Bangkok, the River Kwai & beach holiday on Koh Samet

Today you will fly towards Thailand, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll arrive in Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok. After passing through immigration and collecting your luggage, you’ll meet your guide in the arrivals hall at Door B, Gate 6. Your guide will be wearing the TourCompass uniform and carrying a TourCompass sign, making it easy for you to spot them. From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the heart of Bangkok – and even on the way, you’ll get your first glimpse of the city’s grandeur and its bustling, energetic atmosphere.

Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Depending on when you land – and how much energy you have – you might simply want to relax at the hotel or perhaps take a short stroll in the local area. If you’re feeling adventurous, step out into the streets of Bangkok for a first taste of the city. You’ll discover an intoxicating maze of sights and sounds, with food options ranging from tiny street stalls to trendy fusion restaurants. If you fancy, you could visit neon-lit Chinatown, sample the delights of Soi 38 in Sukhumvit, experience the roadside kitchens at Victory Monument, or soak up the lively riverside vibe at Asiatique The Riverfront, where restaurants, shops, and a vibrant evening scene unfold along the water’s edge.

If you still have some energy left, why not round off your day with a drink at one of the city’s sky bars, taking in the stunning views over the illuminated metropolis before retreating for a well-deserved night’s rest.

You’ll wake up in Thailand’s bustling capital — a city of striking contrasts where futuristic skyscrapers rise beside ancient temples, and modern skytrains glide several metres above the streets while traditional river taxis ferry locals and visitors alike between Bangkok’s many attractions.

You’ll have the day at your leisure until late afternoon, when you’ll set off on a tuk-tuk street food tour. Until then, you could, for example, relax by the pool and soak up the sun, explore the city, or join one of our optional tours.

In the afternoon, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to MRT Hua Lamphong Station, where your local guide will meet you. From here, you’ll head off on foot into Bangkok’s oldest neighbourhoods, where narrow alleyways, traditional trading streets, and small roadside kitchens set the scene for an evening brimming with aromas, flavours, and vibrant local life.

Your first tasting is a bowl of “tom yum wonton”, where the classic Thai soup is served with stuffed dumplings — a delightful blend of spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavours. You’ll then follow the irresistible scent of the grill to the next stop, where satay skewers of grilled pork are cooked over charcoal and served with a creamy peanut sauce.

You’ll continue on foot through one of Bangkok’s most atmospheric old trading streets, where historic shophouses, street art, and a new wave of creative energy blend together. Along the way, you’ll taste traditional steamed buns – a classic snack rooted in the area’s Chinese culture and considered a symbol of luck and prosperity.

Next, you’ll hop back into a tuk-tuk and whizz through Chinatown, where neon lights and bustling streets create a truly unique atmosphere. A short stop is made at the 27-metre-high Giant Swing, a historic and cultural landmark by the Wat Suthat Thepwararam temple, beautifully illuminated at night and perfect for photos.

Dinner is served at a local restaurant that has been making Pad See Ew for more than 40 years. This popular noodle dish is a wonderful example of how Chinese culinary traditions have shaped Thailand’s vibrant street food culture.

The evening concludes with a scenic drive past the Grand Palace and the City Pillar before you arrive by the riverside opposite Wat Arun. The temple stands beautifully lit on the far side of the Chao Phraya River, providing a stunning backdrop for the final stop of the tour.

Here, you can unwind at a rooftop bar by the river with a drink in hand, soaking up the view and the vibrant atmosphere. Bangkok rarely feels more alive than it does right here.

Afterwards, you’ll be driven back to the hotel unless you choose to stay a little longer and explore on your own.

Today, no excursions are planned, so you can explore at your own pace.

When getting around Bangkok, you don’t need to worry about the infamous traffic, as the city offers a variety of transportation options. Many people use tuk-tuks and Grab, but river taxis are also popular and account for a substantial part of public transport, given that they stop at many of the city’s major attractions. Additionally, there’s the Sky Train, which winds between the city’s skyscrapers and is a quick and affordable way to get around.

Bangkok is divided into the east and west by the 372 km-long Chao Phraya River. The eastern part is considered central Bangkok, featuring popular areas such as Sukhumvit, Silom, and China Town, with a high concentration of shopping centres, local markets, and excellent dining options. It’s also on the eastern side that you’ll find the historic part of Bangkok, home to landmarks like the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew.

After wandering through the tropical heat and bustling traffic of Bangkok, there will surely be moments when you dream of greener and more tranquil places. This is your cue to visit the Lumpini or Benjakiti parks. Alternatively, cross over to the western side of the river, where you’ll discover a completely different world without skyscrapers and honking tuk-tuks. Here, you’ll find traditional Bangkok, a maze of canals where houses stand on stilts and postmen come by boat.

You also have the option to embark on one of our exciting optional tours, which you can read about below.

Whatever you decide to do, we guarantee you won’t be bored.

Today, you will leave Bangkok behind for an exciting 3-day, 2-night tour to the small town of Kanchanaburi, the River Kwai, and the vast jungle area that surrounds them both.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel early in the morning to avoid the worst of Bangkok’s traffic, heading straight to Kanchanaburi and the River Kwai. During World War II, a railway was constructed here from Thailand to Myanmar under harsh conditions. The 415 km railway took 18 months to build between 1942-1943, during which approximately 100,000 conscripted Asian labourers and 12,500 Allied prisoners of war died. The true story inspired the famous novel “The Bridge on the River Kwai” by Pierre Boulle, which was immortalised in a film.

Upon arriving in Kanchanaburi, you will visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, an interactive museum that tells the story of the Thailand-Burma railway, also known as the Death Railway. This promises to be both an enlightening and poignant experience.

Next, you’ll visit the war cemetery, a memorial for around 6,000 Allied prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the Death Railway and were relocated here after the war for their final rest.

Afterwards, visit the world-famous bridge over the River Kwai, which is part of the Death Railway.

You will then continue to a local restaurant where lunch will be served.

Early in the afternoon, you’ll be driven to Hellfire Pass, one of the hardest and most challenging sections to construct on the railway, as it cut through solid rock. The work was carried out around the clock, and at night, torches illuminated the area, earning the pass its chilling name. Here, you will walk part of the Hellfire Pass Memorial Walking Trail, which traces the original railway line.

From here, you’ll be driven to Hintok River Camp, where you can enjoy the area and the camp’s activities.

Awaken to the sounds of the jungle and the gentle rustle of the river.

After a hearty breakfast, you will check out and be taken by longtail boat to River Kwai Jungle Rafts, where you can leave your luggage until check-in later in the day.

You will then visit a nearby Mon village, home to the Mon people for generations. The Mon are an ethnic group with roots in Myanmar and are one of the oldest ethnic groups in the region. Here, you’ll visit the Golden Rock, Buddha Image Cave, and the village school. You will also have the opportunity to meet the locals and learn about their history, culture, and traditions. Experience wearing the traditional Mon attire, the ‘Sa-rong’, and learn to play the traditional Mon game ‘Saba’. You’ll also have the opportunity to make Tanaka powder from the Tanaka tree, widely used as a natural cosmetic, sunscreen, skincare, and insect repellent.

Following this, enjoy a short walk along the riverbank to a breathtaking viewpoint, where you can relish the view over the lush river area.

You’ll then return to the River Kwai Jungle Rafts, a floating hotel on the river Kwai itself. The landscape and lush surroundings are indescribable! Upon arrival, you will check in and lunch will be served.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy, and you can opt to join optional tours arranged by the hotel, such as canoeing and rafting tours, or simply relax with a good book.

The morning is yours to savour the delightful surroundings until checkout around 11 am. Afterwards, you’ll be taken upriver to the pier, where you’ll disembark for lunch at a local restaurant. Next, board a scenic train ride on the Death Railway in its historic carriages. The train journey takes place along a track elevated above the beautiful landscape and River Kwai.

After the train ride, you’ll meet your guide and driver from our partner agency who will drive you to the historic gem of Ayutthaya, which served as the capital for 417 years from 1350 to 1767. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours.

Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, you will check-in at the hotel, and later, visit the city’s vibrant night market for dinner.

