Bangkok, Ayutthaya & Kanchanaburi history · 6 days

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok

Bangkok

• Wat Arun by Chao Phraya cross-river ferry · 1.5 h. Ferry from Tha Tien pier costs a few baht; late-afternoon light is best and the steps are steep.
• Chao Phraya river dinner cruise · 2.5 h. Most depart from ICONSIAM or Asiatique piers around 7–8pm; vegetarian menus on request when booking.

Local tip: Ferry from Tha Tien pier costs a few baht; late-afternoon light is best and the steps are steep.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Bangkok

Bangkok

• Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) · 2.5 h. Opens 8:30am; shoulders and knees covered, no ripped jeans. Ignore touts who say it is closed today.
• Wat Pho & the Reclining Buddha · 1.5 h. A 5-minute walk from the Grand Palace; the massage school inside takes walk-ins.
• Yaowarat (Chinatown) street-food night · 2.5 h. Stalls open after 6pm; many close on Mondays. Guided food walks cost roughly double.

Local tip: Opens 8:30am; shoulders and knees covered, no ripped jeans. Ignore touts who say it is closed today.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Ayutthaya temples day trip

Bangkok

• Ayutthaya temples day trip · 9 h. Trains from Bangkok take ~1.5–2h; a van tour or private car is easier in the heat. Temple entry ~50 THB each.

Local tip: Trains from Bangkok take ~1.5–2h; a van tour or private car is easier in the heat. Temple entry ~50 THB each.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Bangkok → Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi · Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, Van or private car ~2.5–3h

• Bridge on the River Kwai & JEATH War Museum · 2 h
• War Cemetery & Thailand–Burma Railway Centre · 2 h

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi

• Death Railway train ride over the Wampo viaduct (Tham Krasae) · 3 h. Only a few trains a day; check the timetable at Kanchanaburi station.
• Erawan Falls (Erawan National Park) · 5 h. Foreigner entry ~300 THB; arrive before 10am, wear grippy shoes for the upper tiers. Upper levels close mid-afternoon.

Local tip: Only a few trains a day; check the timetable at Kanchanaburi station.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Depart from Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi

• River Kwai bamboo rafting · 2 h

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps