After visiting Bangkok and Ayutthaya, we head to Chiang Mai, the beautiful northern city, where we stay for 3 nights to explore the city and its surroundings. We will also experience a night with a local Karen family living in the northern rice fields.
Then we fly to the Andaman coast where we will relax on the splendid island of Koh Yao Noi.
Welcome by our team, then transfer to your hotel. Rooms available from 2:00 pm.
The rest of the day is free.
Night at Baan Vajra hotel in a Superior room.
Departure in the morning to reach the pier and take the public boat-buses to the center, on the right bank and the Pak Klong Talad flower market district.
We start our day with a visit to the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782, which includes several magnificent buildings, including the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which houses a beautiful Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century.
Then, we walk to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, to see its reclining Buddha.
We then cross the river by a small boat to visit Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn," located on the right bank.
Private traditional long-tail boat taxi ride on the Chao Phraya River, one of the most important rivers in the country. Discover the Venice of the East and the traditional life of the city's inhabitants, half of whom still live by the water.
Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
We set out to discover the Bang Pa-in Palace, built in the 17th century and abandoned after the destruction of Ayutthaya. The palace was restored and expanded in the mid-19th century by the King, who made it his summer residence.
From the palace, we will travel to Ayutthaya by traditional boat on the river. Along the way, we will discover the Thai way of life along the water, the wooden stilt houses, the rice barge convoys towed to Bangkok warehouses, and the temple spires pointing towards the sky.
We will arrive in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam.
After lunch, we'll explore the historic center of the city, including Wat Mahathat , dating back to the late 14th century. We'll then continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which once served as the royal temple and is the largest in the city. Finally, we'll visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, famous for its reclining Buddha.
The afternoon in Ayutthaya will be guided by an English-speaking guide.
21:06 - We board our night train to Chiang Mai in second class.
08:40 AM - Our train arrives at the station. Upon arrival, we meet our guide and driver who will take us to our hotel to drop off our luggage and freshen up if the rooms are available.
Note: Room availability may be delayed until 2:00 PM. If your room is not ready upon arrival, you can leave your belongings and start exploring the city. Early check-in is possible but may incur additional fees.
Your guide welcomes you upon your arrival.
We head to the heights and discover the magnificent Doi Suthep temple, located in the mountains at 1200 meters above sea level.
This superb Buddhist temple invites you to a pious meditation in an atmosphere imbued with silence and mysticism, where every stone, every statue, every step reveals an aspect of Buddhism.
On the way, we'll stop at the Wat Pha Lat temple.
In the afternoon, we head to a traditional cooking class in the countryside, outside of the city, in an old Lanna-style house.
On the menu, typical northern dishes:
We'll be staying at the De Lanna Hotel in Deluxe room.
This morning, we hit the road for the mountains overlooking the city of Chiang Mai, in the Doi Inthanon National Park, where we will embark on a guided hike in the mountains, as well as exploring the Karen populations of northern Thailand.
We start our Doi Inthanon Hilltribe Trail trek. We walk along a mountain stream before reaching the lush green rice fields of the region at higher altitudes. We have lunch near a waterfall where we can also cool off.
In the afternoon, our hike continues uphill. We reach a Karen village where we stop before venturing into the rice fields where our guesthouse is located.
Day accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. Excursion duration approximately 5h30 including about 3h30 of effective walking
Tonight, we are welcomed for dinner and the night by a Karen family in a stunning setting.
After breakfast at our hosts' home and a morning stroll in the village, we drive to Chi's camp, a young Karen who will show us his elephants and way of life. Upon arrival, we prepare fruits to feed the elephants. We then walk together in the jungle, where the elephants continue to feed and we can interact with them in a natural environment. Our guide provides more information about their behavior. Finally, we witness the elephants bathing in the river.
The activity is private and in the company of Chi.
In the afternoon, to cool off, we will take a short bamboo rafting trip down the Mae Wang River.
The activity is a peaceful ride of about 40 minutes.
Night at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends, a charming lodge on the banks of the Mae Wang.
Our driver will take you to Chiang Mai airport, from where we will fly to the southwest of Thailand, along the Andaman coast.
From there, transfer to the docks and depart by ferry to the island of Koh Yao Noi (via the pier on the island opposite Koh Yao Yai).
The boat crossing is not included as tickets can only be purchased on site – local fare is 200 THB per adult.
A driver will be waiting for you on the island to take you to your hotel.
We will spend 3 nights on a Bed and Breakfast basis at Koh Yao Seaview Bungalow.
Breakfast: Chiang Mai Elephant Friends
Accommodation: Koh Yao Seaview Bungalow
We are enjoying our free stay on the beautiful island of Koh Yao Noi. There are many activities available on-site: kayaking, snorkeling… (not included)
Or why not simply laze by the pool or on the beach.
Departure in the morning from the hotel to the Manoh pier and boat crossing to Phuket pier.
Boat NOT INCLUDED (400 THB to be paid on site)
Our driver will be waiting for us upon arrival at the pier. Transfer to Phuket airport (1 hour).
We board our return flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival at Bangkok airport, you can have a leisurely dinner while waiting for your international return flight.
As many return flights depart in the evening, we have planned this initial program assuming a same-day return from the islands for your international flight. If your return flight is in the morning, we will adjust the program to include an overnight stay in Bangkok the previous night.