Discover Old Siam 7 Days / 6 Nights

Visiting lesser-known sites removed from the tourist trails, this week-long tour is ideal for those wishing to discover the traditional Siamese architecture, atmospheric waterways and unspoiled natural scenery of Thailand. Step back in time into the Siam of yore when you embark on this Thailand tour that takes you out of bustling Bangkok into the rustic central Thai provinces.

Duration: 7 days/6 nights

Tour Code: MTSD05

Tour Valid: Until December 30th, 2013

Highlights: Bangkok - Chachoengsao - Khao Yai - Ayutthaya - Uthai Thani - Kanchanaburi - Amphawa

• Day 1 - Bangkok - Chachoengsao - Khao Yai

  Place Transport: Train->Car
  Meals: Dinner

  Starting from Bangkok, a short train ride east leads you to Chachoengsao. Visit Wat Sothornwararam Worawiharn, famous for its beautiful Italian marbled hall, followed by a boat trip to the century-old market Talaat Baan Mai and the Chinese shrine of Wat Leng Hok Yee. Next on the itinerary is Talaat Klong Suan, another 100-year old market selling a dazzling array of quaint items. We will bring you to Suan Khun Thor to meet a respected local healer who will introduce you to traditional Thai diagnosis methods (Note: doctor not available on Mondays). Finally, enjoy the scenic drive to Khao Yai.
  Overnight at Khao Yai.

  Day 2 - Khao Yai

  Place Transport: Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  After breakfast, drive into the National Park. Hike along a short forest trail to Nong Phug She Tower, where you have a good chance of spotting elephants and other animals when they visit the nearby wildlife pond for water. Continue to Heow Suwat Waterfalls, which was used as a site location for filming the movie 'The Beach', and enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water. Then drive through the scenic countryside to Grande Monte Vineyard for lunch, followed by a relaxed tour around its sweeping vineyard to sample locally-grown grapes and wine.
  Overnight in Khao Yai.

  Day 3 - Khao Yai - Ayutthaya - Uthai Thani

  Place Transport: Car->Tuk Tuk
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  Drive to Ayutthaya and begin your sightseeing tour of this historic capital with Bang Pa In summer palace and the riverside Wat Nivet Thammapavat. By a local Kermit tuk tuk, explore some of Ayutthaya's most important monuments, including Wat Mahathat and Wat Pra Sri Sanphet. Enjoy lunch at a pleasant riverside restaurant before driving north to Ang Thong province to see the reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pa Mok Worawihan and Ban Phae drum village. Continue driving to Uthai Thani. Overnight in Uthai Thani.

  Day 4 - Uthai Thani - Kanchanaburi

  Place Transport: Car->Cruise
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  This morning, visit Wat Chantharam (Wat Tha Sung) with a magnificent crystal hall before taking a stroll through a local market and bike around a small island to fully experience rural Thai life. Enjoy a lunch cruise on the idyllic Sakraekrang River which sees very few tourists. This afternoon, drive to Kanchanaburi where we will have time to visit the Bridge over the River Kwai and the JEATH War Museum.
  Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

  Day 5 - Kanchanaburi

  Place Transport: Car->Train->Elephant
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  Spend this morning at Erawan National Park, home to the spectacular 7-tiered Erawan Waterfall. You are recommended to don a pair of good walking shoes and bring along your swimming suit if you wish to swim in the fall's natural pools. Then drive to Phra That Cave and explore its Stalactites - and stalagmites - filled interior. Following lunch, take a short train ride along the infamous Death Railway through Kwai Noi gorge. We bring you to an elephant camp where you can experience an elephant ride through the lush jungle before sailing down Kwai Yai River on a bamboo raft. Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

  Day 6 - Kanchanaburi - Amphawa

  Place Transport: Car->Boat
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

  Start this morning with a visit to the Khmer temple complex of Wat Prasat Muang Singh. Drive to Samut Songhkhram. Visit a unique country market along the railway tracks and witness the speed and dexterity of the vendors in packing their wares away whenever a train approaches. Spend this afternoon strolling around the fruit orchards and temples in the area. If your visit falls on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, we will introduce you to a bustling weekend evening floating market, where you also have the option of taking a night-time boat ride to see fireflies.
  Overnight in Amphawa.

  Day 7 - Amphawa - Bangkok

  Place Transport: Boat->Car
  Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

  On this final morning, wake up early and partake in an age-old Buddhist tradition of giving alms to monks. At Tha Kha** floating market, take a fascinating boat ride through the maze of klongs (canals), plantations and Buddhist temples before stopping to enjoy a glass of palm sugar syrup and chat with a local family. Following lunch, proceed to King Rama II Memorial Park where you can meet Thai artisans specializing in making Benjarong porcelain. Finally, return to Bangkok this late afternoon.
  
  ** Tha Kha market is held every Saturday and Sunday. Weekday availability is 5-6 times a month depending on the lunar cycle calendar. On days when Tha Kha is not open, we will head to Ladplee Floating Market.

  The Tour Inclusion:

  - 06 Nights Accommodation.

  - Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above.
  
  - Boat, cruise as indicated in the itinerary.
  
  - The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary.

  - Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program.

  - Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.

  The Tour Exclusion:

  - Visas on arrival

  - International flight tickets and airport tax.

  - Dinners, except as specified above.

  - Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
  
  - Travel insurance 

  - Surcharge for peak season (if any) & other not mentioned in the above detail program.

  Additional Information

  Importance note
  - The itinerary is just a sample of our Thailand tours; we'll be pleased to design similar programs with dates and itinerary customized to your personal preferences in Tailor Made Tours section. Rates may vary frequently. Please contact us to get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
  
  What to bring?
  - Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, original Passport...
  
  How to start?
  - MinMax Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.
  - If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Thailand Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival).