Tour of The Grand Palace complex. (Half Day)

Established at the same time as Bangkok in 1782, by the first king of the Chakri dynasty. Each subsequent monarch has added their own contribution to the complex, so that it represents the full range of royal architecture. Some of the buildings are traditional Thai themes, whilst others have distinct European features. Also within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the small but holy figure of the Emerald Buddha. The figure was discovered in a Chiang Rai temple in 1436.

Visit to Ayutthaya/Bang Pa-in (Full Day)

About seventy miles north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya served as the Siamese capital from 1350 -1767. It was sacked by Burmese invaders and abandoned by the Siamese, who moved their capital to Bangkok. The ruins cover a wide area, now an historical park, amongst them Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Panan Cheon and the distinctive triple chedis of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet. You will then visit the Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In, about 7 miles south of Ayutthaya. Some kings used this area as a summer retreat, but the present buildings date mainly from the 19th century when the habit of residing there was revived. There are examples of European and Chinese architectural styles, as well as the Thai pavilion of Phra Thinang Aisawan Thippaya-art.

Bridge over the River Kwai (Full Day)

Kanchanaburi sits on the banks of the Kwae Yai and Kwae Noi rivers, surrounded by limestone outcrops and fields of sugar cane. Site of a prisoner of war camp during the Second World War, for the construction of a railway line intended to supply Japanese troops after they had invaded Burma and India. Visit the war museum as an option, which is housed in the same sort of huts the POW's used and is filled with exhibits telling their story. Visit the War Cemetery as well as the Bridge on the River Kwai, restored after the war and which still carries a railway today. Take a ride along the unpleasantly named Death Railway.

Khao Yai National Park (Full Day)

About two and half hours from Bangkok, stop en route at a typical morning market where a variety of tropical fruits can be sampled. Approaching the park, switch to a traditional mode of transport, ox-drawn farmers carts. This will be followed by a trek along marked trails inside the park. The park covers 800 square miles, much of it upland rain forest. Commonly sighted wildlife includes gibbons, deer, hornbills, wild boar and elephants. Less often seen but still present are tigers and clouded leopards. See the 80 metre cascade of Haew Narok Waterfall before heading for lunch. In the afternoon resume the visit to the park with a one-hour jungle trek on domesticated elephants. Return to Bangkok via the scenic route.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Full Day)

Depart for the village of Damnoen Saduak, about 70 miles south west of Bangkok. First visit a coconut plantation to see harvesting and handicrafts, then onto Damnoen Saduak, surrounded by a network of khlongs (canals) that radiate out into the orchards and gardens in the surrounding countryside. Daily, local farmers gather fruits, vegetables and prepared dishes and trade them along the canals to the drop off point at the market wharf. Seasonal fruits on offer include mango, jackfruit, rambutan, the notoriously pungent durian and many more. Some bring their stoves along and serve steaming bowls of noodle soup. A boat is provided to explore the market An option is to hire a canoe to explore the narrow canals around the market.