Escape from Bankgok
4 Days/3 Nights

Introduction

This exploration introduces you to three prime sites, ideal for gaining an appreciation of Thai design, architecture, history and culture. It also offers you a fine way to view the captivating way of life that exists on Thailand's "River of Kings". In a simple two-day river trip on the Mekhala, you can absorb centuries of Thailand's history and culture. The trip also takes you to a Tiger Temple where you can do what you can only dream, playing with a tiger!

Brief Itinerary

Day 1:  Thai architecture, art and history in Bangkok (L)

Day 2: Bangkok - Mekhala on Mekhala Cruise (B/D)
Day 3: Mekhala – Ayuthaya on Mekhala Cruise – Kanchaburi - Tiger Temple(B/L)
Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Bangkok (B/L/-)

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Thai architecture, art and history in Bangkok (L)

Today, you will learn about Thai architecture, art and history, you'll explore three primary sites of cultural interest Bangkok is home to many museums, historical sites and a vanishing number of beautiful traditional wooden Thai homes. Enjoy a delicious Thai lunch along the way, and be escorted back to your hotel full of knowledge.

 

Home of M.R. Kukrit Pramoj

Considered a cultural magnate of Thailand, M.R. Kukrit, a former Thai Prime Minister, almost single-handedly revived traditional Khon' (masked dance) art and culture. A renaissance man who brought art back into mainstream Thai life, he died in 1995. His home is a treasure trove for students of Thai art, history and a gorgeous testament to traditional aristocratic Thai lifestyle.

Jim Thompson's House

A must for any enthusiast of regional art and classical Thai home design, Jim Thompson's House is a vestibule of artistic treasures and mystery. A pioneer who revolutionized the Thai silk trade, Thompson disappeared mysteriously in Malaysia's Cameron Highlands in the 1960's and has been a source of legend and controversy ever since. His home remains a spectacular artistic tribute to his empire.

National Museum

Thailand's National Museum contains one of the best documented chronologies of prehistoric, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok-era events and figures. Showcasing the kingdom's finest treasures, including the first known stone inscriptions of Thai writing, art and architecture enthusiasts often make the journey for the Buddhaisawan Chapel alone, which houses one of Thailand's most revered Buddha images, Phra Buddhasihing. An Art History Gallery displays sculptures and exhibits from the Dvaravati, Srivijaya and Lopburi and Bangkok periods.

Day 2: Bangkok - Mekhala on Mekhala Cruise (B/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free until you have a transfer to the boat pier. Start cruising up the Chao Phraya River with spectacular views of the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn. Just after the sunset, the MEKHALA docks at Wat Kai Tia, a Thai temple set in a tranquil rural village. An exquisite candlelit dinner of mouth-watering Thai cuisine is served on the deck. Overnight on board in your air-conditioned cabin.

REMARKS: Check - in time is requested around 14h00.

Day 3: Mekhala – Ayuthaya on Mekhala Cruise – Kanchaburi - Tiger Temple (B/L)

An option for alms offering to monk can be made prior to a delicious breakfast served on board. Then depart for Bang-Pa-In Summer Palace where you will disembark nearby at approx. 10h00.

You then continue to drive to Kanchaburi. Now over ten years old, this beautiful Buddhist temple keeps and cares for numerous animals, most notably the tigers, who can be stroked by visitors. The first tiger cub didn't arrive until 1999 and sadly it died after being taken to the temple by local villagers. As adult tigers fell victim to poachers, several cubs were given to the temple and so far a further several cubs have been born. There are currently more than a dozen tigers who call the temple home! Once a day, the tigers are led on leashes to their own quarry where they can roam around, with visitors able to watch from around 10m away. More often than not, one of the monks will bring one of the tamest tiger to be stroked by visitors*. Donations can be made at the temple and the Monks continue to collect funds in order to build a larger sanctuary which would allow the tigers to live in a more natural habitat.

*Although the tigers appear tame, let's not forget these are still naturally wild animals. Sudden movements and too many camera flashes at one time can spook them. However in ten years there has only been one serious attack on a visitor, who survived! Young children are not allowed near the animals and will not be allowed into the quarry where the tigers roam free!

Take your time with the tigers! You spend the night in Kanchaburi

Day 4: Kanchanaburi – Bangkok (B/L/-)

After breakfast, you may return to the temple this morning for one more visit and possible fur therapy moment. You then travel back to Bangkok for departure

Our trip includes

• Accommodation on join-in basis in twin or double
• Meal plan as mentioned in the tour program.
• Drinking water when touring
• Private tours as indicated in private transportation
• English speaking guide service
• Admission fee at visiting points as mentioned in the program.
• 2 days sharing cruise including stops and visits,1 night accommodation on board in double berth air-conditioned cabin, 1 dinner + 1 breakfast), Coffee, Tea & Water on board and during breakfast and dinner, services of qualified crew during the cruise, group insurance.

 

Our trip excludes

• Other services not mentioned in package.
• Other drinks and meals not mentioned in package.
• Other personal expenses.

 

Remarks on the cruise:

• For safety reasons and according to weather conditions, the program may be amended without prior notice.
• Departure is on Saturday or Tuesday
• Maximum number of passengers 10 persons (5 cabins).
• Note: we reserve the right to revise the tariffs depending on the evolution of the fuel price.

Prices contact info@remoteasia.com