WHEN SCHEDULING YOUR FLIGHTS…
This program is offered in conjunction with the Djoser, Netherlands office but must be booked through Djoser, in the United States. On this trip you will join Dutch & Belgium participants. So that all travelers in the group have the same point of reference, the days in the day-to-day descriptions below correspond with the program description for the Dutch travelers, taking into account their travel time from Amsterdam.
When you book your flight, please keep in mind to the estimated times of arrival and departure of the Dutch participants. You should plan to arrive prior to the Dutch travelers.
DJOSER MEANS “FREEDOM & CHOICE”
Our day-to-day program is not strictly regimented but is determined by collaboration between the guide and participants. The guide will organize and accompany many activities but will also make suggestions so that you can explore and dine, safely, on your own.
Bangkok
Day 1 (In transit)
Day 2 Arrival Bangkok
Day 3 Bangkok, cruise
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Bangkok where you will meet the guide and other group participants. The hotel is centrally located in the district Banglampoo and it is equipped with air conditioning and a swimming pool. The main attractions are the National Museum, Wat Phra Keo and the Grand Palace, are easily reached on foot.
During a tour by long tail boat on the klongs (canals) of Bangkok you can see how people live along the water. Boats take you to places you could otherwise not access. You will see some part of Bangkok with the guide, but you can also explore on your own such as the cozy Chinatown area or the large shopping mall Siam Square. You can navigate the area in many ways; the Chao Praya River Express Taxi, the regular taxi or with the typical Thai tricycle taxis, the tuk tuk. Travel to the other side of the river on the Royal Barges and the beautiful Wat Arun temple can be reached by boat.
The hotel is near the popular Khao San Road, where you will find several shops and restaurants. At night, a nice market is set up where you are sure to find things to your liking.
River Kwai
Day 4 through Nakhon Pathom and Damnern Saduak to Kanchanaburi / River Kwai
Day 5 River Kwai
Day 6 River Kwai
We leave early by bus from Bangkok to the chedi (stoepa) of Nakhon Pathom. This is the largest Buddhist structure in the world and the oldest chedi in Thailand. Then we drive to the floating market Damnern Saduak. Throughout the wetland perimeters, the farmers market their produce, which is a colorful spectacle.
From here we will depart to Kanchanaburi, where we of course cross the infamous "Bridge on the River Kwai ". We also visit the cemetery and JEATH Museum. This museum consists of barracks in which photographs, paintings and newspaper clippings from World War II are hanging. Here prisoners of war from different countries worked on the infamous Burma railway.
In Kanchanaburi we can make an optional train trip on the route to Nam Tok. Then we take the boat on the Kwai Noi River to spend two nights on the the "Jungle Rafts". These are simple bungalows built on bamboo rafts in the middle of the jungle, floating on the river. You can relax or enjoy a visit to the Keang Lawa caves. It is also possible to have a nice raft ride on the river or to visit a nearby waterfall.
Khao Yai and Khon Kaen
Day 7 From River Kwai through Ayutthaya to Khao Yai
Day 8 Khao Yai National Park
Day 9 Khao Yai National Park to Sukothai
After a relaxing day at the Jungle Raft we head off to Ayutthaya, one of the former capitals of Thailand. In the city many temples remain from this period.
We follow the route on the sixth day to Khao Yai National Park. This is the oldest National Park of Thailand. We stay in comfortable bungalows on the edge of the park said by many, to be the finest in Asia. Here many animals live in the wild: elephants, deer, all kinds of monkeys and birds. You can take beautiful walks through the jungle and along a waterfall.
It is also possible to visit a cave that is home to many bats. Keep in mind that you have good shoes with you because sometimes the ground is slippery.
In Khon Kaen take time to visit the famous shrine at Phimai, a beautiful example of classical Khmer architecture. Khon Kaen is itself a medium-sized university with several restaurants and entertainment venues.
Sukhothai
Day 9 From Khao Kho to Sukhothai
Day 10 Sukhothai
A beautiful ride through the mountains takes you from Khon Kaen to Sukhothai. There is a long hike with beautiful views in store. We stay in a guest house, situated in the beautiful surroundings of Khao Kho.
On the way to Sukhothai we stop for lunch, or perhaps Phitsanulok, where a visit to a factory of Buddha statues is possible.
