The Central Plains and Rivers of Thailand

- A Secret Retreats journey -

7 days / 6 nights

from 2,140 USD /person

ITINERARY BOOK

Kanyaporn Sangthavorn
Born in Bangkok, Kanyaporn has developed a passion for travel since she was an exchange student in Europe and decided to combine her interest for food and travel by joining the team of Secret Retreats. Her knowledge of the region and childhood memories motivated her to create this itinerary around Bangkok, Ampawa, Kanchanaburi and Ayutthaya.

All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.

What separates us apart from others? Secret Retreats creates tailor-made journeys. Passionate about travel, Secret Retreats will design and create the perfect journey to match both your time and budget.

We have designed this itinerary so that curious travellers can better absorb true Thai culture in the Kingdom of Siam. Discover the Bangkok, the current capital of Thailand, but also Ayutthaya, the former capital, as well as the famous markets of Ampawa and historic sites of Kanchanaburi. 7 days is a good duration to explore the center of Thailand.

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Contact the concierge on

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Your Journey Day by Day

from 2,140 USD /person for 7 days / 6 nights

based on 2 people sharing the same room

Day 1 : Bangkok (-)

Arrival in Bangkok in the morning, welcome by your guide and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon depart for the Chao Praya River and embark for a boat ride along the "klongs" (canals) in the Thonburi district on the opposite bank. During the visit you will make a stop at the "Temple of the Dawn" (wat Arun) majestically dressed with ceramics of colors. Transfer back to your hotel. Lunch and dinner free. We may suggest and book a table for you at one of our Secret Tables in Bangkok.

HOTEL: CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS (GARDEN SUITE) 4* BOUTIQUE

Day 2 : Bangkok (B/L/-)

The colors of Bangkok by bicycle: private excursion with your guide. Departure at 7am from your hotel by minibus to the pier of Klong Toey. Embarkation on a motor canoe to cross the Chao Praya River (about 10 minutes) and reach Bang Krachao pier on the other side. This is where you start your ride, around “the green lung” of Bangkok. Just a stone's throw from the megalopolis, you suddenly find yourself immersed in another world. You will cycle sometimes some small road, about 1.50 meters wide, under the shade of palm trees and lush vegetation, between gardens, plantations and traditional wooden houses.
A light lunch with snacks is served midday for a rest. In the afternoon we continue with the discovery of the most beautiful and most amazing area of Bangkok, the Grand Palace with its golden spiers, chedis, courtyards and painted corridors, reception halls richly decorated and of course the palladium of the kingdom, the temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Keo). Return to your hotel at the end of the afternoon.

HOTEL: CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS (GARDEN SUITE) 4* BOUTIQUE

Day 3 : Bangkok – Ampawa - Bangkok (B/L/-)

Departure in the morning for the south of Bangkok (about 1hr by car), to reach Mahachai - one of the largest fish markets in Thailand. Walk along the crowded and typical streets, around the market but also along the small port where the colourful boats are moored to the pier. If the schedule is right, take a train until the next stop: Mae Klong station. At Mae Klong, the market is directly on the railway and when a train arrives the vendors remove quickly of the goods and fold up the tarps.
Continue to Ampawa, a few kilometres away for lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we board a boat on the Maeklong River, and we stop first at the Temple Wat Bang Kung, enclosed in the creepers and roots of a banyan. Continue on the Bang Noi canal, lined with old wooden houses and gardens: we may see sometimes some locals on a boat going to their orchard, a soup seller… simple moments of daily life here. We then return to the Maeklong River and drive back Bangkok (1h30) to rest in your hotel for the evening.
Dinner at leisure.

HOTEL: CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS (GARDEN SUITE) 4* BOUTIQUE

Day 4 : Bangkok - Kanchanaburi (B/-/-)

After breakfast we drive you West, to Kanchanaburi province neighbouring Myanmar. First stop when we arrive: the Allies World War II Cemetery, then the small museum Jeath of the war and then the famous bridge that you can cross. From there, take the train to Wang Pho with an impressive passage on the cliff-side river. In the afternoon you will continue to the pier before embarking in a small canoe and go up the river Kwae Yai, with its banks covered by a lush vegetation.
Check in at your hotel located on the river surrounded by natureg. Free time to enjoy the hotel and the environment. Lunch and dinner at leisure.

