9 Days / 8 Nights

9 Days / 8 Nights

ITINERARY   
   
Day 1 (Sun/Tue/Thu), Arrive Bangkok (-)
   
Arrive Bangkok International Airport and transfer to your hotel downtown for check-in and overnight accommodation. 
   
Day 2 (Mon/Wed/Fri), Bangkok (B)
   
The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration. The architecture is vibrantly Thai though there are some European designs as well. Brilliantly colored and gilded, and decorated with intricate detail, the overall effect is dazzling. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century.   The most famous building on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. Construction of the temple began when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other Thai temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only the richly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas.  The main temple building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Though green in color, the Buddha is actually carved from a single piece of jade, and though only 17 inches tall, is the most revered object in Thailand. Also within the grounds are several palaces, used for various occasions:  the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. The majority of halls and palaces can be viewed from outside only, but the exteriors are captivating enough to please.
   
Day 3 (Tue/Thu/Sat), Bangkok (B)
   
Free day at leisure.
   
Day 4 (Wed/Fri/Sun), Bangkok - Ayuthaya - Chao Phraya River (B/L/D)
   
During this day trip you will visit many interesting ancient sites including Wat Phra Si Sanphet, in 1491 the temple was located inside the compound of the Grand Palace-the foundations of which are still visible-and served as the royal chapel, as Wat Phra Kaeo does in Bangkok. This Royal Palace was built by King U-Thong upon the founding of the city. In Ayutthaya's heyday, this was the largest temple in the city. Continue to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. Within the complex is a huge image of a reclining Buddha in brick and stucco. The chedi is bell-shaped and constructed on a mound of raised ground with steps going up to the Buddhist image placed midway to the top. The chedi itself now has a distinct tilt, but still can be entered via the stairs. After we visit Wat Phanan Choeng, overlooking the river on the opposite bank from the main city, Wat Phanan Choeng was founded shortly before the establishment of Ayutthaya as the Kingdoms capital. Our last stop is to Bang-Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence, which represents a fine example of Thai architecture.  We then board a converted rice barge for a cruise downstream, captivating the spectacular views of rural life along the “River of Kings”. Just after the sunset, the Mekhala docks at Wat Kai Tia, a Thai temple set in a tranquil rural village. An exquisite candlelit dinner of mouth-watering Thai cuisine is served on the deck. Overnight on board in your air-conditioned cabin
   
Day 5 (Thu/Sat/Mon), Chao Phraya River - Bangkok - Koh Chang (B)
   
An option for alms offering to monk can be made prior to a delicious breakfast on board, cruise down the river to Bangkok, passing spectacular views of the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn. Arrive Bangkok in the late morning and transfer to Koh Chang island on the East Coast of Thailand, lunch will be provided enroute.  Check-in to your accommodation with dinner included tonight.
   
Day 6 - 8 (Fri/Sun/Tue), Koh Chang (B)
   
Free days at leisure to enjoy this tropical island.

Day 9 (Sat/Mon/Wed), Depart Koh Cha Am Am (B)
    
Breakfast at the hotel.  Pick-up transfer for Bangkok International Airport. 


HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

INCLUDED

Accommodation as stated
Sightseeing tours and transfers as outlined
Meals as mentioned
English speaking tour guide
Air-conditioned private vehicles
Accident insurance

NOT INCLUDED

Services not mentioned
Expenses of a personal nature
Tips and porterage
Domestic flights in Thailand
International flights to/from Thailand