Local travel agency in Thailand
Sawa Discovery, your English-speaking agency based in Chiang Mai. Since 2001, we craft tailor-made journeys with passion and local expertise.
Our Story
Sawa Discovery was born from a deep attachment to Thailand and a simple desire: to craft journeys with integrity, on the ground, and away from standardized itineraries. The agency continues the legacy of AsieGolf, founded in Chiang Mai in 2001. For nearly two decades, the team developed an in-depth knowledge of the territory and its partners, exploring the country far beyond conventional routes.
In 2018, the agency embarked on a new chapter and became Sawa'Discovery. This transformation marked a natural evolution: accompanying travelers in search of more personalized, immersive, and balanced experiences. Sylvain, based in Thailand for several years after having created and managed an agency in Mongolia, brings to the team his explorer's perspective and his expertise in bespoke travel. Alongside him, Alexandre, Dylan and Plai, based between Chiang Mai and Bangkok, design each itinerary with the same commitment: listen, understand, and refine.
Here, we don't replicate standard itineraries. We build journeys that reflect who you are.
Sawa Discovery is a founding member of the Nomadays collective. This partnership allows you to benefit from direct organization with a local team based in Thailand, while enjoying secure booking in France: payment in euros, protection of deposited funds, APST guarantee and oversight by French tourism law. You thus enjoy the best of both worlds: the proximity of an on-ground team and the strength of a protective legal framework.
For me, Thailand reveals itself as much in its landscapes as in its everyday rituals: a smile, a shared meal, a mountain road, a simple moment that stays with you.
— Dylan, Thai escape accomplice
Our approach to travel
Each itinerary is a unique creation, designed around your wishes and our intimate knowledge of the terrain.
Tailor-made
Every project starts with an in-depth exchange: by email, phone, WhatsApp or video call. We take the time to understand your pace, your expectations, and your desires for immersion or comfort.
Local expertise
Our strength lies in our genuine presence on the ground. We live in Thailand, we travel throughout the country regularly, and we carefully select our partners.
Professionalism
Before departure, every detail is anticipated. During your trip, an English-speaking hotline remains available to support you with complete peace of mind.
The team creating your journey
Passionate experts en Thaïlande on the ground to guide you every step of the way.
Sylvain
Founder & Agency Manager
« Passionate explorer turned travel creator, I have been living in Thailand and accompanying for over 20 years those who wish to discover the country differently, with authenticity and serenity. »
Jim
Local Director
« Jim, co-director, orchestrates guide selection and all of the agency's administrative operations. What drives her: the team's energy and the idea of bringing the magic of Thailand to life every day. »
Dylan
Accomplice of Thai getaways
« Dylan is your local expert: attentive, reassuring, and passionate about tailor-made experiences. He loves the atmosphere of the "Land of Smiles", Khao Soi, and Pai for an authentic escape in the mountains. »
Noi
Transport & Activities Manager
« Noi orchestrates transfers and activities with precision and a smile. Cooking classes, trekking or overnight train to Bangkok, she ensures every detail to transform your itinerary into successful experiences »
Mild
Accommodation Manager
« Mild handles accommodation bookings and develops our hotel partnerships. Attentive to comfort and detail, she selects beautiful properties to make every stage of your trip to Thailand as pleasant and peaceful. »
Madee
Travel Coordinator
« Madee coordinates guides and drivers, manages hotel contracts and books national parks. Meticulous and highly organized, she ensures every day of your Thailand itinerary runs smoothly on the ground. »
Beer
Accountant
« Beer manages accounting with seriousness and attention to detail. Native of Phuket, she advocates for a Thailand beyond clichés, between culture, nature and authenticity »
Yok
Guide & Accommodation Booking
« Yok alternates between the field and behind the scenes: guide in high season, he switches to reservations in low season. He likes to accompany travelers with simplicity, and to ensure everything is perfectly organized down to the details. »
Keen
Guide & client relations assistant
« Keen assists the sales team: information gathering, template preparation and request follow-up. During peak season, he also becomes a guide. Warm and comfortable speaking with clients, he helps create smooth and thoughtful journeys. »
How does it work?
From your first idea to your return, we're with you every step of the way.
Let's connect
Tell us about your wishes, your pace, your interests. By phone, email or video call — we take the time to listen to you.
Your trip is coming together
We design a tailor-made itinerary with accommodations, transportation, guides and experiences. You receive a detailed proposal within 48 hours.
Book with complete peace of mind
Your booking is secure in France through the Nomadays collective: payment in Euros, fund protection and French legal guarantees. The peace of mind of a solid legal framework, with the expertise of a local agency.
