fees to all mentioned attractions

6 nights at Bangkok and River Kwai Jungle Rafts based on double occupancy

Breakfast