Thailand Tour 17 days: From center to the south

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples.
The first destination is the Grand Palace, which includes 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in 1770s. Nowadays, most of national significant events takes place there.
Wat Pra Kwae  is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue.  
Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho - the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold.
We will board on a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by. On route, we stop at Wat Arun, the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s riverbank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas.
After having lunch, we visit Wat Traimit. This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue.
The last destination today is Jim Thompson House - a museum which homes his art collection. He is American businessman and architect. Built in 1959, the museum is one of the best places in Bangkok to see traditional Thai teak homes, as Thompson built up his historic houses shipped to Bangkok from around the country.
Return to the hotel and you are free to explore Bangkok by night.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

Today after breakfast, we proceed to Kanchanaburi and the first destination today is Erawan Waterfall, considered as the most beautiful waterfall of central Thailand. The waterfall is named after the legendary three-headed white elephant living in the Himavarna forest.
We have a picnic lunch there and drive about 1 hour to Wang Pho Elephant Camp where you have the opportunity to ride and bathe with the elephants.
Cheking-in the hotel in Kanchanaburi and you can take your time to relax.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Kanchanaburi
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

Wake up then having breakfast at the hotel, today we visit historical sites. The first one is Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, holding almost 7.000 graves of victims of Japanese immurement during their construction for the Burma Railway. 

The second one is JEATH War Museum, a museum about the Death Railway built from 1942 to 1943. The museum exhibits photographs and illustrations reflecting the living condition of prisoners of war during that cruel time.

After that we will take a boat ride on the River Kwai to the Kwai River Bridge, known to the world through several films and books, it is still used today. 
Have lunch then we proceed to Nakhon Pathom, and we will fall into the relax atmosphere in Rose Garden, a huge park built in the middle of rural scenery with the major attractions of Thai Village. Here you can enjoy the activities and shows such as Thai boxing, elephant parade, etc. 

Transfer to Samut Songkhram, checking-in the hotel there and you are free to relax.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Samut Songkhram
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Meaklong Railway Market - a local market has grown up along the rail tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed.
We continue our way to Damnoen Saduak Floating market, which is specialized in trading fruits, vegetables, etc… by small boat. 

In the afternoon, we ride a bike to reach the floating market of Amphawa: it is different from other floating markets thanks to its canoes that are moored to the banks of the canal. You will take a canoe to discover attractions such as the old chapel of a temple.
Biking back to the hotel and you are free to explore Samut Songkhram by night.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Samut Songkhram
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

After breakfast we transfer to Hua Hin, well-known for its traditional fishing port, seafood restaurants and beautiful sandy beach. It is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities.
You will get chance to the visit of Klai Kangwon Palace. Being one of the quintessential landmarks of Hua Hin, the palace is the summer residence of Rama IX and other members of the royal family.
The rest of time is for free at leisure to enjoy the beach.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hua Hin
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

Having breakfast then we departure for Prachuap Khiri Khan which is a fishing port located in the heart of an exceptional bay. Beautiful beaches are nearby. Visit the Khao Chong Krachok (the Mount of Mirror) - Khao Chong Krachok features a small pagoda and a troop of playful monkeys, with highlight on a panoramic view of the coastline and seascape.

You will then go to Ao Manao (Bay of Lemon). Famous for its calm, this beach is the most pleasant to relax and swim.
Lunch and transfer to Bang Saphan. Paradise for nature lovers and tranquility, Bang Saphan develops at its own pace. Its main attraction is the large sandy beach lined with coconut palms and bungalows.

The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the beach.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bang Saphan
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

Transfer to Chumphon after breakfast, we you will board a boat trip from Chumphon to Koh Tao. Koh Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand about 70 kilometers from the coast, whose name means "Turtle Island". This island is a Royal property. Koh Tao is a world famous scuba diving spot. Thanks to its clear waters, its many diving schools attract tourists from all over the world.
The rest of time would be free on your own.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Koh Tao
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

After having breakfast, we transfer to the pier where you board a boat trip from Koh Pha Ngan to Koh Samui. Koh Samui is the third largest island of Thailand. You will enjoy its beautiful beaches, tropical trees, exotic fish and resplendent corals.
We will take a visit to Samui Monkey Theatre. performing animal shows. Small monkeys are trained to perform various tricks on stage, and then they climb the trees to demonstrate how they harvest coconuts.

East of Bophut on a small island connected by a dirt road, there is the Big Buddha which is a golden statue of Buddha 12 meters high, sitting at the top of a staircase richly decorated with dragons. At the Northeast tip of the island not far from the Big Buddha, it is Chinese Buddhist temple of Wat Plai Laem, especially recognizable by its huge statue of Guanyin (Guanyin, with 18 arms, the goddess of Mercy and Compassion).
Return to the hotel and you are free to relax.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Koh Samui
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

Today we back to the mainland Surat Thani, pay a visit to Khao Sok National Park. It will take quite long time to transfer. After having lunch, we start to explore. The park is the largest area of virgin forest in southern Thailand and is a remnant of rain forest which is older and more diverse than the Amazon rain forest.

Chiew Larn Lake, known as the real jewel of Khao Sok National Park. It is therefore impossible to come to Khao Sok without taking a boat trip on Lake Chiew Larn.
Checking-in the hotel in Khao Sok National Park and you can relax.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Khao Sok National Park
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

Today, we start the day with riding an elephant though the jungle, accessing a hidden waterfall for a swim. Heading back to home, then we enjoy the lunch with specialties in a restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will have time to take a look around to discover wild orchids and carnivorous plants in the jungle. Then we go to a pier for canoeing trip on the Sok River, having a magnificent view of the breathtaking scenery of Khao Sok
Transfer to Khao Lak (via Takua Pa) for overnight.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Khao Lak
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

Having breakfast then we depart from Khao Lak for Ao Phang Nga Park, which is famous for its limestone peaks. Specially, James Bond Island will immerse you in the film's well-known adventure atmosphere. Small beaches of fine sand and natural caves dot the National Park, while the islands covered with vegetation and the calm waters are home to exceptional wildlife, including reptiles.
We take a boat to sightseeing in the bay. You can have lunch in Ko Panyi, a small Muslim fishing village built on stilts. Taste delicious seafood and buy craft souvenirs made by native people. The Ao Phang Nga National Park is a true natural wonder and offers everyone the opportunity to beach on a desert island paradise. 
Transfer to Krabi by road then you are free to relax.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Krabi
Meal                :  Breakfast
 

Today we take a visit to Koh Phi Phi National Park, consisting of two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Located south of Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands are some of Thailand's most beautiful exotic destinations. Coral gardens, limestone mountains, pristine beaches and pristine forest make it a perfect destination for diving.

Having lunch and we continue to take boat from Koh Phi Phi National Park to Phuket.

Accommodation: At the hotel in Phuket
Meal                :  Breakfast