Today you fly to Thailand.

On arrival in Bangkok you are taken to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, an early check-in is worthwhile (optional, see add-ons). As darkness falls, your small group sets off by tuk-tuk through the illuminated city to Chinatown. At the street stalls you try specialities such as satay, pad thai, Thai suki and salapao, as well as sweets like bua loy nam khing. You then visit the Pak Khlong Talat flower market, where jasmine, lotus flowers and roses, fruit, vegetables and spices are traded late into the night. On the way back you pass the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, beautifully lit at night. (D) (Distance: approx. 40 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Centara Life Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon is centrally located in the old town: Wat Saket is about a 15-minute walk away, and a free shuttle runs to Khaosan Road. There is a gym, a pool with terrace and modern rooms with air conditioning, TV and private bathroom. Breakfast is served as a buffet.

The day begins on the water: by longtail boat you travel through the khlongs of Thonburi and see why Bangkok is often called the “Venice of the East”. Between stilt houses, floating markets and small food stalls, a quieter side of the city reveals itself. On the banks of the Chao Phraya you visit Wat Arun, whose tower is decorated with porcelain and ceramics, and then the Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew and the revered Emerald Buddha. In the afternoon you discover a rare craft in the Baan Batr quarter, where monks’ alms bowls are still made by hand. Finally you climb Wat Saket, the “Golden Mount”. The path winds up many steps with resting places to the top, where a wide view over the historic Rattanakosin district awaits. (B) (Distance: approx. 20 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

Today you drive to Kanchanaburi, whose history is closely linked to the Thailand-Burma Railway. At the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre you learn about the construction of the line during the Second World War, and at the nearby war cemetery you remember the many people who died building it. At the famous Bridge on the River Kwai your ride on the historic Death Railway begins. The line follows the river past wooded slopes and steep rock faces. At Tham Krasae you cross the well-known wooden viaduct that clings to the cliff above the river. You then continue to your riverside hotel, where you can end the day in peace. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 220 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The River Kwai Resotel lies in Kanchanaburi province right on the Kwai Noi, surrounded by jungle, mountains and limestone cliffs; Sai Yok National Park and Lawa Cave are nearby. It has a pool with children’s pool, a second pool area, a boat jetty, a palm garden, the Tamarind Restaurant & Bar, a jungle bar and a pool bar. The rooms of about 35 m² on the upper floor of two-storey chalets have a terrace or seating area with garden view, air conditioning, ceiling fan, fridge, satellite TV, tea and coffee facilities, shower and free Wi-Fi.

Today you visit an elephant conservation project in Sai Yok. The foundation is committed to the animals’ welfare and shows you modern approaches to elephant protection. With the mahouts you prepare food and accompany the elephants on a walk through the forest. After a vegetarian lunch you watch them cool off in the mud or bathe in the river, and you can feed them once more before saying goodbye. In the afternoon you visit Lawa Cave, one of the best-known caves in the region; archaeological finds show that early humans once lived here. You then return to the hotel. (B/L/D) (Distance: approx. 35 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

Through rural central Thailand you travel to Uthai Thani today. In a village in Ang Thong province you watch craftsmen making traditional drums – from raw material to finished instrument. You then reach the historic Sam Chuk market, whose wooden houses with decorated façades received a UNESCO award for cultural heritage conservation. In Uthai Thani you visit Wat Tha Sung, the “Crystal Temple” with its gleaming glass elements, and the neighbouring Golden Temple, Prasat Thong Kham. From Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri above the town you look out over the green province; here you also see a Buddha footprint and a statue of the father of the first Chakri king. Uthai Thani is rarely part of classic Thailand tours – here you get to know a quiet, little-known side of the country. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 345 km; driving time: approx. 6 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Uthai Heritage is a boutique hotel in the buildings of a private school founded in 1957. Dark wooden beams, old photographs, local crafts and upcycled furniture give it its character. It has 17 rooms, a library, a café with bar, a restaurant serving regional food and an outdoor pool. Rooms have a double bed, air conditioning, smart TV, fridge, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, bathroom with shower and free Wi-Fi.

Early in the morning you experience tak bat, the traditional almsgiving to passing monks. Then you visit a village market and taste a seasonal speciality. In the countryside live descendants of the Lao Khrang, who came here in the 19th century. In several villages you see how silk and cotton are processed and get to know the intricate hand-woven phasin mudmee fabrics. Later you discover Tham Hup Pa Tat, a limestone cave discovered by a monk, with lush vegetation. After lunch you visit Wat Bot Manorom by the river, known for its murals. To finish, you glide for about an hour by boat along the Sakae Krang River, past river houses, jetties, floating fish baskets and pandan fields; snacks and drinks are served on board. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 200 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

Today you follow the historic axis of the Sukhothai kingdom northwards. At Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park (UNESCO World Heritage), once the frontier fortress in the south of the kingdom, you see temple ruins and chedis of reddish laterite. At a market you taste kluai khai, an especially sweet “egg banana” and local speciality. In the afternoon you explore Sukhothai Historical Park (UNESCO World Heritage), where temples, chedis and Buddha statues are spread across a vast park – Sukhothai is considered the cradle of Thai culture. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 240 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Legendha Sukhothai Hotel is about one kilometre from Sukhothai Historical Park; right behind it stands the elephant chedi of Wat Chang Lom. Designed like a traditional Thai village, it has an outdoor pool, a spa and a canal-side restaurant serving Thai and international cuisine, plus cultural activities such as dance performances. The Thai-style rooms of about 28 m² with teak furniture have Wi-Fi, satellite TV, minibar, tea and coffee facilities and a desk.

Today you visit Ban Na Ton Chan, a village community known for its sustainable tourism concept. After a herbal welcome drink you ride leisurely for about two hours on an e-tak tractor through the countryside, with plenty of chances to chat with the villagers. In the workshops you learn about weaving and dyeing fabrics with mud. Lunch features regional specialities made with fresh ingredients. You then return to Sukhothai and have the rest of the day at leisure. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 95 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs)

Across the central plain you travel to Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam and for centuries a political, economic and cultural centre of Southeast Asia. In the typical “frog-face” tuk-tuks you explore Ayutthaya Historical Park (UNESCO World Heritage) with its temple ruins and chedis. The old town lies on an island surrounded by rivers, which protected it for a long time. Afterwards you have time to explore on your own, perhaps with a walk among the temples or dinner at a local restaurant. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 370 km; driving time: approx. 5.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Classic Kameo is centrally located in Ayutthaya, close to the historic sights. It has an outdoor pool with whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, fitness area and two restaurants serving Chinese, Thai and international cuisine. The rooms of about 32 m² have a separate living area, kitchenette, air conditioning, TV, safe, tea and coffee facilities and free Wi-Fi.

After breakfast you are taken to Bangkok airport for your return flight. Alternatively, you can round off your trip with an individual beach extension. (B) (Distance: approx. 90 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs)

With many impressions of Thailand, you land back home today.