Treasures of Thailand: Floating Hotels, Temples & Markets

Welcome to Thailand! 

Upon your arrival in Bangkok, our guide will welcome you and transfer you to the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok Hotel. 

We'll have lunch at the Blue Elephant Restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we'll start our exploration at the famous Wat Pho, known as the "Temple of the Reclining Buddha." Famous for its beautiful carvings and architecture, Wat Pho is also recognized as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. We'll experience a one-hour massage at the temple!

We'll continue to Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. Established in the 18th century by King Taksin, Wat Arun has expanded over the years, its central tower now rising impressively to about 70 meters. The temple's unique architectural style is distinguished by its exquisite decor, which includes patterns of tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. 

In the evening, we'll join the Manohra Dinner Cruise on a restored antique rice barge. As we sail along the Chao Phraya River, we'll view royal palaces and glittering temples while enjoying fine Thai cuisine and a welcome drink.

Today, after breakfast, we'll step into the rich cultural heritage of Bangkok, beginning with the majestic Grand Palace. Here, our first visit is to Wat Phra Kaew, known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a sacred statue carved from a single block of jade. 

Following this, we'll explore the Grand Palace itself. Once the residence of Thai royalty it is still used for official events. During this visit, we'll witness the finest examples of Thai architecture and learn more about the country's history.

We'll enjoy lunch at the Thien Duong, Baan Dusit Thani. Next, we'll move to the Jim Thompson House in the heart of Bangkok and uncover the story of the American businessman who played a pivotal role in reviving the Thai silk industry. We'll wander through his home, constructed from traditional Thai teak brought from various parts of the country.

We'll continue our journey to the Paiweaver Handcrafted Workshop Studio at Samyanmitrtown. Here, in a lively and hands-on class, we'll experiment with multicolored yarns and create our own patterns. We can take this fabric home and transform it into silk scarves, handbags, and much more. 

Dinner tonight is at Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok Restaurant. 

Get up early to enjoy a delicious breakfast and check out of the hotel. Today, we're off to Damnoen Saduak, a world-famous must-visit destination in Thailand. Our tour begins heading southwest of Bangkok. Along the way, we'll stop at a sugar palm factory to see how sugar is made from palm trees.

Upon arriving at the pier, we'll embark on a boat trip to the floating market, getting close to the local people living along the small canal. 

At the floating market, we'll see vendors selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, and more from their boats while customers browse from the shore. Try local foods like coconut juice and fresh fruit juice or pick up some souvenirs for friends and family. We'll enjoy lunch at the local restaurant, Spring 22 & Gallery at Maikaew Damnoen Resort.

In the afternoon, we'll continue to Kanchanaburi, home to the world-famous Bridge on the River Kwai. This bridge, built during World War II by prisoners of war, was part of Japan's plan to construct a railway connecting Thailand and Myanmar, known as the Death Railway.

We'll take a 30-minute train ride along the remaining part of the Death Railway, and learn more about this historical event. 

Afterward, we'll transfer to Phutakien Pier to board The Float House River Kwai. We'll enjoy a relaxing afternoon in your floating house! 

We can explore the natural surroundings or participate in activities offered by the resort. Dinner will be served at the Pontoon Floating Restaurant & Bar.

Enjoy some free time this morning to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the resort or participate in optional activities offered. 

After breakfast, we'll take a long-tailed boat upstream to visit Sai Yok Yai Waterfall & National Park. Then, visit the Mon tribal village, where the Mon people have lived for generations. 

Then, we'll visit the Golden Rock, the Buddha image cave, and the village school. We'll take a short walk on an easy jungle trail along the River bank to get to the stunning viewpoint of River Kwai.

We'll enjoy lunch at the float house and in the afternoon, visit Lawa Cave, and explore many spacious chambers with stalactites and stalagmites. 

When we get back to our float house, we can marvel at the beauty of this place and experience, enjoy dinner, and relax for the night. 

