Thaï Express

A day dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. We set out to discover the historic center of the city, including the Wat Mahathat temple, dating from the late 14th century. We continue to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple, which formerly served as a royal temple, and is therefore the largest in the city; Finally, the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, from where we can enjoy the sunset over its ruins.

Boarding around 10:40 AM on the famous "death railway" made famous by the history of the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai", for approximately 1 hour of train travel westward to the Sai Yok region, located 70 km west at the end of the railway line.

After lunch, we spend the afternoon at the "Elephant Haven". On site, we buy baskets of fruit (not included – approximately 3 euros per basket), treats for the pachyderms. Early in the afternoon, we enjoy an exceptional moment: bathing with the Elephants! Return late afternoon to Kanchanaburi.

🌞 Prepare yourself for the afternoon with the elephants. Plan your swimwear and change of clothes in the morning if you plan to bathe with the elephants in the afternoon. 👕 Easy-to-put-on clothing. Choose easy-to-put-on clothes, as there will probably not be a convenient changing room on site.

Morning departure for the national park and Erawan Falls (63 km drive). This national park is home to a superb waterfall extending over 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue waters populated by Mahseer fish. If you prefer, you can stay around the first 3 levels, the easiest to access, and swim there, but climbing to the 7th level, while not difficult, is rewarding: La Phu Pha Erawan, with the final waterfall being the most majestic site of all.

After lunch, we stop at HellFire Pass, a long trench of the Death Railway cut into a huge rock mass to allow the train to pass through. The work carried out by prisoners of Japanese soldiers is said to have cost the lives of more than 100,000 forced laborers and other prisoners of war. Visit the associated museum and take an emotional walk along the commemorative trail. Plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours on site.

Return in late afternoon to Kanchanaburi. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

After lunch, we venture into Sai Yok National Park for an afternoon of Kayaking on the River Kwai.

This morning, we leave for the small floating market of Tah kah, rich in colors and scents. A real immersion in Thai local life.

Then, an excursion to a local palm sugar industry.

Local curiosity, Mae Klong Railway Market, where 4 times a day, the fruit and vegetable stalls hastily fold up as the train passes through the market.

Next, we set off to discover life in the mangroves. By boat, we embark on a discovery of this fragile ecosystem. During our excursion, we discover the lifestyle of fishermen (here, cockle fishing is done from a surfboard) and visit a shellfish farm.

Lunch featuring local specialties.

As night falls, a trip by boat on the canal. Our boatman picks us up on the quays, and we set off on a mini-excursion to hunt for fireflies that illuminate the waters.

This evening, we head to the docks to taste the local flavors of the Floating Market, which takes place on weekend evenings. Along the canals, many locals have come to dine. Like them, we order our dishes directly from each boat: stir-fried noodles, a few shrimp or squid skewers, or why not pre-cut mangoes.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Then, on foot, you reach Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and elegant pavilions. You discover the impressive Reclining Buddha, an iconic figure of the place, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Next, you cross the river aboard a small boat to reach Wat Arun, the famous "Temple of Dawn", standing on the right bank. Upon arrival, you admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral motifs that shimmer in the light.

Ride aboard a private traditional "long-tail" boat-taxi on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways and a vital artery of Bangkok. As you drift along the water, you discover the "Venice of the Orient," between peaceful klongs, houses on stilts and small temples hidden along the banks.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Visit of the Yaowarat and Talat Noi Chinese quarters; of Wat Traimit or the Golden Buddha Temple, and of the small but very interesting Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Museum, which traces the history of Chinese immigration to Bangkok.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Depending on your flight time, departure for Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the Land of Smiles!