Bangkok - Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Erawan Falls - Kanchanaburi

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Our first destination of the day is the renowned Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. You’ll hop on a long-tail boat for a journey through the canals.

The Damnoen Saduak canal was commissioned by King Rama IV in 1866 to ease water travel between the Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon provinces. It was completed and opened to the public in 1868.

Images of this lively market, with boats brimming with colorful fruits and vegetables, agricultural products, and authentic local sweets, delicacies, and souvenirs, are frequently featured in travel magazines and brochures about Thailand.

NOTE: Damnoen Saduak is quite touristy nowadays, but it still offers the floating market experience, even if it doesn’t always feel completely authentic.

Erawan National Park - Established in 1975 as Thailand’s 12th National Park, Erawan National Park boasts one of the country’s most popular waterfalls. The main attraction is the 7-tiered Erawan Falls with its emerald green ponds. The waterfall is named after the three-headed elephant from Hindu mythology, as the top tier resembles it. Here, you have ample time for a refreshing swim in the jungle or even hike to the top level of the falls (weather permitting).

Don’t forget to bring suitable walking shoes, swimwear, and a towel.

Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya - Bangkok

Bridge Over the River Kwai - Early in the morning, we depart from the hotel and head to the former capital, Ayutthaya. But first, we make a brief stop at the Bridge on the River Kwai, which was part of the ‘Death Railway.’

The infamous Death Railway, also known as the Burma Railway, was the name given by World War II prisoners of war to the railway they were forced to construct between Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). The Japanese employed forced labor on a massive scale. The conditions were horrific, and over 100,000 workers, including thousands of Dutch, English, and American people, perished due to malnutrition, disease, and abuse.

Wat Mahathat - Wat Mahathat, also called the Monastery of the Great Relic, is believed to have been built around the 14th century and once housed the Supreme Patriarch, leader of the Thai Buddhist monks. The most famous attraction at Wat Mahathat is a tree whose roots have grown around a Buddha statue’s head.

PLEASE NOTE:
Entrance fee of THB 50 per person is not included and must be paid in cash on the day.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet - Primarily used for ceremonies that validated the king’s spiritual and moral authority, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the official royal temple. No monks resided here, and only those within the royal circle were permitted entry. Destroying Wat Phra Si Sanphet and the Royal Palace was a priority for the invading Burmese. They melted down 160 kilos of gold from the Phra Buddha Chai Sri Sanphet image and set fire to everything else. The distinctive pagodas of Wat Phra Si Sanphet are among Ayutthaya’s most iconic sights.

PLEASE NOTE:
Entrance fee of THB 50 per person is not included and must be paid in cash on the day.

Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit - This renowned temple is located south of Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Its large bronze seated Buddha image, Phra Mongkhon Bophit, is one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand, measuring 9.5 meters across the lap and 12.5 meters in height. During Ayutthaya’s fall, the building and the image were severely damaged by fire. The current Vihara and Buddha image were reconstructed and renovated during the reign of King Rama V.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram - Wat Chaiwatthanaram was constructed in 1630 by King Prasat Thong during the later period of Ayutthaya. It was built to honor his mother’s hometown and to celebrate his coronation. The main prang is encircled by numerous smaller prangs and towers in eight directions. Wat Chaiwatthanaram was a royal monastery where the King and his descendants performed religious rites. It also served as a cremation site for members of the Royal family. With its Khmer-style architecture, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is one of Ayutthaya’s most impressive ancient temples.

PLEASE NOTE:
Entrance fee of THB 50 per person is not included and must be paid in cash on the day.

• Hydration with provided drinking water
• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
• Included National Park fee for Erawan National Park access
• Start the day with a complimentary breakfast
• Guidance by an English-speaking tour guide
• Cozy one-night stay in a mid-range hotel with modern amenities
• Scenic long-tail boat ride at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

• Lunches (day 1 & day 2) and dinner
• Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
• Entrance fee Wat Mahathat (THB 50 per person)
• Entrance fee Wat Phra Si Sanphet (THB 50 per person)
• Entrance fee Wat Chaiwatthanaram (THB 50 per person)
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities for driver and guide (not mandatory)