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13 days

Bangkok, the River Kwai & beach holiday on Koh Samet

Experience Bangkok from the saddle of a bicycle and delve into history at the River Kwai. Explore Ayutthaya’s impressive temple ruins and conclude your tour on Koh Samet’s beautiful beaches.

Bangkok, the River Kwai & beach holiday on Koh Samet
Bangkok, the River Kwai & beach holiday on Koh Samet
13 days
HomeAsiaThailandBangkok, the River Kwai & beach holiday on Koh Samet

Bangkok, the River Kwai & beach holiday on Koh Samet

Experience Bangkok from the saddle of a bicycle and delve into history at the River Kwai. Explore Ayutthaya’s impressive temple ruins and conclude your tour on Koh Samet’s beautiful beaches.

HomeAsiaThailandBangkok, the River Kwai & beach holiday on Koh Samet
What is included in the price?
This package includes the following
  • Flights from chosen airport to Bangkok and return flights
  • 8 nights in 4-star hotels
  • 1 night at Hintok River Camp in a luxury tent
  • 1 night on the floating hotel River Kwai Jungle Rafts
  • 10 breakfasts (day 3-12)
  • 3 lunches (day 5, 6, 7)
  • 3 dinners (day 5, 6, 7)
  • Welcome meeting in Bangkok
  • Local English-speaking guides for transfers and excursions
  • All mentioned transfers and excursions take place in international groups
  • Travel by car or minibus with air conditioning
  • Speedboat transfer to and from Koh Samet
  • Option to extend beach holiday on Koh Samet
  • ATOL certificate included
  • Emergency hotline staffed 24/7 throughout your trip
  • Departure guarantee – the tour will take place regardless of the number of participants

Comprehensive package of excursions:

  • Cycling tour in Bangkok
  • Excursion in Kanchanaburi visiting the Thailand-Burma Railway Museum, War Cemetery, the Bridge on the River Kwai, and the Hellfire Pass Memorial
  • Train ride on the Death Railway
  • Visit to Ayutthaya Night Market including dinner
  • Excursion to Ayutthaya Historical Park
  • Entry fees and charges for mentioned attractions

THE TOUR IN SHORT

When you choose to tour Thailand, you don’t always have to head north or south. Central Thailand offers both exciting urban experiences, beautiful and lush nature, historical sites, and stunning white sand beaches.

This tour begins in Bangkok, where you’ll embark on an exciting bike tour away from the busy main roads and into traditional Bangkok – essentially a backroad bike tour. Of course, there’s also a day free for you to enjoy Thailand’s fascinating capital at your own pace.

From Bangkok’s vibrant atmosphere, you’ll embark on a historical and scenic journey to the beautiful, lush area by the River Kwai. Here, you’ll gain fascinating insights into Thailand’s harsh history during World War II, while also enjoying a breathtaking natural experience. Surrounded by dense jungle and the peaceful sounds of the river, you’ll spend the night in a luxury tent in the midst of nature, and on a unique flotell that floats directly on the River Kwai.

The journey continues to Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya, where you’ll explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park, a site proudly listed on the UNESCO world heritage list for its stunning temple ruins.

Your Thailand adventure concludes on the island of Koh Samet, offering delightful white sandy beaches where you can unwind and reflect on the myriad experiences from your journey.

Why choose this tour

  • Experience Bangkok’s contrasts on a fascinating cycling tour off the beaten track
  • Delve into the history along the River Kwai and learn about the culture of the Mon people
  • Explore the impressive temple ruins of Ayutthaya on the UNESCO world heritage list
  • Relax and savour the memories on Koh Samet’s white sand beaches

Our tours always include

  • All international and domestic flights
  • All accommodations
  • All specified excursions and activities
  • 24/7 telephone – We’re with you all the way
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from chosen airport

Today you will fly towards Thailand, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

Day 2: Arrival in Bangkok – Welcome meeting

After a long flight, you will land in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. You will go through immigration and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, your guide will be waiting with a TourCompass sign, and from there you’ll be taken to your hotel in central Bangkok.

Later in the afternoon, there will be a welcome meeting at the hotel. Here, your guide will tell you about Thailand, what to expect, and what to be aware of. They’ll also answer any questions and go through the itinerary for your tour. Afterwards, a short walk awaits around the area near the hotel, where the guide will point out the ATM, pharmacy, etc.

After the meeting, you’re likely to be getting hungry, so it’s a perfect opportunity to venture out into Bangkok’s lively streets. Here, you’ll find extraordinary culinary experiences ranging from bustling street kitchens to modern fusion restaurants.

Later in the evening, you can explore the bustling metropolis before getting some well-deserved rest.

Day 3: Cycling tour in Bangkok, off the beaten track

Today, you will embark on an exciting cycling tour that reveals another side of Bangkok, away from the tourist crowds and busy main roads.

You’ll be picked up at the hotel and driven to the starting point. After a brief orientation and adjusting your bike, you’ll set off with an experienced cycling guide. The route is easy and flat, so most people can join.

You’ll cycle through the popular backpacker area, Khaosan Road, and continue through narrow alleys and past small canals. You will proceed along the Chao Phraya River to the Rama VIII Bridge, where you will cross the river to western, traditional Bangkok. Here, you will visit ancient temples and experience local life up close.

The tour continues along the large canal, Bangkok Noi, through small, quiet streets and past a local village, where the locals will happily greet you with smiles and waves. You’ll cross a small bridge and cycle to the other side of the canal, passing Buddhist temples and the Thonburi train depot.

Afterwards, you will take the ferry back to the eastern and lively Bangkok, cycling past the Grand Palace. You can put down your bike and take a walk in the lovely nearby Saranrom Park, which was once used exclusively by the royal family.

You will get back on your bike and cycle past a fragrant food market, arriving at the Giant Swing, the final stop of your tour and one of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks.

After about 4.5 hours, you’ll return to the starting point and will then be driven back to your hotel.

In the evening, it’s almost a must to visit one of the city’s sky bars, the perfect place to enjoy a cold drink and watch the sunset over the city.

You could also visit neon-lit China Town or the Asiatique The Riverfront shopping area, which, in addition to shops, also includes restaurants and entertainment.

Day 4: Bangkok on your own

Today, no excursions are planned, so you can explore at your own pace.

When getting around Bangkok, you don’t need to worry about the infamous traffic, as the city offers a variety of transportation options. Many people use tuk-tuks and Grab, but river taxis are also popular and account for a substantial part of public transport, given that they stop at many of the city’s major attractions. Additionally, there’s the Sky Train, which winds between the city’s skyscrapers and is a quick and affordable way to get around.

Bangkok is divided into the east and west by the 372 km-long Chao Phraya River. The eastern part is considered central Bangkok, featuring popular areas such as Sukhumvit, Silom, and China Town, with a high concentration of shopping centres, local markets, and excellent dining options. It’s also on the eastern side that you’ll find the historic part of Bangkok, home to landmarks like the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew.

After wandering through the tropical heat and bustling traffic of Bangkok, there will surely be moments when you dream of greener and more tranquil places. This is your cue to visit the Lumpini or Benjakiti parks. Alternatively, cross over to the western side of the river, where you’ll discover a completely different world without skyscrapers and honking tuk-tuks. Here, you’ll find traditional Bangkok, a maze of canals where houses stand on stilts and postmen come by boat.

You also have the option to embark on one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read about below.

Whatever you decide to do, we guarantee you won’t be bored.

Day 5: Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – River Kwai – Hellfire Pass

Today, you will leave Bangkok behind for an exciting 3-day, 2-night tour to the small town of Kanchanaburi, the River Kwai, and the vast jungle area that surrounds them both.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel early in the morning to avoid the worst of Bangkok’s traffic, heading straight to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai. During World War II, a railway was constructed here from Thailand to Myanmar under harsh conditions. The 415 km railway took 18 months to build between 1942-1943, during which approximately 100,000 conscripted Asian labourers and 12,500 Allied prisoners of war died. The true story inspired the famous novel “The Bridge on the River Kwai” by Pierre Boulle, which was immortalised in a film.

Upon arriving in Kanchanaburi, you will visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, an interactive museum that tells the story of the Thailand-Burma railway, also known as the Death Railway. This promises to be both an enlightening and poignant experience.

Next, you’ll visit the war cemetery, a memorial for around 6,000 Allied prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the Death Railway and were relocated here after the war for their final rest.

Afterwards, visit the world-famous bridge over the River Kwai, which is part of the Death Railway.

You will then continue to a local restaurant where lunch will be served.

Early in the afternoon, you’ll be driven to Hellfire Pass, one of the hardest and most challenging sections to construct on the railway, as it cut through solid rock. The work was carried out around the clock, and at night, torches illuminated the area, earning the pass its chilling name. Here, you will walk part of the Hellfire Pass Memorial Walking Trail, which traces the original railway line.

From here, you’ll be driven to Hintok River Camp, where you can enjoy the area and the camp’s activities.

Accommodation:
Day 6: Visit to a Mon village – and check-in at River Kwai Jungle Rafts

Awaken to the sounds of the jungle and the gentle rustle of the river.

After a hearty breakfast, you will check out and be taken by longtail boat to River Kwai Jungle Rafts, where you can leave your luggage until check-in later in the day.

You will then visit a nearby Mon village, home to the Mon people for generations. The Mon are an ethnic group with roots in Myanmar and are one of the oldest ethnic groups in the region. Here, you’ll visit the Golden Rock, Buddha Image Cave, and the village school. You will also have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn about their history, culture, and traditions. Experience wearing the traditional Mon attire, the ‘Sa-rong’, and learn to play the traditional Mon game ‘Saba’. You’ll also have the opportunity to make Tanaka powder from the Tanaka tree, widely used as a natural cosmetic, sunscreen, skincare, and insect repellent.

Following this, enjoy a short walk along the riverbank to a breathtaking viewpoint, where you can relish the view over the lush river area.

You’ll then return to the River Kwai Jungle Rafts, a floating hotel on the river Kwai itself. The landscape and lush surroundings are indescribable! Upon arrival, you will check in and lunch will be served.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy, and you can opt to join optional tours arranged by the hotel, such as canoeing and rafting tours, or simply relax with a good book.

Accommodation:
Day 7: Train journey on the Death Railway – Ayutthaya night market

The morning is yours to savour the delightful surroundings until checkout around 11 am. Afterwards, you’ll be taken upriver to the pier, where you’ll disembark for lunch at a local restaurant. Next, board a scenic train ride on the Death Railway in its historic carriages. The train journey takes place along a track elevated above the beautiful landscape and River Kwai.

After the train ride, you’ll meet your guide and driver from our partner agency who will drive you to the historic gem of Ayutthaya, which served as the capital for 417 years from 1350 to 1767. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, you will check-in at the hotel, and later, visit the city’s vibrant night market for dinner.

Afterwards, take in the sight of the illuminated temples which you’ll visit on tomorrow’s excursion to Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Accommodation:
Possible upgrades:
Day 8: Ayutthaya Historical Park

Today, you’ll embark on an exciting journey to some of Ayutthaya’s historic temple ruins. Some are relatively well-preserved, while others are almost gone, having been destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. This, however, does not make them any less intriguing.

The first site you’ll visit is Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, located on the eastern bank of the Pa Sak River. It’s one of Ayutthaya’s less-visited places, offering a more intimate experience. Originally, the temple served as a monastery for a group of monks who had returned from Sri Lanka before the Burmese destruction. Restoration work began much later, in the 1950s, which is why the temple appears incredibly well-preserved today. Unlike many other temples in the area, monks still reside here.

