Tripology

Your exotic journey begins as you check in for your flight to Thailand, via Taipei. Los Angeles flights depart from LAX mid-afternoon on day 1.

Cross the International Dateline and lose a day en route.

Arrive into Bangkok very early in the morning (shortly after midnight). After customs formalities, transfer to your centrally located hotel for guaranteed check-in and rest for your afternoon tour.

This afternoon, an exciting canal boat ride gives you a close up of traditional Thai life as you explore some of Bangkok's waterways. The network of canals (klongs) branching out from the main Chao Phraya river still follows an old lifestyle that leaves the modern face of Bangkok behind. Visit the Royal Barge Museum to view the beautiful barges used by the King on state occasions.

Continue to Wat Arun, the magnificent temple of Dawn with its 79-meter pagoda or 'prang,' built in Khmer style. Before returning to your hotel, disembark at the River City Shopping Complex to browse for some of the best treasures in Bangkok!

Tonight, enjoy a traditional Thai Set dinner at Supatra River House Restaurant. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this beautiful two-storey traditional Thai house is the former home of Khunying Supatra Singholaga, a leading advocate of women's rights in Thailand. Its contemporary décor blends perfectly with the traditional architecture, and the views of the River, Grand Palace, and Wat Arun are downright spectacular.

Hotel: The Eastin Makkasan

Temples, along with the monarchy, are the fabric that binds together the national identity that is Thailand, and some of the most interesting of Thai temples are found in Bangkok. Today's sightseeing tour takes you to three of Bangkok's most visually stunning temples. The first stop is Wat Trimitr, where you'll view the 700-year-old Golden Buddha, the largest in the world weighing approximately 5 tons. (Occasional maintenance work is conducted at Wat Trimitr, in which case passengers will visit Wat Saket instead.)

Continue to Wat Po, founded in the 17th century and the oldest temple in Bangkok. This temple is also home to the amazing Reclining Buddha, one of the largest in the world, whose face depicts the attainment of Nirvana and whose feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Conclude your temple tour at Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the Marble Temple because of its abundance of white Italian marble.

This afternoon, explore independently or join an optional tour to The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. For 150 years, the Grand Palace, served as the home of the King and his court as well as the entire administrative seat of government. Within its grounds, you'll also visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), a structure built to house a large Buddha image carved from a solid piece of green jadite (jasper).

Hotel: The Eastin Makkasan

Today, you will have a full day at leisure to discover Bangkok on your own. Your tour director will gladly provide suggestions for independent exploration of this dynamic city.

Tonight's optional excursion offers you a visual extravaganza at the Ratchada Grand Theatre, one of the biggest stages in the world. Travel back in time through the Kingdom of Siam and experience Thai history and culture during this spectacular show.

Hotel: The Eastin Makkasan

After breakfast this morning, drive north to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. King U-Thong founded the city in 1350 as the capital of his kingdom of Siam. By 1700, Ayutthaya had as many as a million inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in the world at the time. But in 1767, the city was invaded and destroyed by the Burmese army. Magnificent ruins of the old city still remain, some having been restored. Exciting archaeological excavations are still proceeding at many sites in the area.

Today's sightseeing tour takes you first to Bang Pa to view King Rama IV's summer palace, used occasionally by the king and queen to host receptions and banquets. The palace and its surrounding temples represent an appealing fusion of Thai, Chinese, and European architectural styles. Continue to Wat Yai Chaimongkol, a temple best known for its enormous statue of the Reclining Buddha.

Conclude the tour at Wat Chai Watanaram, a monastery commissioned by King Prasatthong in 1630 in honor of his mother. However, its striking resemblance to Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat has led some to believe that the king also built the wat to commemorate his victory over Cambodia.

Hotel: Kantary Hotel, Ayutthaya

Set out on a drive this morning through the picturesque rice fields of Suphanburi to Kanchanaburi. Upon arrival, visit the historic bridge over the River Kwai, part of the infamous Death Railway built by the Japanese using Allied prisoners of war during World War II. At the museum, you'll learn more about life in the camps, the building of the bridge, and the more than 8,000 POWs who died during construction.

Take a train ride through the Kwai Noi gorge before continuing to your river resort. The rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure. We suggest a visit to the resort's spa for a Thai massage or steam bath, or a dip in the pool. Or head to the river to help bathe the elephants (fee may apply).

Hotel: Felix River Kwai Resort

After a breakfast this morning, drive to the Hellfire Pass museum, a memorial complex dedicated to the men and women who died during the construction of the railway. Nighttime labor by torchlight on this particularly difficult section gave the pass its name. Briefly explore the area before embarking on a trek through the Memorial Walking Trail.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure for independent exploration. Or, join a relaxing optional tour that includes a visit to an elephant camp, complete with an elephant ride through the jungle and alongside the river. Afterwards, enjoy a bamboo raft ride down the river's gently flowing waters.

Enjoy breakfast and leisure time this morning before returning to Bangkok in the afternoon. Bid farewell to Thailand later today as you transfer to the airport to board your return flight to the USA via Taipei. Or, take advantage of your already-included international airfare and join our optional extensions to Angkor Wat or Phuket Island...or both!