Highlights
- Gaze upon the famous Bridge over the River Khwae
- Meet the elephants at a sanctuary in Chiang Mai
- Take a bamboo raft tour of an ancient cave near Pai
- Catch a sunrise at the glorious Angkor Wat temple complex
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand), Evening Street Food Tour | Bangkok |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Kanchanaburi via Floating Market, War History on the River Khwae | Kanchanaburi |
| Day 3 | Swim in Erawan Waterfall & Ride the Burma Railway | Kanchanaburi |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Bangkok, Fly to Chiang Mai, Evening Temples Tour | Chiang Mai |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Pai via Happy Elephant Home & Pai Canyon | Pai |
| Day 6 | Caves, Villages & Temples Near Mae Hong Son | Pai |
| Day 7 | Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Traditional Aspara Dance Dinner Show | Siem Reap |
| Day 8 | Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Tour Banteay Srei Temple | Siem Reap |
| Day 9 | Day Trip to Chansar: Experience Life in a Local Village | Siem Reap |
| Day 10 | Depart Siem Reap |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok (Thailand), Evening Street Food Tour
Welcome to Thailand! When you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the center of Bangkok. After you check in, you'll have the rest of the day to relax at your hotel or explore the city. The lively, humid, and ever-changing Bangkok contains ancient temples, rooftop bars, skyscrapers, and historic markets. Most visitors start in the neighborhood of Rattanakosin to see the priceless Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace or visit Wat Po for the famous Reclining Buddha.
Day 2: Transfer to Kanchanaburi via Floating Market, War History on the River Khwae
Today, you'll leave Bangkok and transfer to Kanchanaburi, located about two hours northwest of the capital. On the way, visit the local palm sugar factory to see how it's made before you continue to the river. Take a long-tail boat through remote plantations and Thai villages along the river and canal to visit Thailand's most well-known floating market, Damnoen Saduak. Observe the locals sell their goods from their boats or jump in and haggle for handmade gifts, souvenirs, local snacks, or fresh fruit.
From there, you'll be transferred to your hotel, with a stop at a local restaurant in Kanchanaburi for lunch. In the afternoon, you'll visit the JEATH War Museum, which tells the history of the six central countries (Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand, and Holland) involved in the local theater of World War II, followed by the nearby World War II Cemetery. Take another long-tail boat down the Mae-Klong River to the famous Bridge 277 (immortalized in the novel and film "Bridge on the River Kwai") before heading back for a well-earned rest at your hotel.
Day 3: Swim in Erawan Waterfall & Ride the Burma Railway
The day's adventure starts at Erawan National Park, west of Kanchanaburi province. The large park consists primarily of dense, virgin rainforest, covering 212 square miles (550 sq km). The park's highlight is the turquoise-colored Erawan Waterfall, composed of seven separate waterfalls rising in tiers above the jungle floor. Climb between each tier and swim in the beautiful, clear pools at the bottom of the falls.
After lunch in a local restaurant, you'll take a short train ride on what's left of the Burma Railway. Built by forced laborers and prisoners of war at the behest of the Emperor of Japan during World War II, this railroad also gained the name "Death Railway." Over 100,000 laborers and prisoners perished in horrible conditions during the 16-month-long period the train was built between 1942 and 1943. Most of the railway fell into disuse not long after the war, except for this small stretch in Thailand.
At the most picturesque spot of the rail trip, near the Tham Krasae Station, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Tham Krasae Cave. The short hike along the railroad tracks goes over a wooden trestle bridge built by prisoners to the small cave, burrowed into the sheer cliffs that drop down to the river on the other side of the bridge. The Wang Pho Viaduct Bridge is still used by trains today, but it's safe to traverse as the trains pass by slowly and regularly.
Day 4: Transfer to Bangkok, Fly to Chiang Mai, Evening Temples Tour
Today, you'll be transferred from your hotel in Kanchanaburi to Bangkok for a short flight to the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai. This hip mountain town, a haven for digital nomads, is known for its epic night markets, famous festivals, Buddhist temples, and surrounding nature. Visit the Old City and discover the remains of moats, canals, gates, and walls from the town's past as a kingdom's capital. If you need more relaxation, get a reinvigorating Thai massage at the Vocational Center for Female Inmates, where formerly incarcerated women learn the art and gain experience for their future.
