(2 days Life along the Rivers & Canals)
Ex. Bangkok

Thai life has been closely related to rivers and canals since the early time. Thailand is also considered as "The Venice of the Oriental" for its myriad of canals served as the main method of transportation of Thai people. Along the river banks and canal sides, the life scene is fascinating. This tour will take you then to touch the close relation between people and water along the Ta-Chin River in Samut Songkram province where people still retain their traditional lifestyle. You will be the welcome guest in village's house and have a chance to be their family member, doing and learning their daily life activities. Let's flow your mind along this river of life.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bangkok - Wat Don Wai - Ampawa (L/D)
08:30h Pick up at your hotel in Bangkok and depart by van, crossing the Chao Phraya River to Wat Don Wai, located on the banks of Ta Chin River. Stroll through the colorful market, where fresh vegetables, fruit, plants and orchids are on sale. Board a local boat for a one-hour trip on the river, which offers a first glimpse of rural Thai lifestyle along the river. Continue by van towards Ampawa. After lunch at a local restaurant arrive at the village, which is built along canals among lush vegetation. Explore the neighborhood during a trip in a motorized long-tailed boat. The boat trip offers plenty of photo opportunities of coconut and fruit plantations, wooden houses built on stilts along the canals, narrow bridges and footpaths, villagers and food-sellers in rowboats and people taking a bath in the canals. Arrive at your host's home and relax for a short while before dinner, which will be served at the community's restaurant. 

Evening: Optional boat trip to observe the fire flies, which attract large numbers of Bangkok visitors during weekends. Cost per person: 400 Baht (minimum 2 persons). 

Overnight at a Thai family's home. Note: Accommodation is simple and basic. A mattress and mosquito net in the family's sleeping quarters will be provided. Toilet and washing facilities are traditional Thai style, where taking a shower means pouring water over oneself from a bucket. Bring along your own towel, soap and toilet paper. For the less adventurous we can arrange accommodation (inclusive of dinner) at a local resort built on the river banks, where you will be provided with a private room with air-condition, shower and European style toilet. 

Day 2: Ampawa - Floating Market - Bangkok (B/L)
Early in the morning watch the villagers donate food to the monks, who arrive at their homes by rowing boats. A typical Thai breakfast, consisting of rice soup, salty eggs, fish and vegetables is served at the village's restaurant. 08:30h Boat trip to Tha Kha Floating Market or Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The scenic boat ride lasts between 1- and 1.5 hours. Tha Kha Floating Market is less frequented by tourists and is held on weekends and irregularly during weekdays, following the lunar calendar. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is held each day and is heavily frequented by day-tourists from Bangkok. After lunch at a local restaurant return to Bangkok, where you will arrive at approx. 15:00h 

Please Contact Sale

Includes:

• Transfer by air-conditioned car/minibus/coach with our fully licensed English-speaking guide
• 1 night home stay on site.
• Boat trip
• Meals as specified in aforementioned program
• Service charges and VAT

Note:
Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions and room availability.

Accommodation in local homes is basic and suited for those, who want to experience true Thai style living. Some families will vacate one of their family member's bedrooms to give visitors some privacy, in most cases though a mattress, mosquito net and fan in the common sleeping quarters of the family will be provided. Bathrooms are usually equipped with a basin containing water from the canals, which is poured over the body with a small bucket. Toilets are traditionally squatting toilets.

We recommend bringing along the following items in a small backpack or handbag: towel, soap, toothbrush, toilet paper, mosquito repellent, sun protection, cap or hat, light cotton cloths, slippers.