Explore the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Chiang Mai and the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai where we stay in beautiful rafthouses. Visit some of Thailand's most interesting and beautiful ancient sites, spend the night in a Thai village and ride elephants and bamboo rafts, as well as experiencing mouth-watering dishes that have made Thai cuisine a world favourite. On this exciting trip you do all of this and more on a fabulous journey to the heart of northern Thailand.

Itinerary:
Day 1 BANGKOK Arrival day. No meals.
Day 2 BANGKOK Guided tour of the Grand Palace and the magnificent Wat Phra Keow (Emerald Buddha). This afternoon your tour leader will take you on an exciting journey along Bangkok's canals or 'klongs'. (BD)
Day 3 PHITSANULOK Our first stop today is the ancient capital of Siam, Ayuthaya. We have a guided tour of the old palace and city before continuing to Phitsanulok where we have the chance to enjoy the local culinary experience of the 'Flying Vegetables' or the great night food market. (BD)
Day 4 SUKOTHAI - CHIANG MAI Guided tour of the magnificent Buddhist site of Sukothai. Later we drive to Chiang Mai via the elephant orphanage at Lamphang. (B)
Day 5 CHIANG MAI An excursion to the hilltop Buddhist temple of Doi Suthep. Free afternoon to explore or experience a Thai massage. (B)
Day 6 CHIANG MAI - TRIBAL MOUNTAIN VILLAGE We head out of Chiang Mai into the hills. After a visit to an elephant training camp we travel by pick-up truck to a small tribal village. We then continue on foot through mountainous terrain to a Palong village where we spend the night in a traditional village house. (BLD)
Day 7 ELEPHANT RIDE AND BAMBOO RAFTING After breakfast we ride elephants through the jungle to a small river. We then continue by bamboo raft down the river. Later we return via an orchid garden and butterfly farm to Chiang Mai. There is time to relax around the pool before the evening flight to Bangkok. (BL)
Day 8 RIVER KWAI A short drive west of Bangkok takes us to Kanchanaburi for our adventure on the River Kwai. We visit the floating market before boarding a train on the notorious Burma Railway. We then visit the Bridge on the River Kwai and take an exciting boat ride up river to our rafthouses, set amongst beautiful jungle scenery, where we spend the night. (BLD)
Day 9 RIVER KWAI Today we visit the War Cemeteries and JEATH Museum in Kanchanaburi before transferring to our hotel which is situated on a small island in the middle of the River Kwai. The rest of the day is free to explore the town or enjoy the swimming pool. (BLD)
Day 10 BANGKOK Drive to the nearby National Park and visit the Erawan Waterfalls. We can swim in the natural pools or walk up to the top of the falls. We later return to Bangkok, visiting the tallest Buddhist monument in the world on the way. (BL)
Day 11 BANGKOK Tour ends after breakfast. (B)