Sukhothai itself existed from 1238 to 1350 as the capital of Thailand. It has an impressive complex of temples, which spreads over a large area. The bicycle is the ideal way to temples and near Sukhothai admire.
Chiang Mai
Day 11 Arrival Chiang Mai in the afternoon
Day 12 Chiang Mai
Day 13 Trekking
Day 14 Trekking
Day 15 Trekking back in Chiang Mai in the afternoon – Night train to Bangkok
Of course we also visit 'the capital of the North: Chiang Mai. A trek is organized outside of Chiang Mai. The walled city is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain and the River Ping. By bike or by public transport you can visit the numerous temples in the city such as Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chedi Luang, to visit.
In the suburbs you can admire the silk weaving trade, and umbrellas and lacquer work, silver smiths and wood processing. A diverse variety of souvenirs are available.
The three day trek (two nights) starts with a ride in a truck from Chiang Mai to the point where we go on foot. We can also stop at a beautiful waterfall where there is ample water to take a swim. Anyone with a reasonable condition can make the trek. We hike for about 4 to 5 hours with regular breaks inserted. Make sure you wear shoes with a good grip, that are already broken in. The paths can be rocky and slippery.
A part of the journey can be made by elephants. One can also travel by raft on the river downstream. During the trek, you bring a small part of your luggage. The rest can be left behind at the hotel. For an additional cost you can hire a carrier.
We stay overnight during the trek in the very simple houses of the local population (bring your own towel!). An experienced guide accompanies the group and provides the meals, which are included in the price. After two nights we return to Chiang Mai.
If you wish to forego the trek, you can remain at the hotel in Chiang Mai, at not extra cost. Please make your preference known to the tour leader at the beginning of the trip.
Koh Chang
Day 16 Bangkok
Day 17 bus Bangkok - Koh Chang
Day 18 Koh Chang
Day 19 Koh Chang
Day 20 Koh Chang – Banagkok- land ends
With the comfortable night train, reserved with beds, we travel for about 14 hours from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, where minivans and finally a boat transport us to Koh Chang.
On the beautiful beach of this tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand, you can spend the last days of the trip. If you still have energy, there are plenty of opportunities for walks on the islands. It is also worth a trip to the various surrounding islands where you can snorkel among the beautiful coral and see the colorful fish. In the rainy season, visibility in the sea is not optimal.
Since the island was declared a national park by the Thai government there is an entrance fee of 400 baht. We return to the mainland and continue by bus to the airport when our land program comes to an end.
Bangkok
Day 1 (In transit)
Day 2 Arrival Bangkok
Day 3 Bangkok, cruise
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to the hotel in Bangkok where you will meet the guide and other group participants. The hotel is centrally located in the district Banglampoo and it is equipped with air conditioning and a swimming pool. The main attractions are the National Museum, Wat Phra Keo and the Grand Palace, are easily reached on foot.
During a tour by long tail boat on the klongs (canals) of Bangkok you can see how people live along the water. Boats take you to places you could otherwise not access. You will see some part of Bangkok with the guide, but you can also explore on your own such as the cozy Chinatown area or the large shopping mall Siam Square. You can navigate the area in many ways; the Chao Praya River Express Taxi, the regular taxi or with the typical Thai tricycle taxis, the tuk tuk. Travel to the other side of the river on the Royal Barges and the beautiful Wat Arun temple can be reached by boat.
The hotel is near the popular Khao San Road, where you will find several shops and restaurants. At night, a nice market is set up where you are sure to find things to your liking.
River Kwai
Day 4 through Nakhon Pathom and Damnern Saduak to Kanchanaburi / River Kwai
Day 5 River Kwai
Day 6 River Kwai
We leave early by bus from Bangkok to the chedi (stoepa) of Nakhon Pathom. This is the largest Buddhist structure in the world and the oldest chedi in Thailand. Then we drive to the floating market Damnern Saduak. Throughout the wetland perimeters, the farmers market their produce, which is a colorful spectacle.
From here we will depart to Kanchanaburi, where we of course cross the infamous "Bridge on the River Kwai ". We also visit the cemetery and JEATH Museum. This museum consists of barracks in which photographs, paintings and newspaper clippings from World War II are hanging. Here prisoners of war from different countries worked on the infamous Burma railway.
