BANGKOK & KOH CHANG 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok (-)
Arrive Bangkok International Airport and transfer to your hotel downtown for check-in and overnight accommodation.  
 

Day 2 Bangkok (B)
The Grand Palace was the seat not only of the king and his court, but contained within its crenellated walls the entire government administration. The architecture is vibrantly Thai though there are some European designs as well. Brilliantly colored and gilded, and decorated with intricate detail, the overall effect is dazzling. The palace served as the official residence of the kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building on the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. Construction of the temple began when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok in 1785. Unlike other Thai temples, it does not contain living quarters for monks; rather, it has only the richly decorated holy buildings, statues, and pagodas. The main temple building is the central ubosoth, which houses the Emerald Buddha. Though green in color, the Buddha is actually carved from a single piece of jade, and though only 17 inches tall, is the most revered object in Thailand. Also within the grounds are several palaces, used for various occasions: the Funeral Palace, Reception Palace, Throne Hall, Coronation Hall, and the Royal Guest House. The majority of halls and palaces can be viewed from outside only, but the exteriors are captivating enough to please. 
 

Day 3 Bangkok (B/L)
This most interesting excursion takes you to the rural floating market of Damnoen Saduak, the Bridge Over the River Kwai and the tallest chedi in the world. With an early morning departure, you will travel 120 kilometres to Damnern Saduak where boat people sell their wares from boat to boat or boat to shore. You will be amazed at the variety of goods and products that are to be purchased – you may even try your bargaining skills. We proceed to Kanchanaburi where we will stop for lunch prior to visiting the Thailand-Burma Railway Center, the museum will provide you with a good overall history of the cemeteries for Allied prisoners of war before taking a special train across the Bridge on the River Kwai. On your return journey to Bangkok, stop at Phra Pathom Chedi, considered to be the highest pagoda in the world.
 

Day 4 Bangkok (B/L)
Ayuthaya is one of Thailand’s historical and majestic highlights, serving as the Thai capital for 417 years (1350 – 1767), it was once glorified as one of the biggest cities in the world – a Southeast Asia center for civilizations. In the 17th century, most foreign visitors to Ayutthaya, traders or diplomats alike, claimed Ayutthaya to be the most illustrious and glittering city that they had ever visited. During this day trip you will visit many interesting ancient sites including Wat Phra Si Sanphet, in 1491 the temple was located inside the compound of the Grand Palace-the foundations of which are still visible-and served as the royal chapel, as Wat Phra Kaeo does in Bangkok. This Royal Palace was built by King U-Thong upon the founding of the city. In Ayutthaya’s heyday, this was the largest temple in the city. Continue to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon. Within the complex is a huge image of a reclining Buddha in brick and stucco. The chedi is bell-shaped and constructed on a mound of raised ground with steps going up to the Buddhist image placed midway to the top. The chedi itself now has a distinct tilt, but still can be entered via the stairs. After we visit Wat Phanan Choeng, overlooking the river on the opposite bank from the main city, Wat Phanan Choeng was founded shortly before the establishment of Ayutthaya as the Kingdoms capital. Our last stop before returning to Bangkok is to Bang-Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence, which represents a fine example of Thai architecture.
 

Day 5 Bangkok – Koh Chang (B)
Morning departure as we travel towards the Gulf of Siam to town called Trat, from there we will cross a ferry to the tropical island of Koh Chang. 
 

Day 6 – 9 Koh Chang (B)
Free days leisure for personal activities.
 

Day 10 Depart Koh Chang (B)
Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Bangkok airport.