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Rickshaw Travel
Thailand & Laos
Ko Chang boat Thailand

Through Tropical Jungle to Elephant Island

Itinerary
  • Itinerary:
    Bangkok - River Kwai - Ayutthaya - Khao Yai National Park - Ko Chang - Bangkok
  • Duration:
    13 days / 12 nights (flexible)
  • Price:
    From £ 1,459.- per person (excluding flights)
This itinerary offers a comprehensive Thailand experience, while keeping travel time to a minimum. Immerse yourself in the Thai way of life among the busy street stalls and serene Buddhist temples of Bangkok. Stay in floating bamboo huts and visit epic waterfalls on the River Kwai and explore the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya. In Khao Yai you’ll witness a spectacular bat exodus and go in search of wild elephants on a night safari. Finally you’ll round off your trip with your toes in the sand on the paradise island of Ko Chang.
Local seller on beach

Days 1-3 – Bright Lights of Bangkok

You’ll arrive in the bustling capital of Bangkok and stay on the riverside of Chao-Phraya, with a rooftop pool, and just a short walk to the famous Khao San Road. The following morning we’ll arrange a thrilling full day excursion that will give you a taste of life in Bangkok. You’ll discover local communities, learn about the history and finish the afternoon with a refreshing drink at a roof-top bar.

Days 3-5 – The River and the Railway

After an early breakfast you’ll start your trip to the River Kwai as part of a small group. First you will visit a market before heading to the Hellfire Pass Museum where you can learn all about the haunting history of this region. In the afternoon a longtail boat will take you upstream to your accommodation for the night, a floating raft house lit by flickering oil lamps. After a peaceful night’s sleep in your floating hut you’ll visit the Erawan Waterfalls, a spectacular collection of waterfalls. As you climb why not take a plunge in one of the clear pools to cool off. Next it’s time to board the train for a trip across the Burma ‘Death’ Railway. During the ride you’ll see panoramic views of the River Kwai and visit the Bridge over the River Kwai. You’ll spend the night in a small, cosy riverside resort in Kanchanaburi.

Today you will take the bus from Kanchanaburi to Ayutthaya for the next part of your adventure. It’s a 3 hour journey with plenty to see along the way. Ayutthaya, a former royal capital, is brimming with temples from the Khmer era and boasting a tranquil atmosphere. We’ll arrange a full-day trip with a local guide and small group where you’ll explore first by bike and then later cruise down the river on a converted rice barge. You’ll stay in a lovely family-run guesthouse with tropical gardens for two nights, only minutes away from the centre of the action.

Today you will hop on the train to the lush jungles of Khao Yai National Park, a journey of about 2 hours. Just a few hours from Bangkok is the biggest National Park in Thailand, with dense jungle and innumerable plants and animals. Your time will be spent watching the bat exodus, hiking to waterfalls and riding through Khao Yai National Park in search of the wild elephants. After spending a day on foot in the jungle, you can relax in the lodge’s swimming pool and refuel at the open air restaurant.

After breakfast there’s time for a final dip in the pool before continuing with your Thailand travel experience. From Khao Yai you’ll be transferred to the ferry port of Trat, about 5 and a half hours to the south, where you’ll board the boat over to the exotic island of Ko Chang. The ferry trip takes about 45 minutes. Ko Chang is a beautiful island with white beaches, dense rainforests and spectacular waterfalls. You’ll stay in a comfortable resort, right on the beach in lush gardens. The resort has a variety of facilities including a swimming pool and a spa. During your stay we’ll arrange for you to discover some of the underwater world and visit some neighbouring islands with a boat trip.

 

Day 13 – Departure

This morning you have your final chance to take a dip in the azure sea before leaving the island. You’ll catch a ferry to the mainland and head back to the capital of Bangkok by car. This transfer should take around 5 hours. You’ll arrive back in the city around mid afternoon and have the rest of the day free to do any last minute shopping or sightseeing. You will stay in the same comfortable hotel near Khao San road where you started your trip. The following day you will make your own way to the airport for your international flight home.

Accommodation

Bangkok hotel
Bangkok hotel bedroom
Bangkok hotel
River kwai floating hotel

For this itinerary we offer the following options

1Option

Through Tropical Jungle to Elephant Island - In Style Accommodation

  • Price:
    From £ 1,898.- per person (excluding flights)
  • Included:
    In Style accommodation, excursions, transport and meals as described above

For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.