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in the morning to admire the resort's quiet atmosphere. This is a perfect time to take a leisurely walk, enjoy a swim, or simply relax and take in the serene surroundings.

Later in the morning, you'll have the opportunity to join an exciting canoeing experience. If you choose to participate, you'll paddle downstream, gliding through lush tropical forests on both sides, surrounded by nature's beauty. For those seeking a bit more adventure, you can challenge yourself by paddling upstream against the current for a fun and invigorating exercise. Our flat-bottomed boats offer extra stability, ensuring a safe and worry-free experience for everyone!

The canoeing route departs from our sister resort, River Kwai Jungle Rafts, and takes you downstream to The FloatHouse River Kwai resort. This scenic journey lasts around 40 minutes, depending on your paddling speed.

After this, we'll check out and take a boat to the mainland. From here, we'll make our way to the ancient city of Ayutthaya.

En route, we'll stop for lunch at Keeree Mantra Restaurant.

After lunch, we'll transfer to Ayutthaya, a journey of over three hours, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival, we'll check in at the SALA Ayutthaya Boutique Hotel, where you can unwind and relax on your own time.

Later, we'll gather for dinner at the Sala Ayutthaya Eatery and Bar. Enjoy a delicious meal accompanied by two hours of free-flowing juice, soft drinks, and local beer, providing the perfect end to a day filled with adventure and discovery.

We'll start our day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an adventurous Kermit tuk-tuk ride through the streets of Ayutthaya. These charming tuk-tuks, found only in Ayutthaya and Trang, add a unique touch to our exploration.

Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1350, was once the capital of the Siamese Kingdom. Known as one of the world's largest and most cosmopolitan cities, it was a center of global diplomacy and commerce. Although the city was destroyed by the Burmese invasion in 1767, the remains still offer a fascinating glimpse into its illustrious past.

We'll explore the remarkable sites of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, including Wat Yai Chai Mongkol and Wat Mahathat, where a Buddha face mysteriously emerges from a tree. 

Strolling through the local market en route to Wat Phra Srisanphet, we'll admire the captivating mix of Khmer and Sukhothai architectural styles that reflect the cosmopolitan spirit of the ancient city.

A delightful lunch awaits us at Sukunya Bistro Restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal with one complimentary drink of your choice, whether it's a soft drink, juice, local beer, or a glass of wine.

Following lunch, we'll transfer directly back to Bangkok airport for our flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, our guide will be there to greet us and transfer us to the Parc Thai Eatery, for a lovely dinner. Afterward, we'll proceed to the hotel for check-in and a restful night.

Start your day with a special kind of sunrise! We'll leave the hotel at 6 am, fueled by a packed breakfast, and journey to the foot of Doi Suthep mountain. There, we'll have the chance to participate in a truly special experience: the daily alms-giving ceremony. Witness the serene procession of dozens of saffron-robed monks collecting offerings as they walk barefoot through the streets at dawn. This is a glimpse into the heart of Thai culture and a deeply spiritual experience.

Next, we'll ascend Doi Suthep, either by car or by climbing the majestic 309-step Golden Naga staircase (your choice!). At the summit awaits Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most revered temple in Northern Thailand. Marvel at its sparkling pagodas and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views.

Afterward, we'll refuel with lunch at Baan Mae Cafe & Restaurant. Take some time at the hotel to relax and recharge before our next adventure.

In the afternoon, we'll head to Boonpratana House, a haven for traditional Thai cooking. We'll immerse ourselves in the family's culinary heritage as the matriarch herself welcomes us. 

We'll get to see their organic vegetable garden, where we'll handpick fresh ingredients for the feast we'll help create and learn authentic cooking secrets and master the art of combining ingredients to unlock the vibrant flavors of Thailand. 

We'll get to cook and savor dishes from the north, northeast, and central regions. We'll enjoy our creations for an unforgettable early dinner.

The day begins with breakfast. After that, our guide will be ready to escort us to the Elephant Nature Park. 

