Embark on a grand adventure to discover the hidden treasures of Siam.
This 3-week tour will allow you to explore Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, before diving into the natural region of Kanchanaburi. There, you will discover the Death Railway along the River Kwai and the waterfalls of Erawan National Park. Our stay in the central region concludes with a cultural visit to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam, from where we will head north.
On the way, we will explore L...
Welcome by our team, then transfer to your hotel. Rooms available from 2:00 pm.
The rest of the day is free.
We are staying for 3 nights in a Deluxe room at the Arte Hotel in the modern Asoke district. This modern 4-star hotel will charm you with its rooftop infinity pool.
Departure in the morning to reach the pier and take the public boat-buses, heading towards the center, on the right bank and the flower market district of Pak Khlong Talat.
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.
Our morning continues. We go to Wat Benchamabophit. Often called the "Marble Temple," this architectural gem showcases a beautiful image of Buddha, a copy of the highly revered Phra Buddhajinaraja, as well as a magnificent ceiling of dark red and gold beams.
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.
Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
Early morning wake-up to head to the outskirts of Bangkok, to the Mae Klong Market, where four times a day, the fruit and vegetable stalls are hastily folded up as the train passes through the market. (Train passes at 09:30 AM)
We continue our journey to discover the colorful, lively, and flavorful floating market of Damnoen Saduak.
By boat, along the narrow canals of the market, we explore the stalls of goods joyfully bobbing on the water. We negotiate for fresh fruits, clothing, or Thai masks from wooden boats with vendors proudly wearing straw hats and brightly colored dresses.
We finally arrive in Kanchanaburi, where we will take the time to visit the Great Temple of Tham Sua, accessible via a small cable car (local standards!!).
The day is accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Settle in at the Royal Riverkwai Resort Spa, in a Deluxe room.
Hotel by the river with a pool - Located about ten kilometers after the town and the train bridge.
Departure for the station and boarding around 10:40 am on the famous "Death Railway". made famous by the story of the movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai," for about 1 hour by train to the west and the Sai Yok region, located 70 km west at the end of the train line.
After lunch, we stop at Hellfire Pass, a long 4 km trench of the Death Railway cut into a huge rock mass to allow the train to pass. 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 an emotional walk along the commemorative trail.
Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours on site.
Return to Kanchanaburi in the late afternoon.
Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
Breakfast: Royal Riverkwai Resort Spa
Accommodation: Royal Riverkwai Resort Spa
Departure in the morning for the Erawan National Park and Waterfalls (60 km drive). This national park is home to a superb waterfall spanning 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue water inhabited by Mahseer barbs. While you can choose to stay around the first 3 levels, which are the easiest to access and where you can swim, an ascent to the 7th level, although not difficult, is rewarding: La Phu Pha Erawan, the final cascade, is the most majestic of all.
After some free time to enjoy the waterfalls, we head to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam.
Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
Settling in for the night at the Krungsri River Hotel in a Deluxe room.
Breakfast: Royal Riverkwai Resort Spa
Dinner: Krungsri River Hotel
Accommodation: Krungsri River Hotel
Day dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam.
We will discover the historical center of the city, including the Wat Mahathat temple, dating from the late 14th century. Continuing to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple, which once served as the royal temple and is therefore the largest in the city. Finally, the Wat Chai Watthanaram, where we can appreciate the sunset over its ruins.
We then go on a boat excursion to Bang Pa-in. Along the water, we discover the Thai way of life, wooden stilt houses, rice barge convoys being towed to the warehouses of Bangkok, and temple spires pointing skyward everywhere.
This morning, we head to Lopburi, the City of Monkeys where we will have lunch. On the way, we stop at Wat Phra Phutthabat, the "Temple of the Buddha's Footprint," as it contains a natural depression believed to be a footprint of the Buddha.
We then explore the city of Lopburi, made famous by its numerous monkeys roaming the streets.
Little known to travelers, the city, which was the capital of the kingdom several times, boasts a rich historical past. The many ruins and old palaces attest to this and make the city of monkeys an interesting stop on the way to Sukhothai.
We begin our visit at Phra Prang Sam Yod, a temple with Khmer architecture that was originally a Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary, now home to many macaques. We then discover Wat Mahathat with its complex architecture, before delving into the history at the King Narai Palace, which now houses a national museum.