Afterwards, take in the sight of the illuminated temples which you’ll visit on tomorrow’s excursion to Ayutthaya Historical Park.

Today, you’ll embark on an exciting journey to some of Ayutthaya’s historic temple ruins. Some are relatively well-preserved, while others are almost gone, having been destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. This, however, does not make them any less intriguing.

The first site you’ll visit is Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, located on the eastern bank of the Pa Sak River. It’s one of Ayutthaya’s less-visited places, offering a more intimate experience. Originally, the temple served as a monastery for a group of monks who had returned from Sri Lanka before the Burmese destruction. Restoration work began much later, in the 1950s, which is why the temple appears incredibly well-preserved today. Unlike many other temples in the area, monks still reside here.

Next, the tour enters the heart of Ayutthaya Historical Park, which consists of 67 temples and Buddha statues. In 1991, part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The first temple you’ll visit is Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (UNESCO), which was the largest and most beautiful temple built next to the king’s palace. Monks were denied access due to the temple’s royal status. It is particularly known for its three large chedis and smaller chapels. You might notice similarities with Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, as it was inspired by Wat Phra Sri Sanphet.

The tour then continues to Wat Mahathat (UNESCO), also constructed close to the king’s palace. This was where he conducted important ceremonies. The temple was the seat of the Supreme Patriarch in Buddhism and housed various Buddha relics, making it one of Ayutthaya’s most significant temples. Upon seeing the old columns, chedis, and Buddha statues, one can easily picture how beautiful it once was. Today, the temple is most famous for the tree with the Buddha head. It remains unclear how it ended up among the tree roots, but it is believed to have happened during the area’s great destruction and floods, with the rapid vegetation growth that followed.

The final visit is to the old monastery Wat Lokaya Sutha. Not much remains here except for the remnants of the old floors, walls, and columns. The main attraction of the site is the 37-metre-long reclining Buddha with a serene smile.

After an exciting day, you’ll be driven back to the hotel, and you have the rest of the day to yourself. Perhaps you could hire a bicycle and explore Ayutthaya’s charming village communities. Or why not delve into the city’s culinary scene? Try grilled river prawns or the signature dish ‘Roti Sai Mai’, Thai candyfloss wrapped in thin pancakes. Alternatively, you could spend the afternoon relaxing by the hotel’s pool.

Today marks the start of your long-awaited beach holiday on the island of Koh Samet.

You will be picked up from the hotel in Ayutthaya and driven to Ao Prao pier in Ban Phe, about a 3.5-hour drive away. From there, you’ll take a speedboat to your hotel on Koh Samet, which takes 30 minutes.

Upon arrival, check-in, and you can then enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

Koh Samet is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 200 kilometres southeast of Bangkok and near the Rayong province coast.

Koh Samet is renowned for its beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal-clear water. One of the best beaches is the secluded and tranquil Ao Prao beach in the west.

A significant part of Koh Samet is designated as a national park, meaning the island’s natural beauty is well-preserved. Where the lovely beaches end, a rich and colourful marine life begins. Hence, Koh Samet is also an ideal destination for those interested in snorkelling and diving.

There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local cuisine at the island’s excellent beach restaurants.

There are no excursions planned, so you can enjoy the days at your leisure and pace.

Ao Prao is a relatively small and intimate beach, which adds to its peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. It is also one of the most picturesque and tranquil beaches on Koh Samet, known for its soft white sand and calm, clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling for both the young and old. There’s also the option to try paddleboarding or kayaking.

Ao Prao is one of the few beaches on the island facing west, making it a perfect spot to enjoy stunning sunsets.

If you want a more lively atmosphere, you can head to Sai Kaew, where you’ll find a wider selection of restaurants and beach bars, entertainment, etc. The trip takes about 35-40 minutes on foot and around 10 minutes in a songthaew, a traditional taxi.

Today, unfortunately, marks the end of your Thailand adventure for now. You’ll be taken back to Ban Phe pier on the mainland, from where you’ll be driven to Bangkok airport, a journey of about 3 hours. From there, you’ll fly back to Europe, with connecting flights along the way.

You will land at your chosen airport after a tour filled with experiences and relaxation.