“ Thailand in a Nutshell” is a short Thailand introduction tour, combining two popular day trips to River Kwai and Ayutthaya into a 3-day mini circle-tour. It offers a brief glimpse of the country's unique nature and history within a convenient distance from Bangkok .

Day 1 Bangkok – Floating Market – River Kwai

Early morning drive to Damnern Saduak, site of Thailand 's famous floating market. Here, old women and young ladies wearing their typical lampshade hats, paddle boats and trade with fruits, flowers, vegetables and cooked foods. Continue driving to Kanchanaburi to board the original “Death Railway”, built by Allied and Asian prisoners of war during World War II. The train passes over dangerous looking wooden viaducts built along the mountainside. After lunch transfer by long tail boat to the River Kwai Jungle Rafts, unique houseboats located in an exotic environment accessible by boat only. In the evening enjoy dinner at Jungle rafts and a performance of Burmese Mon dances.

Overnight (choice of accommodation)

• River Kwai Jungle Rafts (Floating raft-style houseboats, no electricity, private shower/toilet)
• River Kwai Resotel, 3*** bungalow-style resort, a few kilometers downstream from the rafts, featuring air-conditioned rooms & swimming pool.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 River Kwai – Ayutthaya

Short boat cruise downriver and return by bus to Kanchanaburi. En route visit Muang Singh, the remains of a 13 th -century temple, the most western of the ancient Khmer Kingdom . Continue for a photo-stop at the famous “Bridge over the River Kwai”, immortalized by books and films, and a visit to the Thailand-Burma Railroad Museum providing the historical background. In the afternoon, proceed through Central Thailand's fertile plains to Ayutthaya for overnight. In the evening enjoy a leisurely dinner cruise on the Pasak River with the illuminated pagodas of ancient Ayutthaya as a backdrop.

Overnight: Krungsri River Hotel (3*+)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Ayutthaya – Bangkok

In the morning visit the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya . Declared Unesco World Heritage site, Ayutthaya has been the capital of Siam for 400 years. Wealthy, god-like kings have built one of South East Asia 's most impressive and powerful kingdoms of its time. Today, ruined palaces and temples attest to the former glory of the once mighty capital Ayutthaya , which flourished with trade, art and religion until it was sacked by the Burmese army in 1767. After visiting the most famous temples, continue by long tail-boat down the Chao Phraya River to Bang Pa In, site of the former royal summer palace. Return to Bangkok by mid-afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Included

• Private escorted (English speaking guide/other languages on request) tour as per programme
• Transportation by minivan (max. 6 persons)
• Accommodation in good middle class hotels in sharing twin room with bath or shower
• VAT & Service charge
• Meals as indicated
• Boat & train rides
• Entrance fees

Excluded

• Meals and services not mentioned
• Personal expenditures and tipping
• Seasonal surcharges on relevant dates