Summary
During this Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary from Bangkok to Siem Reap you will discover 2 wonderful countries. In Thailand you will visit cities such as Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, temples such as Doi Suthep, Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple), Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat and Wat Chai Wattanaram, parks such as Erawan National Park and Ayutthaya Historical Park and much more. You will discover Baan Chang Elephant Park, which is a unique small Thai family-run ecological park that is dedicated to offering the elephants the best possible quality of life without tolerating practices such as elephant dancing, circus tricks and riding activities. In Cambodia, you will visit the Beng Mealea Temple, hidden in the middle of the jungle and Kompong Kleang floating village, located almost 50 km from Siem Reap. You will also discover several temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park covering an area of about 400 square kilometres, which represents the full range of Khmer art from the 9th to the 15th century, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992 and includes a number of undisputable artistic masterpieces such as Banteay Srei, Ta Prohm, Bayon, Baphuon and Angkor Wat temples.
Individual travel request form Enjoy a private tour
Alfonso
Local travel expert in Vietnam
More than 10 years living and working in tourism in Southeast Asia. Based in Hanoi, but living for work periods in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. In love with Asian culture and the wonders that I do not stop discovering in these amazing countries. They certainly do not stop surprising me with something daily.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Bangkok, your driver will be waiting for you at Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to transfer you to the hotel. At the hotel, you will be given a brief introduction of your trip and any last minute doubts will be clarified.
Accommodation in Bangkok.
You will start the day with a guided excursion in Bangkok by using the local transports (SkyTrain, Chao Praya Express, Tuk-tuks). During the excursion you will discover the Grand Palace (former residence of the kings and home of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho (the temple of the largest Reclining Buddha in Thailand at 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height), Wat Suthat (a peaceful heaven inside the chaotic Bangkok), Wat Saket (a Buddhist temple dating back to the Ayutthaya era) and Phu Khao Thong (“Golden Mountain”, which is a steep artificial hill inside the Wat Saket compound from where you can see the old town).
Accommodation in Bangkok.
You will start the day by discovering the most famous floating market in Thailand, Damnoen Saduak. The market consists of a labyrinth of narrow canals full of traditional boats where the products that you will visit aboard a traditional boat are sold.
Next, you will learn about WWII while visiting the Bridge over the River Kwai, which is a railway bridge spanning the Kwai Yai in Kanchanaburi that was crossed by the Thailand-Burma Railway. The metal bridge was built during World War II by forced laborers under the orders of the Imperial Japanese Army and is famous for the novel by Pierre Boulle and the film based on it. In 1945 the metal bridge was bombed and two central arches were destroyed which at the end of the conflict were restored by the Japanese as war damage. You will have a unique experience during the train tour on the bridge.
You will also visit the JEATH War Museum about more the Thailand-Burma Railway built between 1942 and 1943 by Allied POWs under the direction of the Japanese. The acronym JEATH stands for the main nationalities involved in the construction of the railway: Japanese, English, Australian, American, Thai and people of Holland.
Accommodation in Kanchanaburi.
The day will begin with a visit to Erawan National Park, a protected area found in Kanchanaburi province and a natural gem with some of the best-known waterfalls in the country. The park has an area of approx. 550 square kilometres and was created in 1975. The park’s main attraction is the Erawan Falls, named after the three-headed white elephant from Hindu mythology. The seven-tiered falls are said to resemble the elephant. You can bathe in the pools of crystal clear water.
In the afternoon, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will be transferred to the hotel in Bangkok.
Accommodation in Bangkok.
Day 5
Discovery of Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siam Empire
Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Chiang Rai
In the morning, you will be transferred to Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siam Empire, where you will discover the archaeological ensemble of temples such as Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat and Wat Chai Wattanaram of the Ayutthaya Historical Park, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. You will taste the Candy Floss Roti, one of the best known delights of the place, a crepe with cotton candy.
After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport of Bangkok to take your flight to Chiang Rai.
Accommodation in Chiang Rai.
Breakfast at the hotel and free day in Chiang Rai.
Accommodation in Chiang Rai.
In the morning, you will discover one of the most spectacular and different temples in the country, and in continuous evolution, Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple that was designed and built by Don Chalermchai Kositpipat. Wat Rong Khun is different from any temple in Thailand for having a “ubosot” (a type of meeting room) decorated with white and crystals.
Next, you will visit Wiang Pa Pao market where you will buy food that the tribe people will cook for you afterwards.
Then, you will arrive at the village of Akha, home of the homonymous tribe. A local girl from the village named Ploy will take you to see stunning jungle landscapes and meet the villagers.
Accommodation in Chiang Mai.
On this day you will visit the best-known places in Chiang Mai, known as “The Rose of the North”, starting with the temples of Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chedi Luang, where you can be in contact with Buddhist monks.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will visit the Warorot Market, the heart of Chinatown, one of the busiest markets, and Ton Lamyai, the flower market.
Next, you will go to Doi Suthep Temple, located in the mountains, with a large golden pagoda and stunning views of the city. The temple is 15 kilometres from the city of Chiang Mai and is located at an elevation of 1,073 metres.
Accommodation in Chiang Mai.
On this day of your Thailand and Cambodia Itinerary, you will visit Baan Chang Elephant Park, which is a small unique Thai family-run ecological park that helps the rescued elephants. The Elephant Park is located about a 50-minute drive from Chiang Mai city and is dedicated to offering the elephants the best possible quality of life without tolerating practices such as elephant dancing, circus tricks and riding activities. People work hard to raise public awareness and help improve the care and well-being of Thailand’s elephants.
