Bangkok, River Kwai and Ko Samui

The Grand Palace, Bangkok

15 days from £1060

excluding international flights

DAY 1 – Depart UK.

DAY 2 – Arrival in Bangkok.

On arrival in Bangkok you will be met outside customs by a representative of World Discovery and taken by private car direct to your hotel. Recommended flight from London: British Airways from London Heathrow (see below).  If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAY 3 – Bangkok.

Today has been left free. You might prefer just to relax or spend the day sightseeing, perhaps visiting Bangkok's fabulous Grand Palace with its Coronation Hall, Royal Guest House and the world-famous Emerald Buddha temple (Wat Phra Kaew). You could combine this visit with a boat ride along the 'klongs' (canals), catching a glimpse of family homes, temples and simple way of life, ending up at the spectacular Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) with its 79m spire.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 4 - Bangkok.

At leisure. Our representative can arrange a variety of optional excursions. A popular full day trip is to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya and the Summer Palace of King Rama IV at Bang Pa-In; this trip is done one way by road and the other by river (on the River Sun or Grand Pearl cruise boats). A buffet lunch is included. There are also night tours such as a special Thai Dinner with Classical dance performance (with transport provided).
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 5 - River Kwai.

After an early breakfast you will be collected from your hotel at approximately 6.30 a.m. for the 3 days/2 nights excursion to the River Kwai. The journey to Kanchanaburi takes around 2 hours. Visit the War Museum and the cemetery of the Allied Prisoners of World War II, followed by a visit to the famous bridge over the River Kwai (pictured left). Then take a long-tailed boat to the River Kwai Jungle Rafts, passing by unspoiled mountain scenery. Check in on arrival, followed by lunch. In the afternoon take an exciting boat ride downstream to visit the Hell Fire Pass Memorial. Dinner tonight will be followed by a 40 minute presentation of traditional 'Mon' dances by the villagers.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 6 – River Kwai.

Today's activities include a visit to a Mon village and a journey by elephant back through the bamboo forest. After you have checked out from the Jungle Rafts complex you will enjoy a unique transfer by river on bamboo rafts to the River Kwai Resotel for dinner and overnight.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 7 – Fly from Bangkok to Ko Samui.

Return to Kanchanaburi. After lunch, take a historic train ride on Death Railway, passing through lush forest. Continue by air-conditioned transportation to Bangkok, where our representative will take you by private car to the airport for the evening flight by Bangkok Airways to Ko Samui. Here you will be met and taken by private car to your hotel.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch.

DAYS 8 to 13 - Ko Samui.

At leisure in Ko Samui, a delightful island situated off the east coast of Thailand known for its excellent beaches and clear water, ideal for swimming. There are opportunities for a variety of watersports and the island offers a wide choice of restaurants and beach bars for the evenings.
Meals included: Full breakfast each day.

DAY 14 - Return to Bangkok. Depart for home.

At leisure until your private transfer to the airport in the afternoon. Fly back to Bangkok in the evening to connect with your homeward international flight.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 15 – Arrive London.

International Flights

We recommend the direct services of British Airways from London Heathrow. Flights are daily throughout the year. Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/Bangkok. Depart at 22.00; arrive Bangkok at 15.15 next day
Bangkok/Heathrow. Depart at 00.10 (Day 15); arrive Heathrow at 05.55 same day
There are other, often less expensive, options on airlines flying via connecting points in the Arabian Gulf - Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways being among the most convenient.

Bangkok, River Kwai and Ko Samui (Tour Reference: WDTH002)
2010 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Single Room Supplements on request.

The price includes:

• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• 12 full breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners as shown in the itinerary.
• Scheduled flights between Bangkok and Ko Samui (and v.v.) including taxes.
• Private transfers in Bangkok and Ko Samui. For the 3 days/2 nights package to the River Kwai you will share the transportation with other passengers.
• All sightseeing as shown (unless indicated as ‘optional’), including guiding and entrance fees.

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance.
• Optional sightseeing. The World Discovery representatives in Bangkok and Ko Samui will be pleased to organise any sightseeing you may wish to include during your stay.
• International airport taxes.
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter

A deposit of £250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.