In the evening, you'll visit Wat Umong, a 700-year-old temple at the foot of Doi Suthep, a mountain west of Chiang Mai. Explore the temple's famous underground tunnels, read notes attached to "talking trees," and admire the forested temple complex. As twilight settles in, climb the 309 steps up the mountainside to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of Thailand's most sacred temples. Watch the sunset, take in stunning views of Chiang Mai at night, and wander around the temple's pagodas and statues. From here, you'll head back to your hotel, enjoying the city's lights along the way.
Day 5: Transfer to Pai via Happy Elephant Home & Pai Canyon
Say farewell to the lovely Chiang Mai before an hour-long transfer to the Happy Elephant Home. This sanctuary rehabilitates local elephants and provides education to visitors. On your visit, you'll learn all about Thai elephants and help prepare food and medicine for the animals before meeting these gentle giants. Walk with the elephants to the river and enjoy watching them bathing and playing in the water. Back at the sanctuary, learn to cook traditional Thai noodle soup before enjoying it for lunch.
After you bid goodbye to your new elephant friends, you'll continue toward Mok Fa Waterfall for a forest excursion followed by a swim in the cooling waters. From there, visit Konglan (Pai Canyon), Thailand's answer to the Grand Canyon and home to the Tha Pai World War II Memorial Bridge. This bridge, built by forced laborers and elephants for the Japanese army, was burned down when the army fled. However, the villages had come to rely on this bridge, so it was quickly rebuilt.
Finally, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Pai, located in Thailand's Mae Hong Son province. This laid-back mountain town with a distinct hippie vibe is popular with backpackers and other tourists but retains most of its original charm. Shop for handicrafts, sample local flavors on Pai Walking Street, or soak in nearby hot springs.
Day 6: Caves, Villages & Temples Near Mae Hong Son
In the morning, you'll head outside of Pai to explore the incredible nature of the area, starting with a tour of Lod Cave. Hop on a bamboo raft to float down the Nam Lang River, which flows through the cave. Enjoy the meandering curves of the waterway as you discover this important archaeological site dating back to the prehistoric era. After your river trip, you'll visit the nearby Fish Cave, known for its large fish population you can help feed, before stopping for lunch in the mountain town of Mae Hong Son.
In the afternoon, take a long-tail boat to a Kayan tribe village, a Karenni group known for their custom of women wearing gold rings to elongate their necks. Your next stop is at Wat Doi Kong Mu, the sacred temple of Mae Hong Son province, and admire its intricate white and gold pagodas with far-reaching views. Before returning to Pai, visit the picturesque twin temples of Wat Chong Kam and Wat Chong Klang, both reflected on the beautiful Nong Kham Lake and set against the lush mountains.
Day 7: Fly to Siem Reap (Cambodia), Traditional Aspara Dance Dinner Show
Say goodbye to Thailand today as your driver transfers you to Chiang Mai International Airport for your flight to Siem Reap. When you land, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Cambodia's famous "Temple Town." Considered the gateway to the world wonder of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is surrounded by dense jungle and temple ruins, and brims with vibrant culture.
Later on, you'll be welcomed to Cambodia with an evening performance of the ancient art of Apsara dance, as depicted on the walls of Angkor's temples. Dating back to the seventh century, the royal dance is characterized by ornate costumes and mesmerizing dance moves that tell a story of prosperity. Every movement of the fingers has meaning and requires immense flexibility, so the training in Aspara begins when women are children. Enjoy the show with dinner at a traditional restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Day 8: Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Tour Banteay Srei Temple
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Leave your hotel before dawn to catch the sunrise over the five temple spires of Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world. You'll then explore this immense and remarkable Hindu temple, carved with intricate bas-reliefs depicting historical events, all part of a greater temple complex. Nearby, you can also visit Ta Phrom, nearly engulfed by the giant roots of jungle trees, and Angkor Thom, famous for its colossal human faces carved in stone.
Day 9: Day Trip to Chansar
Leave the city and venture farther into the Cambodian countryside on a day trip to Chansar. In this local village, you'll learn what traditional life is like outside of the cities, and the proceeds from your tour will go directly to the community. You'll begin with a guided ox-cart tour of the town before visiting a local artisan family specializing in broom-making. After a demonstration of this ancient craft and a chance to try fashioning a broom yourself, take a walking tour to learn more about this rural way of life.
Depending on your preference, you can also try fishing and farming as the locals do. Visit more with the villagers over a simple homemade feast before returning to Siem Reap. Along the way, stop at a small local temple and celebrate your final evening in Cambodia as you receive a colorful blessing from a Buddhist monk in a traditional pumpkin-hued robe.
Day 10: Depart Siem Reap
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