Temples, Island Escape & Paradise Beaches

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, prepare to discover the history surrounding the famous River Kwai and the bridge that crosses it, protagonists of books and movies for their impactful roles during World War II. Early in the morning, depart by bus from Bangkok and head to the Kanchanaburi province, where we encounter the River Kwai.

Pay a visit to the War Cemetery, where prisoners who lost their lives during the construction of the bridge lie buried, and the War Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the history and gain a deeper understanding of these events.

Take a boat ride on the River Kwai to the bridge, with free time to stroll across. From there, head to the unusual railway section known as "Hellfire Pass", a cutting built in record time by Allied POW (mainly British and Australians) between 1942 and 1943. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Kanchanaburi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Our first visit of the day will be the city of Ayutthaya, ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam and archaeological center of the country. Upon arrival, visit its temples and remains of the most representative ancient fortifications. Ayutthaya, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a magical place and a must-see for enthusiasts of history and ancient civilizations.

Next, stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, transfer to the hotel, check-in and enjoy free time to enjoy the facilities. As the sun is setting, your guide will take you to the famous Ayutthaya market to taste traditional dishes and drinks*. Overnight stay in Ayutthaya.

* Drinks at meals and dinner not included.

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit the exterior of the Royal Palace of Bang Pa In, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and walk through its beautiful gardens.

Next, transfer to the local port of Ayutthaya. Embark the boat and sail down the river on the Chao Phraya to Bangkok. During the cruise observe riverside villages, the Royal Barge Museum, the Royal Palace and the impressive Temple of the Dawn in Bangkok.

Enjoy an international buffet lunch included on the boat. Arrive and transfer to Bangkok airport for a flight to Koh Samui. Thailand’s paradise island is well-known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest. Arrive, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Koh Samui.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to relax, explore and enjoy Koh Samui. Take a walk along the beaches, sip a cocktail or have a dip in the ocean. For the more adventurous, why not have a go at some water sports. Overnight stay in Koh Samui.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the magnificent beaches of the island, either sunbathing, strolling around or cooling off in its crystal clear waters. Overnight stay in Koh Samui.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, bid farewell to Koh Samui and say hello to Krabi. Located on southern Thailand’s west coast, this province is characterized by craggy, sheer limestone cliffs, dense mangrove forests, and more than a hundred offshore islands. Arrive, transfer to your hotel for check-in, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Krabi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the day at leisure to explore this tropical paradise. Famous for its scenic view and breathtaking beaches and islands, why not do a spot of snorkeling to discover the coral reefs. Overnight stay in Krabi.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy another day at leisure today, exploring more of this great destination. Why not check out local attractions such as hot springs, wildlife sanctuaries, sea caves, or national parks that include the island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. Overnight stay in Krabi.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer by land to Phuket. Arrive in beautiful Phuket, a paradise island of rainforests and mountains known as the ultimate escape in Thailand. After getting comfortable at your hotel the rest of the day is at your leisure to lounge by the pool or search for the most idyllic paradise coves. Overnight stay in Phuket.

Please note: The transfer to Phuket will take place in a large air conditioned van with an estimated journey time of around 3 and a half hours. The pick-up time from your hotel in Krabi will be confirmed on site. This service is exclusive to Exoticca customers only and will thus not be shared with other travelers.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to relax, explore and enjoy Phuket. Take a walk along the beaches, sip a cocktail or have a dip in the ocean, and for the more adventurous, maybe have a go at some water sports. We recommend an optional full-day excursion to iconic Phi Phi Islands*. Overnight stay in Phuket.

* Optional excursion to Phi Phi by speedboat (with lunch): The fabulous Phi Phi Islands are a must-see paradise archipelago. First, discover the wonders of Bamboo or Khai Islands. From there, head to the famous Monkey Beach where, with some luck, you can spot wild monkeys.

Continue to the other island that forms the archipelago, Phi Phi Don, where you can see Monkey Beach and swim in a bay surrounded by cliffs. Stop at a nearby beach to enjoy local lunch (drinks not included).

From there, head to Viking cave and those who wish can go snorkeling (both mask and snorkel are included in the excursion). Free time for swimming at Pileh Lagoon before making the last stop of the day at Rang or Pearl Island, where you can chill until the time to return to Phuket.

Please note: We recommend that you bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen for this excursion. Itinerary may be altered or varied depending on sea, tide and weather conditions. Drinks and fresh fruit on board included.

Important: Children under 3 years and adults over 70 years are not permitted to join the Optional Full-Day Phi Phi Island Excursion in Phuket.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the magnificent beaches of the island, either sunbathing, strolling around or cooling off in its crystal clear waters. Why not visit the old part of Phuket Town, the beautiful Buddhist and Chinese temples on the island or the great bazaars of Karon Beach and Patong Beach. We recommend an exciting optional excursion to Phang Nga Bay*. Overnight stay in Phuket.

* Optional Excursion to Phang Nga Bay by speedboat (with lunch): Discover a landscape formed by the curious cliffs, limestone formations and caves. Arrive at Khai Island and do a little snorkeling to kick-off the day. Set off in the direction of Hong to board a small canoe to explore the eroded cliffs and the island's famous sea caves. Discover the "hongs", inland lagoons between the rock formations and only accessible through caves at low tide.

Lunch at Panyi or Fisherman Village. After the canoe ride we will head to the famous James Bond Island. On the way to Phuket we will make a last stop at Panak Island. Return to the port in Phuket and transfer to the hotel by land.

Please note: We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen for this excursion. Itinerary may be altered or varied depending on sea state, tide and weather conditions. Drinks on board included.