Page 85 - ROYAL ORCHID HOLIDAYS

Discover the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture and history on Royal Orchid Holiday’s overland tours which will take you through the rural plains within your region of choice. The central, the northern hills, and the east and west frontiers all have their own distinct treasure troves waiting to be explored where you will get a chance to see Thai architecture both old - all you need to do is pick an itinerary that suits you best. Our guided tours, offered in many languages, are packed with the highlights of each destination and provides the perfect introductory trip to a particular region you have not yet explored.Off the beaten trackA fun way to see as much as possible, without feeling hurried, is to go on one of our multi-day adventure tours. We take care of all the arrangements, including most meals and accommodation, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of this exotic land. For instance, you could head north and visit the Golden Triangle and take a peek into Myanmar and Laos, or go east to the Khmer ruins at Phimai – which resemble Angkor Wat on a smaller scale, or west to Hellfire Pass and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Along the way you’ll get a feel for life in the countryside, taste traditional Thai dishes and discover local customs.Departs Bangkok: TueGet a feel for life in Central Thailand with a trip to a huge seafood pier and market followed by a colourful ride on a local train and a trip along the canals. Then enjoy an early morning visit to a floating market, before heading off to Kanchanaburi and the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai. Finish your adventure with a visit to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, Bang Pa-In and the Summer Palace.Wat Yai Chaimongkol, Ayutthaya World HeritageItineraryDay 1: Bangkok-Mahachai-AmpawaDeparting Bangkok you’ll head to Mahachai, home to one of the biggest seafood piers on the Gulf of Thailand. Stroll along the Ta Chine River Iand watch the fishermen offloading their catch: shrimp, cuttlefish and all manner of shellfish.At 09:30 a.m. depart by van to Mae Klong Railway Market. Walk around the market, then ready yourself for the hectic activity as vendors raise the awnings on their stalls to let the train pass. Then it’s on to Ampawa and the Baan Ampawa Resort. In the afternoon you’ll be taken on a boat trip along the canals, visit the Benjarong House and Museum and see Wat Bang Kung, built during the Ayutthaya period, and now completely embraced by the roots of a huge Banyan tree. (L)Day 2: Ampawa-Floating Market-River Kwai After breakfast you’ll be driven to the nearby floating market at Damoen Saduak before travelling on to Kanchanaburi. There will be brief stop at the war cemetery and a photo stop at the Bridge over the River Kwai before you board the local train for a ride along the infamous ‘Death Railway’. After lunch visit the Hellfire Pass Museum which shows how and why the Burma-Thailand railway was built. (B, L)Day 3: Kanchanaburi-AyutthayaAfter breakfast, enjoy a brief longtail boat ride on the River Kwai before the journey to Ayutthaya, Siam’s former capital. Here, as you wander among the remains of temples such as Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Chai Wattanaram you can imagine the glories of the Ayutthyan Empire (1350-1768 AD). (B, L)Day 4: Ayutthaya-Bang Pa-In-BangkokYou can awaken early for a 6:00 a.m. trip to the market for fresh food to offer as alms to the monks (Optional). After breakfast, visit Wat Panangchoen which houses the oldest large cast bronze Buddha image in Ayutthaya; then take a 40-minute boat ride on the Chao Phraya River to Bang Pa-In, followed by a visit to the Royal Summer Palace. At the end of the adventure, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Bangkok. (B)4 Days Central Thailand HighlightsIncluded Features■ Three nights with breakfast■ Transportation by air-conditioned bus, riverboat & local train■ Entrance fees to monuments & museumsand three lunches■ English or German-speaking guidesROYALORCHIDHOLIDAYS 85Damnoen Saduak Floating Market