HOTEL: Kanchanaburi Floathouse – 3*+ Charm (Floating Villa)

Day 5 : Kanchanaburi (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we leave to the camp "Elephant's World" and today you will not be passive, but you can be a mahout for a day. This camp is different from other elephant camps: no show, no elephant ride. This is a camp for retired elephants, for them to end their life nicely.
You will participate in all kinds of activities:
- cut and replant various fruits and seasonal plants, sugar cane, banana trees...
- prepare their meal – mix of glutinous rice, fruits, leaves.
- help the mahouts to wash the elephants and bath with them in the beautiful Kwai Yai River.
Lunch will be served at the camp.
At the end of the afternoon, we will get back to your floating hotel by boat. No arrangements made for dinner.

HOTEL: Kanchanaburi Floathouse – 3*+ Charm (Floating Villa)

Day 6 : Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya (B/- / D)

Check out from your hotel in the morning, back to the pier and depart for Erawan National Park. You will walk through the forest to reach the river and the waterfall. The Erawan waterfalls consist of several levels where, depending on the season, you can swim in the various pools, under the shade of tall trees. In the afternoon departure and drive to Suphanburi by road before embarking on a 20minute river cruise to The Bohemian’s Residence. Your private 2-bedroom villa overlooks the river and includes a living room, terrace, swimming pool 13.5 x 3.5m and garden. The boat is available anytime and the housekeeper is at your service, discreet but always present. Your guide is also on hand if required.
Afternoon tea and dinner will be served at the villa, poolside, riverside or in the dining room as you prefer.

HOTEL: Bohemian’s Residence – 5* luxury (villa)

Day 7 : Ayutthaya - Departure (B/-/-)

We leave your home to go and visit Ayutthaya.
To visit the former capital, ride on a "tuk tuk kermit" (big tuk tuk up to 6 people) that will take you along the river, to the remains of the ancient town, wat Phra Si Sanphet, the symbol of Ayutthaya in the precincts of the former royal palace, Wat Mahathat with its Buddha head encircled in the roots of a banyan. Then bac to your car continue to the West of the island where the very elegant Sri Suriyothai chedi is dressed in white and gold. You will continue outside the island with the majestic Wat Chaiwatthanaram by the river. Wat Phu Khao Thong (Golden Mount) stands outside the city, surrounded by rice paddies. It will also be the very photogenic wat Yai Chai Mongkol, his reclining Buddha and his alignment of statues.
Then return to Bangkok, to the airport for your next destination or to your hotel in town. Lunch and dinner free.

Extension :

To end this trip smoothly, we suggest you to relax on a quiet beach at one of our seaside hotels on Koh Chang, Phuket, Krabi or around Samui (Spa Koh Chang, Le Passe-Temps, Koh Jum Beach Villas, Paresa Resort, Aava Resort, The Andamani, Baba Eco Lodge).
Ask Secret Retreats concierge for advice.

Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary

CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS

Kanchanaburi Floathouse

The Bohemian’s Residence

The Central Plains and Rivers of Thailand

7 days / 6 nights

from 2,140 USD /person

based on 2 people sharing the same room

Visa for Thailand

Travel Insurance

The total price includes :
Accommodations for 6 nights
All meals as mentioned in the program
All transfers from airport, to airport and all destinations visited, as mentioned in the program (private A/C car)
Guided visit, activities and excursions mentioned in the program
English speaking guide for local sightseeing.
Government tax and service tax

The total price does not include :
International flight to and from Bangkok
Early check in or late check out
Extra activities and meals not mentioned in the program
Personal expenses, drinks, tips, etc
Travel Insurance

This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Kanyaporn and Green Trails (License 24/00060).

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