Arrive in Bangkok a city that fuses cutting edge modernity with old Thai charm. Set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the capital of Thailand has a bit of everything: from golden wats (temples) to soaring skyscrapers, the old and the new can be found everywhere, with delectable street stalls hawking aromatic delicacies in between.

Step out with your knowledgeable guide to explore the main temples and monuments of Bangkok, discover a few hidden gems and gain an insightful introduction to Thai culture and its fascinating history. First, visit Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Bangkok’s oldest temple, housing the country’s largest reclining Buddha at 151 ft long and 50 ft tall. Proceed to Lak Muang, the City Pillar Shrine, which represents the founding of Bangkok over 220 years ago. Next, step into the Grand Palace, the official residence of the royal families from 1782 until 1925 before admiring the early 18th century Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), the most revered shrine in the Kingdom.

Learn the art of Thai cooking at a cooking class hosted by Khun Saiyuud Diwong, affectionately known as Poo. She’s a long-time resident of Klong Toey, the largest slum in Bangkok. Join her at a special grassroots cooking class that allows you to encounter life within the Klong Toey community. Wander the local wet market and learn about Thai produce, selecting what you will use in your cooking class at Khun Poo’s small cooking school. Learn how to cook several delicious authentic Thai dishes, enjoying the fruits of your labor for lunch

After lunch, work off your meal with a lesson in Muay Thai. Steeped in tradition and sometimes referred to as Thai Boxing, Muay Thai is an important part of Thai culture. Learn basic skills and discover the techniques of this sport which uses the whole body as a weapon and shield. Witness the rituals performed before a match and learn about the significance of the armband, shorts and headpiece.

In the early morning, depart for Samut Songkram, home to the unique Maekhlong market situated right on the train tracks. Vendors use the space between the rails for their trays of vegetables, fruits, and fish. Your guide will walk with you through the market and along the tracks – until the train approaches! After, visit a different kind of market. Damnoen Saduak is Thailand’s largest and most vibrant floating market.

Journey onwards towards Kanchanaburi, pausing for lunch along the way. Visit the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, narrating the history of the Death Railway, constructed by Prisoners of War. In the afternoon, arrive at the River Kwai, where you’ll board a long-tail boat and enjoy picturesque mountain jungle views as you head to your floating hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and unwind at your floating bungalow

Today you’ll visit Erawan National Park, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, lush forests, and emerald green waters. The park is most famous for the Erawan Waterfall, a series of seven tiered cascades that resemble the three-headed elephant, Erawan, from Hindu mythology. Each tier of the waterfall offers a unique and picturesque setting, with clear pools perfect for swimming and relaxing. You can also choose to hike along jungle trails, explore limestone caves, ascend to viewpoints, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Enjoy a simple lunch before boarding the train at the Nam Tok Train Station for a short ride across a scenic section of the railway that crosses over wood viaducts and past mountain cliffs. In the afternoon, transfer by car and longtail boat back to your hotel.

Venture to a local sanctuary for elephants and spend the day learning and observing these majestic creatures. OurLand originated as a private conservation area adjacent to the Salakphra Wildlife Sanctuary. They work to protect a corridor that allows animals in Thailand’s oldest wildlife sanctuary to access a crucial water source, the river Kwai. Within this space, they run an educational hub and research facility dedicated to exploring and disseminating solutions for human-wildlife conflicts, sustainability, global change, and environmental concerns. During this interactive experience, you’ll have the chance to learn about the history of elephants in Thailand, help prepare food for the elephants, go on a jungle walk, visit a local elephant mud bath, and take a river float to the elephant reserve where you can observe and learn about wild elephant behavior with a naturalist guide. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.