Tantalizing Thailand with Kanchanaburi
Tantalizing Thailand with Kanchanaburi
$3713
Tantalizing Thailand with Kanchanaburi
15 Days Starting and ending in Bangkok, Thailand
Visiting: Bangkok, Thailand, Damnoen Saduak, Kanchanaburi, Sukhothai, Sukothai, Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Ban Thaton, Doi Mai Salong, Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Excursion
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2793-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This budget-friendly tour through Thailand highlights the country’s rich history, fascinating cultures, religious monuments, and much more. Take a long tail boat ride through vibrant Damnoen Floating market. Ride a train over the famous River Kwai Bridge, part of the infamous Death Railway built by prisoners during World War II. Visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, a walking trail and interpretive center detailing the life of the Allied prisoners and Asian workers who helped build the railway.In Bangkok—Thailand’s current capital—visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha; the Temple of the Reclining Buddha built in 1832; and the Grand Palace, the royal residence established in 1782 where you’ll see the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist sculpture. You’ll also cruise the city’s canals (klongs) by long tail boat. In Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century capital, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of palaces, temples, and homes. But that’s not all…in Chiang Mai explore a night market by tuk-tuk and visit an amazing elephant sanctuary to learn about the conservation efforts of orphaned and rescued elephants. Travel to the “Golden Triangle,” where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet and visit a local tea plantation. You’ll also visit several interesting hill tribes in the mountains near Chiang Rai. Your trip to Thailand is rich in experiences, sights, and welcoming people you’ll long remember!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok,Thailand
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Welcome to Thailand’s capital city. Your hotel room is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2: Bangkok,Damnoen Saduak,Kanchanaburi
Location: Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak, Kanchanaburi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, head to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This vibrant market provides an interesting glimpse into local life. Take a longtail boat ride through the canals filled with small flat boats expertly paddled by merchants. Continue to Kanchanaburi and spend some time at leisure.
Day 3: Kanchanaburi
Location: Kanchanaburi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today’s highlight is a train ride across the famous bridge over the River Kwai to Wang Po Station. Also visit the Allied Forces Cemetery and spend time in the fascinating Thailand-Burma Railway Center. This afternoon, visit Hellfire Pass Memorial, part of the Death Railway that cuts through the mountains. Today, it houses a museum detailing life of the Allied prisoners and Asian workers who helped build the railway and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass.
Day 4: Kanchanaburi,Bangkok
Location: Kanchanaburi, Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, return to Bangkok. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Bangkok is an exhilarating blend of historic and religious monuments, chic modernity, exciting shopping, and friendly culture. An exciting full day of sightseeing is ahead. Take in the city’s principal landmarks such as the splendid Temple of the Golden Buddha and the spectacular Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. You will also visit the gleaming Grand Palace, Thailand’s most sacred monument, and the spectacular Temple of the Emerald Buddha. After lunch at a local restaurant, cruise along the Chao Phraya River by long tail boat. The city’s network of canals (“klongs”) evokes Bangkok as the “Venice of the East.” Stop at the Temple of Dawn on return journey.
Day 6: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to explore Bangkok at leisure. Spend free time to awaken your senses with local cuisine made with fresh Thai herbs, and sweet to spicy sauces at Bangkok’s outdoor food markets and quaint local cafes. Or, try your bargaining skills along the khlongs on an optional shopping excursion to the vibrant Damnoen Saduak floating market.
Day 7: Bangkok,Sukhothai
Location: Bangkok, Sukhothai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a bit of time at leisure this morning then fly to Sukhothai, Thailand’s 13th-century former capital. Enjoy dinner at your resort.
Day 8: Sukhothai
Location: Sukhothai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, visit Sukhothai Historic Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the temples and monasteries, including Wat Si Chum with its stunning seated Buddha. The afternoon is yours to relax or further explore the park. Lunch and dinner are served at your resort.
Day 9: Sukothai,Chiang Mai
Location: Sukothai, Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, drive to Chiang Mai. This evening, join your Tour Director for a tuk-tuk ride and orientation walk through the lively night market.
Day 10: Chiang Mai
Location: Chiang Mai
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, visit the revered Buddha statue at Wat Phra Singh and Wat Doi Suthep, a temple tucked away in the mountains. For the final ascent to the temple, you can take a tram car or walk up the Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with more than 300 steps. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy this dynamic city. Things get spicy with mouth-watering northern Thailand dishes at an optional Kantoke dinner and performance by local hill tribe dancers.
Day 11: Chiang Mai,Elephant Sanctuary,Ban Thaton
Location: Chiang Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Ban Thaton
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, travel out of the city to visit Elephant Nature Park, established in the 1990’s to provide a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned elephants. You will hear the personal stories of the elephants and see how they became a proud herd and free from abuse for the first time in their lives. Watch these majestic animals thrive in the natural surroundings within the rehabilitation center. In addition to elephants, tree planting and providing a safe home for other rescue animals are continuous projects at the park. After lunch at the sanctuary, continue to Chiang Dao Cave, the most famous cave system in Thailand. Explore this beautiful cave system filled with stalagmites and stalactites that continues for miles below the surface. Lastly, make your way to your resort in the hills of Ban Thaton.
Day 12: Ban Thaton,Doi Mai Salong,Chiang Rai
Location: Ban Thaton, Doi Mai Salong, Chiang Rai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you journey to Doi Mae Salong where you’ll visit a green-tea plantation. Next, visit several fascinating hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha, known for gorgeous headdresses decorated with silver coins. This fascinating cultural excursion enables you to interact with the locals and experience their daily lives and be taught their rich heritage and history. Continue to Chiang Rai.
Day 13: Chiang Rai,Golden Triangle Excursion
Location: Chiang Rai, Golden Triangle Excursion
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to Mae Sai, Thailand’s northernmost town to visit the Hall of Opium, built to educate people on the 5,000-year history of opium and help combat illegal drugs. Stop at the Golden Triangle viewpoint, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. Here you’ll take a boat ride on the Mekong River to enjoy spectacular views of the Laos countryside and river life along both sides of the riverbanks. After lunch, return to Chiang Rai and enjoy some time at leisure.
Day 14: Chiang Rai,Bangkok
Location: Chiang Rai, Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Bangkok and transfer to your hotel near the international airport. Prepare for departure tomorrow or journey into the city for independent exploration.
Day 15: Bangkok
Location: Bangkok
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at various hotels including Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Felix River Kwai Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom, Sriwilai Sukhothai, Moevenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai, Maekok River Village Resort, and The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa.
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Meals
14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
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Transportation
Transportation between destinations including a flight to Sukhothai and a flight to Bangkok.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours to various attractions including Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Hellfire Pass Memorial, Sukhothai Historic Park, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Doi Suthep, Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Dao Cave, Doi Mae Salong, and the Golden Triangle.
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Small Group Discoveries
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit the Historic Town of Sukhothai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as a visit to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya or a cruise on the Chao Praya River are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Thailand are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Meals
14 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Asia tour dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Historic Town of Sukhothai
Accommodation
Bangkok:Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Kanchanaburi:Felix River Kwai HotelBangkok:Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok SilomSukhothai:Sriwilai SukhothaiChiang Mai:Moevenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang MaiBan Thaton:Maekok River Village ResortChiang Rai:The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market?
At the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, you can take a longtail boat ride through the canals filled with small flat boats expertly paddled by merchants. This vibrant market provides an interesting glimpse into local life.
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What is the significance of the train ride in Kanchanaburi?
The train ride in Kanchanaburi takes you across the famous bridge over the River Kwai to Wang Po Station. It is a highlight of the tour and also includes visits to the Allied Forces Cemetery and the Thailand-Burma Railway Center.
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What can I expect to see at the Hellfire Pass Memorial?
At the Hellfire Pass Memorial, you will see a museum detailing the life of the Allied prisoners and Asian workers who helped build the Death Railway and subsequently suffered or died at Hellfire Pass.
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What are some of the key landmarks visited in Bangkok?
In Bangkok, you will visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. These are some of the city's principal landmarks.
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What activities are available on the free day in Bangkok?
On the free day in Bangkok, you can explore the city at your leisure, join an optional excursion to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, or take a cruise on the Chao Praya River. You can also try local cuisine at outdoor food markets and quaint local cafes.
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What is special about the visit to the Elephant Nature Park?
At the Elephant Nature Park, you will hear the personal stories of rescued and orphaned elephants, walk with staff and the elephants (no riding), watch them bathe and play in the river, and have the chance to feed them.
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What cultural experiences are included in the visit to Doi Mae Salong?
In Doi Mae Salong, you will visit a green-tea plantation and several fascinating hill tribes including the Yao, Lisu, and Akha. This cultural excursion allows you to interact with the locals, experience their daily lives, and learn about their rich heritage and history.
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What can I expect during the Golden Triangle excursion?
During the Golden Triangle excursion, you will visit the Hall of Opium, stop at the Golden Triangle view point where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet, and take a boat ride on the Mekong River to enjoy spectacular views of the Laos countryside and river life.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.