Next, the tour enters the heart of Ayutthaya Historical Park, which consists of 67 temples and Buddha statues. In 1991, part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The first temple you’ll visit is Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (UNESCO), which was the largest and most beautiful temple built next to the king’s palace. Monks were denied access due to the temple’s royal status. It is particularly known for its three large chedis and smaller chapels. You might notice similarities with Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, as it was inspired by Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.

The tour then continues to Wat Mahathat (UNESCO), also constructed close to the king’s palace. This was where he conducted important ceremonies. The temple was the seat of the Supreme Patriarch in Buddhism and housed various Buddha relics, making it one of Ayutthaya’s most significant temples. Upon seeing the old columns, chedis, and Buddha statues, one can easily picture how beautiful it once was. Today, the temple is most famous for the tree with the Buddha head. It remains unclear how it ended up among the tree roots, but it is believed to have happened during the area’s great destruction and floods, with the rapid vegetation growth that followed.

The final visit is to the old monastery Wat Lokaya Sutha. Not much remains here except for the remnants of the old floors, walls, and columns. The main attraction of the site is the 37-metre-long reclining Buddha with a serene smile.

After an exciting day, you’ll be driven back to the hotel, and you have the rest of the day to yourself. Perhaps you could hire a bicycle and explore Ayutthaya’s charming village communities. Or why not delve into the city’s culinary scene? Try grilled river prawns or the signature dish ‘Roti Sai Mai’, Thai candyfloss wrapped in thin pancakes. Alternatively, you could spend the afternoon relaxing by the hotel’s pool.

Accommodation:
Day 9: Ayutthaya – Ban Phe pier - speedboat to Koh Samet

Today marks the start of your long-awaited beach holiday on the island of Koh Samet.

You will be picked up from the hotel in Ayutthaya and driven to Ao Prao pier in Ban Phe, about a 3.5-hour drive away. From there, you’ll take a speedboat to your hotel on Koh Samet, which takes 30 minutes.

Upon arrival, check-in, and you can then enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

Koh Samet is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 200 kilometres southeast of Bangkok and near the Rayong province coast.

Koh Samet is renowned for its beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water. One of the best beaches is the secluded and tranquil Ao Prao beach in the west.

A significant part of Koh Samet is designated as a national park, meaning the island’s natural beauty is well-preserved. Where the lovely beaches end, a rich and colourful marine life begins. Hence, Koh Samet is also an ideal destination for those interested in snorkelling and diving.

There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine at the island’s excellent beach restaurants.

Days 10-11: Beach holiday on Koh Samet

There are no excursions planned, so you can enjoy the days at your leisure and pace.

Ao Prao is a relatively small and intimate beach, which adds to its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. It is also one of the most picturesque and tranquil beaches on Koh Samet, known for its soft white sand and calm, clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling for both the young and old. There’s also the option to try paddleboarding or kayaking.

Ao Prao is one of the few beaches on the island facing west, making it a perfect spot to enjoy stunning sunsets.

If you want a more lively atmosphere, you can head to Sai Kaew, where you’ll find a wider selection of restaurants and beach bars, entertainment, etc. The trip takes about 35-40 minutes on foot and around 10 minutes in a songthaew, a traditional taxi.

Accommodation:
Day 12: Departure day

Today, unfortunately, marks the end of your Thailand adventure for now. You’ll be taken back to Ban Phe pier on the mainland, from where you’ll be driven to Bangkok airport, a journey of about 3 hours. From there, you’ll fly back to Europe, with connecting flights along the way.

Day 13: Arrival back home

You will land at your chosen airport after a tour filled with experiences and relaxation.

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Millie Davies

Millie’s passion for travel sparked when she was little, and now she loves to help others fulfil their travel dreams

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