Itinerary

Day 1 - Starting: Bangkok & Finishing: Bangkok

Arrive at any time.

Day 2 - Starting: Bangkok & Finishing: Kanchanaburi

Enjoy a klong boat tour of Bangkok including a visit to Wat Po. Travel to Kanchanaburi and head to your floating rafthouse accommodation. Enjoy free time to explore.

Day 3 - Starting: Kanchanaburi & Finishing: Kanchanaburi

Enjoy a day of sightseeing at Erawan Falls and the Bridge on the River Kwai. Explore the Allied War Cemetery, the Thai-Burmese Railway Centre and the JEATH War Museum to learn more about the area's history.

Day 4 - Starting: Kanchanaburi & Finishing: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Travel to Ayutthaya and visit the historical sites of the old capital city. Opt to visit Chan Kasem National Museum and Chao Sam Phraya Museum.

Day 5 - Starting: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya & Finishing: Chiang Mai

Spend a full day exploring Ayutthaya before boarding an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

Day 6 - Starting: Chiang Mai & Finishing: Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a vibrant city with heaps to see and do. Famous for its night market, cooking classes, and Muay Thai, it's a feat to fit it all in.

Day 7 - Starting: Chiang Mai & Finishing: Chiang Mai

With a little extra time in the area, hilltribe treks are easily accessible, as is the Golden Triangle.

More Information

What’s Included

Erawan Falls and Bridge on the River Kwai visit (Kanchanaburi). Rafthouse stay. Temple ruins tour (Ayutthaya). Thai Burma Railway Centre visit. Doi Suthep temple visit (Chiang Mai). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Explore magnificent temples and palaces, sleep in a floating rafthouse, learn about the somber history of Kanchanaburi.

Itinerary Disclaimer

Important Notes

Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

Group Leader Description

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it’s the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 12

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. This will typically include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.

Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport

Train, private van, walking

Solo Travellers

Accommodation

Hotels/guesthouses (4 nts), rafthouse (1 nt), sleeper train (1 nt).

My Own Room Exceptions

Night 5, sleeper train

About Accommodation

A variety of styles of hotels/guest houses are used on this trip. In many instances they might not be like what you are used to back home as service and efficiency can vary. In some areas we stay in simple local guest houses in stunning locations – rooms are small and simple and there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers.

Joining Hotel

Hotel Centra Central Station Bangkok
23/34-35 Traimit Road
Taladnoy, Bangkok
10100
Thailand
Phone: +66 (0) 2 344 1699

Joining Instructions

When arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced ‘su wan na poom’) in Bangkok proceed to the Arrivals Hall where you can change money into Thai Baht. (You may be approached by nicely dressed, official looking touts offering an expensive limousine service to your hotel; ignore these offers.) 

You have three transport options; public bus, the Airport Train & MRT or public taxi. All transportation is located on the ‘ground’ floor. 

Public Bus 
The Airport Bus operates 4 bus routes to downtown for a cost of 150 Baht for the entire route. Bus AE2 goes to Banglamphu and Bus AE4 goes to Hua Lamphong train station. Our hotels are located in both the Bang Lamphu and Hua Lamphong areas. 

Taxi 
The airport is located 30km’s away from downtown Bangkok. Approach the taxi counters, advise them where you are going and they will write this information down for you along with the taxis registration details. Taxis should always use the meter and you are required to pay a 50 Baht airport surcharge on top of the metered fee plus any tollway fees (approx 75 Baht depending on the route taken). Total journey will cost between 350 THB – 500 THB, depending on traffic and toll fees. 
The expressway is substantially faster, so tell the taxi driver to use the expressway, you can say either “”kuen ton-way”” (from ‘tollway’) or “”kuen taang duan”” in Thai (but most understand Tollway/express way in English). 

Airport Train 
If you are staying at the Centra Central Station Bangkok, you can take the Airport Train. Board the express airport train at a cost of 150 THB to the City Air Terminal; Makkasan. Here you will need to disembark and change to the MRT (subway) Blue line, boarding at Phetchaburi Station. From Pethaburi Station travel to the last stop, Hua Lamphong, and follow the signs for Exit 1. Once out, walk 2-3 minutes. The hotel is located across the road. 

Arrival Transfers If you have paid for an arrival transfer when you booked your trip then please proceed to the Airport Information Counter near entrance 3 and look for the driver who should be holding a G Adventures sign.

Please note, the hotel lobby is located on the top floor of the building. When arriving at the Hotel Centra Central Station Bangkok, take the elevators up to the top floor, check in and then proceed to your room.

Arrival Complications

What to Take

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when traveling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in home-stays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.

Checklist

Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sunblock/Sun hat
Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money-belt
Shorts
Long trousers
Hiking pants/track pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Rain gear
Rain jacket or poncho
Umbrella
Warm clothing
Fleece jacket or warm layer
Hat
Gloves
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Clothes for temples – long pants or sarongs.
Sleep sheet for trekking or sea safari trips.
Thermarest or sleeping mat and travel pillow for trekking or sea safari trips.
Camera and film
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Spending Money

Money Exchange

During this tour the local currency you will use is the Thai Baht. As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout South East Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back up. Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. USD Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers’ cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange. Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached.Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

Emergency Fund

Departure Tax

Departure Tax is included in all International and Domestic tickets in China, Thailand and Vietnam.

Tipping

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected – though not compulsory – and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Grand palace (Bangkok) – USD11
Jim Thompson’s House (Bangkok) – USD3.5
National Museum (Bangkok) – USD1.5
Royal Barge Museum (Bangkok) USD1.5
Thai massage – USD10 per hour
Doi Suithep (Chiang Mai) – USD2 (plus transport)
Bicycle tour (Chiang Mai) – USD30 for Half Day
Thai Cookery Course (Chiang Mai) – USD30 for Half Day
Kan Toke Traditional Dinner (Chiang Mai) – USD30

All prices are per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our CEO’s are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Safety and Security

Trip Specific Safety

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Medical Form

A Couple of Rules

A Word of Warning

Please do not buy gems in Bangkok unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.

Travel Insurance

Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation

Local Dress

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank-tops when visiting villages, temples or mosques or other holy sites. In Pakistan we recommend a head scarf for women while walking around.

Feedback

Newsletter

Travel Forum – The Watering Hole

Max Pax

15

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

Day 4 Optional Activities

• Chan Kasem National Museum Visit -
• Chao Sam Phraya Museum Visit -

Day 6 Optional Activities

• Cooking Class -
• Muay Thai Fight -
• Night Market -

Day 4 Optional Activities

• Chan Kasem National Museum Visit -
• Chao Sam Phraya Museum Visit -

Day 6 Optional Activities

• Cooking Class -
• Muay Thai Fight -
• Night Market -

Get Inspired

The Magic of Peru

Read More

Chile’s Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is one of the world’s most spectacular deserts, with fields of steaming geysers, massive smoking conical volcanoes, craggy mountains and flamingo-dotted turquoise lagoons.

Read More

Learn something new on your next journey

There are thousands of learning holidays to choose from in all corners of the globe, but we’ve rounded up a list of some of our favourites to get you inspired.

Read More

Hot air ballooning around the world

There is nothing as perfect as seeing the world from a bird’s eye view in a hot air balloon. Here are a few places we recommend you go to where you can float above the clouds and feel on top of the world.

Read More

Summer Cruise around Svalbard in Norway

A journey through the fjords, glaciers and islands aboard a cruise ship in Norway.

Read More