My aunt will be traveling to Thailand with a female friend.
She asked me how, if one wants to do it on their own, to best, but (semi-)budget, travel from
Bangkok to Chiang Mai, but on the way stop for a few days of sightseeing in Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi/River Kwai.
Is it necessary to book tours, complete or separate, for this, or can one just take public transport
and book hotel rooms upon arrival at each destination?
I would think one can take a bus or minivan from each mentioned destination to each destination
and find a hotel upon arrival.
But if budget tours can be booked, where?
Note that my aunt and her friend have never traveled to Thailand and are over 50 years old.
Also, are there good quality budget tours from Bangkok to Cambodia, specifically Angkor Wat?
Any advice appreciated!