In Kanchanaburi we can make an optional train trip on the route to Nam Tok. Then we take the boat on the Kwai Noi River to spend two nights on the the "Jungle Rafts". These are simple bungalows built on bamboo rafts in the middle of the jungle, floating on the river. You can relax or enjoy a visit to the Keang Lawa caves. It is also possible to have a nice raft ride on the river or to visit a nearby waterfall.
Khao Yai and Khon Kaen
Day 7 From River Kwai through Ayutthaya to Khao Yai
Day 8 Khao Yai National Park
Day 9 Khao Yai National Park to Sukothai
After a relaxing day at the Jungle Raft we head off to Ayutthaya, one of the former capitals of Thailand. In the city many temples remain from this period.
We follow the route on the sixth day to Khao Yai National Park. This is the oldest National Park of Thailand. We stay in comfortable bungalows on the edge of the park said by many, to be the finest in Asia. Here many animals live in the wild: elephants, deer, all kinds of monkeys and birds. You can take beautiful walks through the jungle and along a waterfall.
It is also possible to visit a cave that is home to many bats. Keep in mind that you have good shoes with you because sometimes the ground is slippery.
In Khon Kaen take time to visit the famous shrine at Phimai, a beautiful example of classical Khmer architecture. Khon Kaen is itself a medium-sized university with several restaurants and entertainment venues.
Sukhothai
Day 9 From Khao Kho to Sukhothai
Day 10 Sukhothai
A beautiful ride through the mountains takes you from Khon Kaen to Sukhothai. There is a long hike with beautiful views in store. We stay in a guest house, situated in the beautiful surroundings of Khao Kho.
On the way to Sukhothai we stop for lunch, or perhaps Phitsanulok, where a visit to a factory of Buddha statues is possible.
Sukhothai itself existed from 1238 to 1350 as the capital of Thailand. It has an impressive complex of temples, which spreads over a large area. The bicycle is the ideal way to temples and near Sukhothai admire.
Chiang Mai
Day 11 Arrival Chiang Mai in the afternoon
Day 12 Chiang Mai
Day 13 Trekking
Day 14 Trekking
Day 15 Trekking back in Chiang Mai in the afternoon – Night train to Bangkok
Of course we also visit 'the capital of the North: Chiang Mai. A trek is organized outside of Chiang Mai. The walled city is situated at the foot of Doi Suthep Mountain and the River Ping. By bike or by public transport you can visit the numerous temples in the city such as Wat Phra Sing and Wat Chedi Luang, to visit.
In the suburbs you can admire the silk weaving trade, and umbrellas and lacquer work, silver smiths and wood processing. A diverse variety of souvenirs are available.
The three day trek (two nights) starts with a ride in a truck from Chiang Mai to the point where we go on foot. We can also stop at a beautiful waterfall where there is ample water to take a swim. Anyone with a reasonable condition can make the trek. We hike for about 4 to 5 hours with regular breaks inserted. Make sure you wear shoes with a good grip, that are already broken in. The paths can be rocky and slippery.
A part of the journey can be made by elephants. One can also travel by raft on the river downstream. During the trek, you bring a small part of your luggage. The rest can be left behind at the hotel. For an additional cost you can hire a carrier.
We stay overnight during the trek in the very simple houses of the local population (bring your own towel!). An experienced guide accompanies the group and provides the meals, which are included in the price. After two nights we return to Chiang Mai.
If you wish to forego the trek, you can remain at the hotel in Chiang Mai, at not extra cost. Please make your preference known to the tour leader at the beginning of the trip.
Koh Chang
Day 16 Bangkok
Day 17 bus Bangkok - Koh Chang
Day 18 Koh Chang
Day 19 Koh Chang
Day 20 Koh Chang – Banagkok- land ends
With the comfortable night train, reserved with beds, we travel for about 14 hours from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, where minivans and finally a boat transport us to Koh Chang.
On the beautiful beach of this tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand, you can spend the last days of the trip. If you still have energy, there are plenty of opportunities for walks on the islands. It is also worth a trip to the various surrounding islands where you can snorkel among the beautiful coral and see the colorful fish. In the rainy season, visibility in the sea is not optimal.
Since the island was declared a national park by the Thai government there is an entrance fee of 400 baht. We return to the mainland and continue by bus to the airport when our land program comes to an end.
