Bangkok - Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Erawan Falls - Kanchanaburi

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - The day begins with a visit to the renowned Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Guests will embark on a long-tail boat journey through the canals.

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

Images of this lively market, showcasing boats filled with vibrant fruits, vegetables, agricultural goods, and authentic local sweets, delicacies, and souvenirs, are frequently featured in travel magazines and brochures about Thailand.

NOTE: While Damnoen Saduak is quite touristy today, it still offers the quintessential floating market experience, even if it may not always feel entirely authentic.

Wat Tham Sua - The next stop is Wat Tham Suea, one of the most remarkable temples in the Kanchanaburi Province countryside. Situated atop a hill, the temple provides sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including lush rice fields, quaint villages, and limestone mountains.

The temple complex’s highlight is an impressive 18-meter-high seated Buddha statue, adorned with golden mosaic tiles that glisten in the sunlight. Adjacent to the Buddha is a tall chedi and several smaller shrines where locals come to pray and make merit.

After exploring the temple grounds, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from the hilltop. On clear days, the endless green rice fields stretching across the valley create one of the region’s most picturesque scenes.

Erawan National Park - Established in 1975 as Thailand’s 12th national park, Erawan National Park is one of the country’s most stunning natural areas, renowned for the spectacular Erawan Falls.

The waterfall cascades down limestone cliffs in seven tiers, each forming clear emerald-green pools surrounded by lush tropical forest. The falls are named after the mythical three-headed elephant Erawan, as the shape of the top tier is said to resemble its head.

A scenic jungle trail follows the waterfalls, passing beautiful pools and smaller cascades along the way. At several levels, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water. More adventurous guests can hike to the seventh and highest level, where peaceful surroundings and views over the forest await (weather and trail conditions permitting).

During the visit, there will be time to relax, swim, explore the different levels, or simply enjoy the tranquil jungle atmosphere.

Please bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and a towel.

Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya - Bangkok

Bridge Over the River Kwai - The day begins early as the journey towards the former capital of Siam, Ayutthaya, commences.

Along the way, there is a brief stop at the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, which was part of the infamous Burma Railway, also known as the “Death Railway”.

During World War II, Allied prisoners of war and Asian laborers were forced by the Japanese army to construct this railway between Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). The railway traversed dense jungle and rugged mountains and was built under extremely harsh conditions.

The conditions were dire. Workers suffered from exhaustion, tropical diseases, malnutrition, and brutal treatment. It is estimated that more than 100,000 people lost their lives during the railway’s construction, including thousands of Dutch, British, and American prisoners of war. Today, the bridge stands as a poignant reminder of this tragic chapter in history.

Wat Mahathat - Wat Mahathat is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century during the early years of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. It was one of the most significant temples in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya and is thought to have served as the residence of the Supreme Patriarch, the highest-ranking leader of the Thai Buddhist monastic order.

In its prime, Wat Mahathat stood at the religious heart of the city, located close to the royal palace and surrounded by impressive chedis, prangs, and monastery buildings. Although much of the temple was destroyed when the Burmese army invaded Ayutthaya, the atmospheric ruins still offer a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of the former capital.

Today, the temple is best known for one of the most photographed sights in Thailand: a serene Buddha head entwined within the roots of a banyan tree. Over the centuries, the tree’s roots have gently grown around the stone head, creating a remarkable image that has become an iconic symbol of Ayutthaya.

Wat Phra Sri Sanphet - Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the most important temple of the ancient capital Ayutthaya. Located within the Royal Palace grounds, it served as the official royal temple where ceremonies were held to affirm the king’s spiritual authority. Unlike most Thai temples, no monks lived here, and access was largely limited to the royal court.

The temple once housed the magnificent Phra Buddha Chai Sri Sanphet, a large Buddha statue covered with about 160 kilos of gold. When the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya in 1767, destroying the Royal Palace and temple was a priority. They melted down the gold from the statue and set fire to many buildings.

Today, the three elegant chedis at the center of the temple are among the most iconic sights of Ayutthaya. These pagodas once enshrined the ashes of Ayutthaya kings and remain a powerful reminder of the city’s former royal grandeur.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Lokayasutharam) - Wat Lokayasutharam is one of the most impressive temple ruins in the historic city of Ayutthaya. The temple is best known for its enormous Reclining Buddha statue, which measures about 42 meters long and 8 meters high. Draped in a bright saffron robe, the serene image represents the Buddha entering nirvana and is one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Thailand.

Although most of the original temple buildings have disappeared over the centuries, the peaceful setting and open temple grounds create a calm and reflective atmosphere. Today, Wat Lokayasutharam remains a popular stop for visitors exploring the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram - Wat Chaiwatthanaram was built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong during the later period of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. The temple was constructed to commemorate his mother and to celebrate his coronation as king. The architectural design was inspired by the great Khmer temples of Angkor and symbolizes the universe according to Buddhist and Hindu cosmology.

At the center of the complex stands a large prang representing Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe. This central tower is surrounded by smaller prangs and chedis arranged symmetrically in eight directions, creating a striking and harmonious layout.

Wat Chaiwatthanaram served as an important royal monastery where the king and members of the royal family performed religious ceremonies. It was also used as a cremation site for members of the royal court.

With its impressive Khmer-style architecture and beautifully preserved ruins, Wat Chaiwatthanaram is today considered one of the most magnificent ancient temples in Ayutthaya.

• Snacks & drinking water
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• English speaking guide
• All entrance fees
• Lunch
• Breakfast
• One night accommodation in mid-range hotel with air conditioning and private bathroom
• Long-tail boat ride at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

• Meals not mentioned under ‘What’s Included’
• Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities for driver and guide (optional)

Experience three incredible destinations in just two days!

Discover Damnoen Saduak, Thailand’s most renowned floating market, perfect for capturing stunning photos, savoring delicious food, and gaining insight into a historical way of life.

Explore Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi, where the breathtaking seven-tiered Erawan Falls serve as the park’s main attraction. Delight in a refreshing swim in the natural jungle pools or hike to the top of the waterfalls.

Visit Ayutthaya, the former capital, and uncover ancient Buddhas and some of the country’s most exquisite temple ruins. This journey back in time to Ayutthaya, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a remarkable glimpse into the city’s once-glorious and prosperous past!

• If a booking is made for 3 people, room type will be a triple room (with extra roll-away bed for the 3rd person).
• If a booking is made for 5 people, room type will be double room and a triple room (with extra roll-away bed for the 3rd person).
• Remember that temples are sacred places and you must dress appropriately. Shoulders and knees need to be covered. No leggings, too tight pants, or revealing tops, otherwise access may be denied.
• Our tours operate rain or shine, as tropical rain showers in Thailand usually don’t last long. If it rains heavily, we try to seek shelter and will continue as soon as the weather improves. During the rainy season, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Please note cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.
• Damnoen Saduak is very touristy nowadays, but it still guarantees the floating market experience, even though it doesn’t always feel totally authentic.
• While changes to the itinerary are very rare, we reserve the right to modify the published schedule whenever, in our judgment, circumstances require it or if we consider it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of our guests.
• Due to limited space in the minivan, we kindly ask each guest to bring only one suitcase per person.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.