Highlights of Thailand
Cultural Capitals, Jungle Rivers & Coastal Elegance
10 Day Itinerary
Uncover Thailand’s soul on a journey that bridges glittering city skylines, tranquil jungle rivers, and timeless seaside charm. This 10-day itinerary captures the essence of the Kingdom’s contrasts – from golden temples and royal palaces to poignant wartime history and serene coastal beauty.
Begin in Bangkok, where tradition and modernity coexist in mesmerising balance. Cruise the Chao Phraya River, explore the grandeur of the Grand Palace, and marvel at sacred temples that showcase centuries of devotion. Continue west to Kanchanaburi, where dense forests and rivers reveal the stories of courage and remembrance along the legendary River Kwai.
Conclude your adventure in Hua Hin, Thailand’s original beach resort. Once the royal family’s seaside retreat, it remains a haven of understated elegance, with colonial architecture, oceanfront promenades, and some of the country’s most refined hotels. This journey combines cultural immersion, natural discovery, and pure relaxation – a perfect reflection of Thailand’s enduring allure.
This 10 day itinerary includes:
- 3 nights in Bangkok – Banyan Tree Bangkok (Horizon Room)
- 2 nights in Kanchanaburi – The Float House River Kwai (Floating Villa)
- 4 nights in Hua Hin – Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin (Deluxe Room)
- Private transfers and touring with English-speaking guides throughout
- Boutique accommodation with daily breakfast (additional meals as per itinerary)
- Experiences include Ayutthaya’s UNESCO ruins, Bangkok’s temples and Grand Palace, River Kwai bridge and Death Railway, Hellfire Pass, Sai Yok National Park, and leisure time in Hua Hin
- Domestic & international flights excluded – available on request
Prices from £1,540pp
Day 1 – 2
Day 1 – Arrival in Bangkok
Fast-track arrival service and private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city at leisure.
Overnight at Banyan Tree Bangkok – Horizon Room
Day 2 – Ayutthaya & the Summer Palace
Travel north to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former royal capital. Visit the elegant Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and explore Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to magnificent temple ruins and the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots. Return to Bangkok in the late afternoon.
Overnight at Banyan Tree Bangkok – Horizon Room
Day 3 – 4
Day 3 – Bangkok’s Temples & Grand Palace
Discover Bangkok’s most sacred landmarks, including Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha), Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within the Grand Palace. The afternoon is free for shopping or dining along the Chao Phraya River.
Overnight at Banyan Tree Bangkok – Horizon Room
Day 4 – The River Kwai & Kanchanaburi
Journey west towards Kanchanaburi to visit the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, Allied War Cemetery, and the iconic Bridge over the River Kwai. Continue to the Hellfire Pass Memorial before boarding a long-tail boat to your floating resort. Dinner served at the riverside restaurant.
Overnight at The Float House River Kwai – Floating Villa
Day 5 – 6
Day 5 – Sai Yok National Park & Mon Village
Cruise upstream through jungle scenery to Sai Yok National Park. Visit a traditional Mon Tribal Village, take a riverside nature walk, and explore Lawa Cave with its dramatic limestone formations. Enjoy lunch before returning to your floating villa for dinner by the water.
Overnight at The Float House River Kwai – Floating Villa
Day 6 – The Death Railway & Hua Hin
After breakfast, cruise back downstream and continue by road to Kanchanaburi for a memorable train ride on the Death Railway, including the wooden trestle section. Travel onwards to Hua Hin, Thailand’s classic beach resort, and check into your coastal hotel.
Overnight at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin – Deluxe Room
Day 7 – 8
Day 7 – Leisure in Hua Hin
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Relax by the pool, stroll along Hua Hin’s colonial streets, or visit the town’s lively night markets and cafés.
Overnight at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin – Deluxe Room
Day 8 – Hua Hin’s Heritage & Coastline
Spend another day at leisure or explore local highlights such as Khao Takiab Temple, Cicada Market, or the nearby Hua Hin Hills Vineyard.
Overnight at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin – Deluxe Room
Day 9 – 10
Day 9 – Coastal Relaxation
A final day to unwind at your beachfront resort, perhaps with an optional spa treatment or afternoon tea in the hotel’s elegant gardens.
Overnight at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin – Deluxe Room
Day 10 – Departure from Bangkok
After breakfast, your private driver transfers you back to Bangkok Airport for your onward flight.
Additional Inspiration
Browse our other destination itineraries and blog posts for insider tips, personalised recommendations, and advice on avoiding tourist traps – helping make every journey smoother, smarter, and more memorable.
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