Departure from US airport for Bangkok, Thailand
On Arrival at Bangkok airport, Welcome to Thailand! Arrive in Bangkok and transfer to your hotel; remainder of the day is at leisure and relax.
Overnight: Bangkok
This morning, take a tour that introduces you to Bangkok, the "City of Angels". Drive through Indian Market with hundreds of market stalls, street-side restaurants, and gold shops. On to colorful "Little India" with its bright hanging walls of glistening fabrics and the fragrant wholesale Flower Market. Visit serene Wat Po, (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) the oldest and largest temple in the city, with its astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 40 feet high. Drive via Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace. The rest of the day is at leisure before tonight's orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5 PM, followed by dinner at the hotel
Overnight: Bangkok
Today is yours to explore Bangkok independently. Or, take the tour to the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom, and to Wat Phra Kaew, (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), with its brightly colored buildings, golden spires and gorgeous mosaics. You'll see the distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the afternoon, embark on the canal tour along the Chao Phraya River passing by Wat Arun and other iconic landmarks as well as a scenic view of local life along the river. Then travel on a tuk-tuk to dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel
Overnight: Bangkok
Travel southwest this morning to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak Floating Market; observe how the ancient trading of wares is conducted between hundreds of local farmers and villagers aboard small sampan boats. The boats are fully loaded with all kinds of products including fruits, vegetables, dry goods, and freshly cooked food. From the Floating market, continue to the quiet provincial capital of Kanchanaburi, with its stunning natural beauty and beautiful rivers. Walk over the steel bridge at the River Kwai, one of the most famous rivers in the world, which gained international fame in the book and film, "Bridge on the River Kwai". The bridge, several museums, and cemeteries have respectfully preserved the history and memorialized the dead. Tonight, have dinner at a hotel restaurant
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Today is at leisure to explore Kanchanaburi independently. take the full day Hellfire Pass and Death Railway tour. Hellfire Pass derives its name from Allied POWs forced to work day and night in the jungle to complete the bridge and rail line using only simple tools; more than 12,000 soldiers and 80,000 Asian laborers perished during the construction. Lunch en route before returning to the hotel
Overnight: Kanchanaburi
Depart Kanchanaburi and travel to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as the largest city in Southeast Asia. In the center of the city lies Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries, and towers - one can envision the grandeur and splendor that was once the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. After lunch, continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong, a commoner who overthrew the previous king and took his throne. Here, you can enjoy the peaceful and tranquil surroundings of Siam before dinner
Overnight: Ayutthaya
This morning, time permitting, meet children at a local school* then visit Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, this served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai Kings. Continue to Pattaya, a seaside resort on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, with its beautiful beaches and sparkling azure waters. En route stop at a gem gallery to watch jewelry being made and learn more about the gems used. Arrive at the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure
*School visit is subject to changes due to school scheduling
Overnight: Pattaya
Today is at leisure to relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Perhaps, escape by speedboat to the stunning Coral Island, Koh Larn, brimming with an abundance of coral formations and underwater life. Unwind at the beach or, try out some water sports, including waterskiing, parasailing, and windsurfing. Choose to visit the Pattaya Floating market, one of the biggest in the world. Separated into four sections, with each offering and representing items from the four major regions of Thailand. Here, you will find food and fruit stalls as well as souvenir shops. Tonight, time on your own to savor a delicious dinner at a seaside restaurant or enjoy the vibrant nightlife that the town is known for
Overnight: Pattaya.
Transfer to the airport in Bangkok for your departure flight.