In the afternoon, we'll take the train to Phitsanulok.
Departure at 4:23 pm for an arrival at 8:35 pm.
We settle in for the night at the Topland Hotel.
The day is accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Early wake-up and a short transfer to Sukhothai. From there, we'll start a biking excursion along small canals, passing through small rural communities and rice fields. We'll discover rural life and the importance of canals in their daily lives (agriculture, bathing, laundry, fishing for dinner, etc.).
We'll eventually reach the city of Sukhothai, the capital of the first Thai kingdom, and the renowned historical park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which we'll explore.
The day will be guided by an English-speaking guide.
Overnight at the Le Charme Hotel.
We continue our journey north, with a must-see stop at the historical site of Si Satchanalai, where we can observe the ruins of the ancient capital of the Sukhothai Kingdom dating back to the 13th century. We will visit the site by bicycle.
Then we continue our journey towards Lampang, which is renowned for its ceramics industry and its famous rooster-decorated bowls that we will see in all the restaurants in the evening.
We'll start our exploration of Lampang with a visit to Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an ancient temple dating back to the Phra Nang Cham tewi era, known for its ancient architecture.
In the mid-afternoon, we enjoy a pleasant walk along the old street of Kad Kong Ta, where you can see beautiful teak houses, including the Moung Ngwe Zin House.
Visit to the magnificent Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao temple from the 15th century.
The day is accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Overnight at the Lampang River Lodge.
Heading towards Chiang Rai, with a detour to the magnificent Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat temple, perched atop a mountain. To reach the Chedi, it will require a bit of effort: an ascent of about 300 meters awaits. A metal staircase will lead us to the top (approximately 40 minutes), offering a breathtaking view.
Arrival in Chiang Rai, where we visit the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun "White Temple," a contemporary creation by one of Thailand's most famous artists, Chalermchai Kositpipat.
Although the site mimics the appearance of a religious complex, its purpose is entirely different: the nine buildings house extraordinary works of art, from statues of the meditating Buddha to pop culture idols like Michael Jackson, along with murals celebrating the doctrines of Theravada Buddhism. Its immaculate white color gives the building a unique and surprising charm.
The day is accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
We stay at Nak Nakara for 3 nights.
In the early morning, we meet our accompanying team and then depart for the Mekong River and the Golden Triangle, the convergence point of the Thai, Burmese, and Laotian borders. We travel along the banks of the Mekong River.
At the port, we board a taxi boat and cruise for about an hour on the waters of the Mekong.
Continuing along the Mekong banks to a viewpoint overlooking the Mekong and the huge "decadent Sino-Roman style" casino on the Laotian bank of the river.
Visit to the superb Hall of Opium Museum, built into the hillside overlooking the Mekong Valley.
On the way back, we stop in small villages of the Yao and Akha communities. If time permits and you are interested, we can also visit a Padaung community, a hill tribe that is a branch of the Karenni people from neighboring Myanmar who have found refuge in Thailand. The women of this community are known for wearing the famous spiral gold necklaces that give the impression of elongated necks.
The day is accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Departure for Mae Salong (25 to 30 km of mountain road), region of the villages of Chinese refugees from the last century and large tea plantations.
Visit to the 101 Tea Plantation - stroll in the small village of Santikiri to discover the history of the KMT refugees - refugees from the former KuoMingTang army fleeing the end of the civil war in China.
We continue our journey into the mountains to Tha Ton, a charming village located not far from the Burmese border. With its hill tribes, picturesque guesthouses, and unique setting by the Kok River, it has all the charms to captivate you. The road to get there is also magnificent, with its valleys, hills, and lush green rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see.
From Thaton, we board our long-tail boat and begin our cruise on the Kok River, which will take us back to Chiang Rai. Along the way, you will appreciate the magnificent landscapes of the region, the life of the villagers, and observe herds of water buffaloes cooling off in the muddy waters, as well as a rich and varied birdlife.
Halfway through, we stop at a tribal village to rest and buy some cold drinks.
Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Early departure for Chiang Mai, the beautiful city in the North and former capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Chiang Mai will captivate us with its art of living, its hundreds of temples, its cuisine, its smiles, and its traditions.
A few kilometers before reaching the city, we take a detour to visit Mae Khampong, a charming mountain village that exudes serenity.
