Trip Description : On this tour you will get far away from the beaten track. You will experience the traditional and unspoiled Thailand in charming Saraburi where tourists are a rarity and hospitality goes without saying. Stay overnight at a place probably best described as a living museum. At this special place just two hours from Bangkok a cluster of very traditional Thai-style houses have been built. The result is a super-charming private area fronting the river Pha Sak. At this location it is like time has been put on hold. In Saraburi you are close to Bangkok but far away from it all.
On this tour you will get far away from the beaten track. You will experience the traditional and unspoiled Thailand in charming Saraburi where tourists are a rarity and hospitality goes without saying. Stay overnight at a place probably best described as a living museum. At this special place just two hours from Bangkok a cluster of very traditional Thai-style houses have been built. The result is a super-charming private area fronting the river Pha Sak. At this location it is like time has been put on hold. In Saraburi you are close to Bangkok but far away from it all.
Here you can enjoy the silence and slow pace while you watch the locals live their daily life along the river. Take an old wooden canoe and flow downstream, go for a swim in the river or visit the monks in the local temple just opposite the river. Join a tour to the local market, where you for sure will find fruits and vegetables you never have seen before. On this tour we have given priority to culinary experiences and if you fell like it you are very much welcome to join the preparation of dinner.
On the way to Saraburi you will get to see historical Ayutthaya, the old capital in the kingdom of Siam – the present Thailand. Well kept temple areas and ruins dating back to the 13 and 14 century. This very unique area is UNESCO world heritage. A must even if you are not really into history. The best way to see the area is by bicycle. The most exotic is by elephant. This tour goes straight in the heart of Thai culture and is a perfect soft landing after a couple of hectic days in Bangkok.
ITINERARY
DAY1 : BANGKOK-AYUTTHAYA-SARABURI
You will be picked up from your Bangkok hotel at around 8.00 AM in a air-conditioned car. It’s a 80 km drive north to Ayutthaya. Arrival before 10.00 AM at the world heritage centre.
After a short visit to the national museum, where you will be given a short introduction to Ayutthaya history, there will be plenty of time to get around in the labyrinth of temples. The means of transportation will be a bicycle, but you can also choose to let an elephant carry you some of the way (not included).
At around 12.30 PM you will be taken to a nearby restaurant on the Chao Phraya river where you will enjoy a delicious Thai-lunch, coffee and the. After lunch We go directly to Saraburi and the Thai- houses. Upon arrival you will be shown where to sleep. If you feel like it take a mattress and sleep in open air with just a mosquito net as cover.
The rest of the afternoon its up to you. You are free to relax in hammocks, explore the surroundings or take a swim. You will be having a very special dinner with delicate Thai food which we promise you have never seen before. The evening is bound to be enjoyed on the terrace in the peaceful surroundings.
Overnight : Private Wooden-Houses in Saraburi Meal : Lunch + Dinner
DAY2 : SARABURI-BANGKOK Breakfast is served on the terrace from 07.00-09.00. For the early birds waking up at sunrise it is possible to see the monks come sailing down the river to collect morning alms. A sight you need to be very lucky to see elsewhere.
At around 10 AM you will be picked up by a small wooden boat which will take you down the river. First stop will be a school adjacent to the river. Be prepared for very eager kids who normally don’t see foreigners on these shores.
Next stop will be at the local weaver before we take a look at local art-crafts. We will make a lunch stop in a very small village near the river and have a taste of the local food. Before heading back to Bangkok you still have a couple of hours relaxation at the Thai-old houses. Expected arrival time in Bangkok is about 18.30 PM
Overnight : - Meal : Breakfast + Lunch
Inclusions: >> All transportation from Bangkok to Saraburi >> One night in Saraburi in private open wooden houses with share toilet and baht. Mattresses, pillows, blankets and mosquito-nets are on the facilities. >> 1 night at guest house in Sangklaburi. All rooms with air.con, toilet and most rooms with televison and view over the lake >> All meals as mention in tour program >> In Saraburi the drinking water, fruit, coffee and tea included. >> Bicycle in Ayutthaya is included as well as the entrance fee to three of the main temples that we will pass. If you wish to ride an elephant in Ayutthaya the price is 400 baht for half an hour.
Exclusions: >> Any air ticket >> Items of a personal nature >> Tips or Gratuities to guides and driver >> Other services not mentioned in the program
What to bring :
>> Camera
>> Mosquito repellent and sun creme
>> Sun glasses and hat
>> Sarong for swimming in the river (for women). [This area in Saraburi receives very few western tourists. Because of local customs and culture we recommend for women to swim in Sarong and a t-shirt. If you don’t have we can provide.]
Remark: • The tour starts from your hotel in Bangkok at 08.00 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays at a minimum of two people and a maximum of nine people, the reason the limited numbers of tours being that the owners of the place do not want a big impact of visitors. We regret that we now and then can’t accept bookings as the Thai-houses are used by Thai-television. The Thai-houses are very popular when it comes to films and melo-dramas involving Thai traditional culture. • For children 2-11 years old we charge 70% of adult price
Easy 
Moderate 