Experience it
On the ground, everything is organized. Your digital travel journal, your local contacts, and our 24/7 English-speaking support are there for you.
Share your memories
Upon return, share your experience. Your feedback helps us improve and inspires future travelers.
Our local commitment
Travel differently means contributing positively to the communities that welcome you.
Thai economy at fair prices
Our guides, drivers and hosts in the North are employees or directly compensated, with no intermediary between Bangkok and the Lanna villages.
Encounters in Lanna Country
Nights with Karen and Lahu families in Mae Chaem Valley, with clear guidelines negotiated together to prevent zoo-like tourism.
Protected Northern Jungles
Limited treks to 8 travelers in Doi Inthanon and Mae Hong Son parks, with no single-use plastic and no interaction with captive elephants.
Lanna Knowledge Transmission
Indigo dyeing workshops, Northern cuisine classes and weaving sessions paid directly to the artisans of San Kamphaeng, who set their own content and pricing.
Travel with peace of mind
Sawa Discovery is part of the Nomadays network. You enjoy the guarantees of a European agency while benefiting from the expertise of a local agency.
Sawa Discovery est l'une des 95+ agences locales du collectif Nomadays —
Guarantee of deposited funds
Your funds are protected by the Professional Association for Tourism Solidarity. In case of unforeseen circumstances, you are covered 100%.
Secure payment
Payment by bank transfer or credit card via a secure platform in France in Euro with no fees. Option to pay in installments
English-speaking assistance
During your trip, an English-speaking emergency line is available 7 days a week. Our on-the-ground team intervenes if needed, in addition to Nomadays support in France.
International network
Nomadays holds the status of a travel agency and brings together over 100 local agencies worldwide. A guarantee of professionalism, quality, and sustainability.
Frequently asked questions about the agency
Do you still have questions? Here are the most frequently asked questions about how our agency works.
Sawa Discovery designs your trip directly en Thaïlande, with advisors who know the ground daily. You avoid intermediaries, gain in responsiveness and benefit from advice on genuinely lived experiences — no standardized marketing catalog.
Plan ideally 2 to 3 months before departure during peak seasons (hotels and guides are scarcer), 1 month is enough for quieter seasons. For last-minute departures, get in touch with us: we'll honestly tell you if we can put together a quality trip within the timeframe.
Yes, 7 days a week throughout your stay. You'll receive a local WhatsApp number + a dedicated emergency contact. Our on-site team can assist within hours in case of unexpected events (cancelled flight, illness, weather changes).
Your payments are 100% protected by the Professional Solidarity Association for Tourism. If a service provider (hotel, transport, etc.) or the agency fails, your funds are refunded. This is a mandatory guarantee for any French travel agency — Nomadays benefits from it across its entire network.
Yes, as much as possible. Changes made more than 30 days before departure are generally free of charge (excluding hotel rate differences). As your departure approaches, some bookings become less flexible — we always inform you of your options before confirmation.
Payment is made in full in France, in euros, with Nomadays — secured by credit card or bank transfer. You have no payments to make en Thaïlande: everything is pre-arranged (accommodations, transfers, guides, activities). You just need to budget for meals outside the itinerary and personal purchases.
What our travelers say
“All-inclusive trip, well-organized, and tailored to our preferences with guide and driver: perfect for making the most of a fully immersive travel experience!!”
Marie Laure
Thailand
“From the start, we felt confident with Sawa Discovery, who advised us very well for our trip. The organization was impeccable, with no unexpected issues and scrupulous respect for schedules and itineraries. We were able to enjoy this first stay by combining major sites with experiences off the beaten path. Our guide and driver were very welcoming and helpful. On site, WhatsApp contact was very responsive whenever we reached out.”
Olivier Thibaut
Culture & Nature in Northern Thailand
“As the manager of "La Vacancière" travel concierge service, I just received extremely positive feedback from my clients. They were able to discover another side of Thailand thanks to you. Thank you again to you and your team for your wise advice. I won't hesitate to call on you again.”
Isabelle
Thailand
Subscribe to our newsletter
A different way of seeing the world
Stories from the field, travel inspiration, news and offers from our local agencies, straight to your inbox.
One-click unsubscribe from every email. Review our privacy policy.
Let's imagine your trip
to Thailand
Every journey is unique. Tell us your wishes and receive a personalized proposal within 24 hours, with no obligation.
Response within 24 hours — No commitment — 100% free quote
Nous utilisons des cookies pour améliorer votre expérience et mesurer l'audience de notre site. Vous pouvez choisir ce que vous acceptez. En savoir plus.