First, you will visit Elephant Poo Poo Paper Park where you will learn about making eco-friendly recycled paper made from the excrement of pachyderms.
When you arrive at the park, you will dress up as a real Mahout, and go to meet these impressive animals in their habitat. You will have the best possible experience with these wonderful animals and learn more more about them in a relaxed way. You will be able to safely interact with elephants and develop a relationship with these gentle giants.
You will have lunch and go with the elephants to a pond where you will be able to bathe with them.
At the end of the visit, you will be able to play with the baby elephants in the nursery.
Accommodation in Chiang Mai.
At the appointed time, you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Accommodation in Siem Reap.
In the morning, you will visit the great temple of Beng Mealea, which is located 70 km from Siem Reap and is a temple from the Angkor Wat period. Tucked away in the middle of the jungle, the temple is a must-see for anyone coming to Cambodia. Surrounded by mysteries since its construction, abandoned and devoured by the jungle for hundreds of years, and devastated by the recent wars in Cambodia, the temple represents an icon of the power of the Khmer Empire.
Lunch at a basic local restaurant.
You will continue the day with a visit to Kompong Kleang floating village, located almost 50 km from Siem Reap, in the most remote and least touristy area. It is the largest floating village in Siem Reap province and is home to more than 10,000 people. There you will learn about the daily life of the village fishermen who live in houses on stilts, elevated 10 to 12 metres above the lake.
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Accommodation in Siem Reap.
On this day, you will discover several temples of the Angkor Archaeological Park covering an area of about 400 square kilometres, which represents the full range of Khmer art from the 9th to the 15th century, includes a number of undisputable artistic masterpieces, and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.
In the morning, you will travel to the outskirts of Siem Reap, 35 km from the city to begin your tour.
First, you will visit Banteay Srei, a stunningly beautiful little 10th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Banteay Srei is mostly built of red sandstone, and although it is a much smaller temple than the others, it is definitely a must-see within Angkor. The buildings themselves are miniature in scale, especially when measured by Angkorian building standards, which has made the temple extremely popular among tourists and has led to it being praised as a more “precious gem” or “jewel of Khmer art”. The modern name of the temple, Banteay Srei (citadel of women or citadel of beauty), is probably related to the complexity of the bas-reliefs found on the walls and the small dimensions of the buildings themselves.
Then, you will discover the Ta Prohm Temple of the Angkor complex, built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a Mahayana Buddhist monastery and university and originally called Rajavihara (“royal monastery”). Unlike most temples in Angkor, Ta Prohm is in more or less the same conditions in which it was founded: the photogenic and atmospheric combination of trees growing in the ruins and the surrounding jungle have made it one of the most popular temples in Angkor among visitors. The temple is known to be part of the scenes from the movie Tomb Raider.
Next, you will discover Angkor Thom complex and visit the Bayon and Baphuon Temples, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
After lunch, you will visit the majestic Angkor Wat Temple, considered the largest religious monument in the world by land area, and one of the most important archaeological treasures in the world. It is also the largest and best preserved Hindu temple of those that make up the Angkor settlement. The temple was built by the Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century in Yaśodharapura (present-day Angkor), the capital of the Khmer Empire, as his state temple and was dedicated to the god Vishnu. Angkor Wat has become a symbol of Cambodia and is featured on the country’s flag.
Accommodation in Siem Reap.
On your departure day, you will be transferred to the Siem Reap Airport to take your departure flight.
Prices
Travel dates
Upon request for individual travellers
Price per person in €
2 Pers.
4 Pers.
6 Pers.
Standard cat. hotels (Apr. 1 - Sept. 31, 2024)
2136€
1675€
1509€
Standard cat. hotels (Oct. 1, 2023 - Mar. 31, 2024)
2167€
1705€
1542€
Superior cat. hotels (Apr. 1 - Sept. 31, 2024)
2306€
1828€
1659€
Superior cat. hotels (Oct. 1, 2023 - Mar. 31, 2024)
2395€
1918€
1751€
Luxury cat. hotels (Apr. 1 - Sept. 31, 2024)
2650€
2202€
2046€
Luxury cat. hotels (Oct. 1, 2023 - Mar. 31, 2024)
2760€
2312€
2159€
| Travel dates | Accommodation | Price per person in € | ||
| 2 Pers. | 4 Pers. | 6 Pers. | ||
|
Upon request for individual travellers |
Standard cat. hotels (Apr. 1 - Sept. 31, 2024) | 2136€ | 1675€ | 1509€ |
| Standard cat. hotels (Oct. 1, 2023 - Mar. 31, 2024) | 2167€ | 1705€ | 1542€ | |
| Superior cat. hotels (Apr. 1 - Sept. 31, 2024) | 2306€ | 1828€ | 1659€ | |
| Superior cat. hotels (Oct. 1, 2023 - Mar. 31, 2024) | 2395€ | 1918€ | 1751€ | |
| Luxury cat. hotels (Apr. 1 - Sept. 31, 2024) | 2650€ | 2202€ | 2046€ | |
| Luxury cat. hotels (Oct. 1, 2023 - Mar. 31, 2024) | 2760€ | 2312€ | 2159€ | |
What's Included
- 12 nights accommodation in a double (DBL) or twin (TWN) room at Standard, Superior or Luxury category hotels;
- Breakfast at the hotels of your choice;
- Lunch on day 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12 of the itinerary;
- Excursions with English speaking guides according to the itinerary;
- Entrance fees according to the itinerary;
- Road transportation according to the itinerary;
- Domestic and international flights: Bangkok - Chiang Rai / Chiang Mai - Siem Reap;
- Local SIM card with data package included.