Upon arrival at the park, we'll join the experienced staff for a guided tour. This unique experience emphasizes a no-riding policy, allowing us to walk alongside the elephants and learn about their natural habitat and history. The tour includes a visit to the river that borders the park, offering further insights into the lives and conservation of the animals.

A highlight of the day is a nutritious vegan buffet, offering a wide selection of Asian and International dishes. After lunch, it's time to say goodbye to the elephants and begin our journey back to Chiang Mai.

The afternoon's itinerary, subject to change based on weather, typically includes a visit to the Thai Craft Village at San Kamphaeng. Here, we explore a center of traditional Thai handicrafts, where skills have been handed down through generations. Following this, a visit to Wat Sri Suphan is planned. Known as the Silver Temple, this site demonstrates traditional Lanna silversmith techniques, with its surfaces inside and out adorned in handmade silver decorations. This temple, established around 1500, is among the oldest in Chiang Mai.

After returning to the hotel for some relaxation, the evening continues with another cultural immersion—a Kantoke Dinner at the Benjarong Khantoke Restaurant. You can expect a selection of traditional Thai cultural and folk performances.

This morning starts with breakfast, followed by a visit to the Araksa Tea House, located on an organic tea farm about an hour's drive from the city center.

We'll experience a guided tour and walk through lush tea gardens, where we learn about the cultivation and processing techniques used. We'll have the chance to meet with resident tea pluckers, observe the traditional methods of processing tea leaves, explore the factory, and finish with a freshly brewed cup of tea and a traditional Thai snack.

For lunch, we'll enjoy home-style Thai cuisine, prepared with locally sourced and organic ingredients.

In the afternoon, we'll participate in a Tea Blending Workshop. We'll explore different teas and blending techniques, taste and identify various flavors, and learn optimal brewing methods. The workshop ends with us creating and packaging our own tea blends to take home.

Then, we'll head back to our hotel in Chiang Mai for some relaxation.

The evening concludes with a farewell dinner at the Rice Barn House Restaurant. 

Start your day with breakfast before your Thailand adventure comes to an end.  We'll have a few final hours to relax at the hotel before we transfer to the airport. A light lunch box will be provided for you to enjoy while you wait at the airport. If you're continuing on our extension trip to Phuket, get ready for a seamless transition from the northern charm of Chiang Mai to the tropical paradise of Thailand’s largest island.

Safe travels! 

We'll handle your airport transfer so you can have a smooth flight from Chiang Mai to Phuket. Upon your arrival, you'll be transferred from Phuket Domestic Airport to the Cape Kudu Hospitality Lounge at Bang Rong Pier. 

We'll enjoy some downtime before taking speedboat ride to Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi. From there, a brief drive will take us to our hotel. 

We'll settle into our surroundings and relax at the hotel before enjoying an exclusive private dinner on the beach under the stars. 

After breakfast, you can spend the day at your leisure, exploring the beautiful island of Koh Yao Noi. 

You have the option to take a free Tuk-tuk “Songthaew” island tour, which is available on the hotel's schedule. This tour includes stops at a Batik Painting community, a rubber tree plantation, scenic rice fields, a Coconut Farm, and the main village for some local shopping. Lunch today will be served at the hotel. 

Enjoy your afternoon and you have the freedom to choose where to have dinner tonight. Our guide can help you with some recommendations!

After breakfast, we'll embark on a morning sail to explore the nearby islands. This adventure includes swimming in crystal clear waters, hiking for panoramic views, and observing local wildlife, such as diving monkeys. It's an ideal day for those who enjoy snorkeling and experiencing natural beauty.

Return to the hotel for lunch, followed by some relaxation time. For dinner, venture out to the local restaurant Rice Paddy or enjoy the facilities at your hotel, with one complimentary drink included at each meal.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Phuket via a public speedboat, scheduled according to your flight time. Ensure you coordinate with the hotel reception for the best speedboat timing to match your departure flight.

Transfer directly from the pier to Phuket International Airport to catch your return flight, concluding your memorable stay in Koh Yao Noi.