A Glimpse of Thailand: Bangkok, Kanchanaburi & Ayutthaya -7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Explore the Capital 

Welcome to Thailand! You'll land in the capital of Bangkok, known for its ornate temples, vibrant street life, and extensive canal network. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and relax. If you want to explore on your own, a good place to start is Lumpini Park, a verdant oasis in the heart of the city featuring well-manicured lawns, scenic walking paths, and tranquil lakes perfect for paddle boating. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, then head to the Bangkok National Museum, housed in the former Wang Na Palace.

Peruse the extensive collection of artifacts, including intricate sculptures, traditional costumes, and royal regalia. Don't miss the impressive collection of Khmer artifacts, including the royal chariots that were used in ceremonial processions. As darkness starts to fall, make your way to Khao San Road, a bustling street lined with neon lights, street vendors, quirky shops, and bustling bars. Shop for souvenirs, grab a drink, or indulge in local delights like pad thai. If you're feeling brave, you can also find plenty of fried insect snacks here to end your first night in Thailand. 

Day 2: Tour Bangkok's Markets, Palaces & Canals

Join your guide on a full-day tour of Bangkok, starting at Pak Khlong Talat, a 24-hour flower and produce market. Peruse the selection of fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables and watch the locals go about their day-to-day lives. Then, continue to the Grand Palace, which served as the official residence of the kings of Siam since 1782. Wander through the opulent courtyards and buildings, getting a close-up look at Thai architecture and craftsmanship. Admire the golden spires, ornate statues, and vibrant murals depicting scenes from Thai mythology before getting lunch at a local restaurant. 

After refueling, switch to a long-tail boat to discover the city's canals. Glide along the waterways, passing stilted wooden houses, bustling floating markets, and lush riverside vegetation, showcasing a stark contrast to the city's modern skyline. Watch locals fishing, washing their clothes, and socializing along the canal banks. Keep an eye out for landmarks like the Taling Chan Floating Market and Wat Arun, known as the "Temple of Dawn." Following the boat tour, grab dinner at one of the restaurants along the river before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Transfer to Kanchanaburi, Explore the Hellfire Pass & Death Railway

Trade the bustling streets of the capital for the natural beauty of Kanchanaburi, just 2.5 hours west of Bangkok. When you arrive, hit the ground running on a guided tour of the area, starting at the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre to learn about the prisoners of World War II and forced laborers who built the Death Railway. Explore the adjacent walking trail, which follows the original railway route through the rugged pass, and see the remnants of the railway cuttings and tunnels. Then, head to Krasae Cave for a glimpse of where the builders were allowed to rest briefly. 

After exploring the cave, walk along the nearby wooden railway bridge and enjoy views of the River Khwae, surrounded by lush greenery. Jump in a boat next for a tranquil ride on the river, passing traditional wooden houses, floating resorts, and rugged cliffs. End the tour at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, the final resting place for over 7,000 people who died while constructing the Death Railway. Pay your respects to the victims and learn more about their hardships from the informative plaques before transferring to your new hotel to check in.

Day 4: Full-Day Visit to Elephant Haven Thailand

Spend your day with the gentle giants of Elephant Haven Thailand, a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants primarily from the logging and tourism industries. Complete a safety briefing, then meet these magnificent creatures while you learn more about their biology and help in their daily care. Prepare their food and discover their eating habits as you feed them. Then, follow them through the forest and watch as they play in the mud pits before washing off in the river. After spending a memorable day with these gentle giants, transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 5: Transfer to Ayutthaya, Half-Day Tour of the Ayutthaya Historical Park

Say goodbye to Kanchanaburi this morning as you transfer 2.5 hours to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. When you arrive, check in at your hotel and freshen up for a half-day tour of the Ayutthaya Historical Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a vast collection of ruins from the once-thriving city that flourished from the 14th to the 18th century. As you wander through the park, you'll encounter the impressive remnants of ornate temples, such as Wat Phra Mahathat, renowned for its Buddha head embedded in tree roots, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, with its Khmer-style architecture.

Continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, once the greatest temple in the city, to see the three towering chedis that housed the ashes of Ayutthaya's kings before they were moved to Wat Ratchaburana. Nearby, Wat Mongkhon Bophit stands out for its impressive bronze Buddha statue, which is among the largest in the country. It's also one of the few active temples in the complex, along with Wat Phra Ram and Wat Phutthaisawan. After spending four hours exploring the treasure trove of ancient temples, ruins, and historical landmarks, return to your hotel to relax.

Day 6: Transfer to Bangkok via Bang Pa-In Palace

Your penultimate day in Thailand takes you on a 1.5-hour transfer back to Bangkok for your flight home tomorrow. On the way, stop at Bang Pa-In, an opulent 17th-century complex set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Wander around the palace grounds to admire the blend of European, Chinese, and Thai architectural styles. While certain parts of the palace that are used for official functions and royal ceremonies are closed to the public, you can enter sections like the Phra Thinang Wehart Chamrun Hall with its elaborate decorations and intricate design. 

Back in the car, complete the drive to your hotel to check in, then enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. You could discover more of the capital's temples, like Wat Phra Kaew, better known as the "Temple of the Emerald Buddha," for its iconic Buddha statue carved from a single piece of jade. Continue to Wat Pho to admire its impressive 150-foot-long (46 m) reclining Buddha statue that's covered in gold leaf. If you haven't had a Thai massage yet, visit the on-site massage school, the first of its kind in Thailand.

Day 7: Depart Bangkok

After just one week in Thailand, your adventure is unfortunately coming to an end today. If you have time before your flight, you can explore more of the capital on your own. Shop for souvenirs at the Chatuchak Weekend Market if it's a Saturday or Sunday, visit Wat Arun for a close-up look at the towering spires, or admire the marine creatures at SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World. When it's time, return to your hotel to grab your bags, meet your driver, and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!