Enjoy the morning strolling through this delightful century-old village of 500 inhabitants. Admire the tea gardens, rice paddies on the surrounding hills, and the farms where buffaloes graze peacefully.
On our way to Chiang Mai, if time permits, we will explore the village of Bo Sang, renowned throughout Thailand for its handmade Sa paper umbrellas. This art, originally from Burma, was brought here over a century ago by a monk.
We start our visit at the Umbrella Making Center, where several artisans work on each stage of the umbrella-making process (structural construction, motif painting, etc.).
We will then discover other small workshops in the narrow streets, including those making umbrellas, Sa paper, or other crafts such as silver and woodwork.
A few kilometers further, we stop at the Silk Village, a beautiful workshop where the entire silk-making process, from the silkworm to weaving, will be explained to you.
We'll be staying at the De Lanna Hotel for 3 nights in Deluxe room.
This morning, we'll explore the "Rose of the North" by bike.
Starting from the famous Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai, with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, we'll venture into the city's traditional small streets and alleys. You'll discover numerous ancient temples, monks going about their daily routines, lively markets, and the daily lives of the locals, including artisans from mountain communities who will be busy with their tasks as we cycle through their neighborhoods, under their curious eyes.
This activity will be in a small group accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.
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:
Early in the morning, we head to an elephant sanctuary located in the tropical forest of the Mae Kampong Valley, an hour's drive north of Chiang Mai.
After a short walk, we arrive at the camp and meet our guide who teaches us more about these majestic mammals and leads us to meet them. We feed and play with them before accompanying them to the river for a bath. Return to Chiang Mai in the early afternoon.
Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
Rest of the day is free. Take the opportunity to stroll around the center of the old town, especially visiting the beautiful Wat Sri Suphan Temple, located in the Wualai Silver Street district. This temple is entirely covered with silver plates and other metals; you can see artisans working on metal on-site.
Unaccompanied activity
Our driver will take you to Chiang Mai Airport, where we will fly to the southwest of Thailand and the Andaman Coast.
4 nights at Pakasai Resort in a Deluxe Chalet.
Breakfast: De Lanna Hotel
From our hotel, we head to the docks for a day trip to the 4 Islands.
We first set off by longtail boat towards Pranang Bay, an isolated peninsula at the end of Railay Beach, one of the most beautiful in Thailand.
We explore the Pranang Cave, learning about its origins and the local fishing traditions, before relaxing on a beautiful beach.
Back on the boat, we head to the local islands and enjoy a buffet lunch of local specialties on a small beach. The itinerary includes snorkeling, visiting the small paradisiacal islands in the region, and stopping on secluded beaches away from mass tourism (Koh Poda, Koh Tup, and Chicken Islands). Finally, we head to the main beach of Koh Poda to end the day beautifully with a sunset aperitif.
On the return trip, experience unique night snorkeling among luminescent plankton.
Private cruise
Enjoy 3 days of freedom in Ao Nang to relax on the beach, explore the hotel's facilities, and marvel at the stunning coastline. You can easily reach the beautiful Railay Beach, just a few minutes away, or embark on excursions to nearby islands. Some of the possible excursions include:
Day on a “speed boat” around the mythical Phi Phi Islands to share in a small group (Max. 15/17 people on a 35-seat boat). Our experience allows us to adapt the itinerary at any time to make this day as exclusive as possible, meaning away from mass tourism! We will visit Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, the lagoon, Viking Cave, and Maya Bay, but most importantly, we will enjoy the lesser-known beaches.
What's on the agenda? Fantastic landscapes, numerous beaches and swimming spots, and at least two incredible snorkeling sessions in the clear waters of Koh Phi Phi, where you might have the chance to see sharks and turtles. Lunch will be on a quiet beach.
Return around 3 PM.
Free morning to enjoy the peaceful lifestyle of Southern Thailand a little longer. Transfer to Krabi Airport (1 hour).
We board our return flight to Bangkok. Transfer to your hotel and rest.
Settling in at the Shanghai Mansion, a boutique hotel ideally located in the heart of the capital's Chinatown.
In the evening, you can freely stroll through the Chinatown district, wander the alleys overflowing with all kinds of shops. In the early evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its illuminated side streets, bringing new life to the neighborhood. You will find all kinds of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner there.
Accommodation: Shanghai Mansion
Breakfast at the hotel. Free day and transfer to the airport at your preferred time.