🚗 Self-drive Tour through History and Traditions – From the Canals of Amphawa to the Temples of the North

This morning, head to the car rental agency to pick up your vehicle at 8:00 am.

Start your day with an immersion into local know-how by visiting a traditional palm sugar industry, typical of the Amphawa region.

Discover the artisanal techniques of transforming palm sap into brown sugar, an essential ingredient of Thai cuisine.

Then visit the gardens of the King Rama II Memorial Park, located along the canals.

The site is home to beautiful teakwood houses as well as a museum dedicated to Thai arts and traditions.

Continue with a visit to Wat Bang Khae Noi , a small jewel built entirely from carved teakwood.

Inside, the walls are finely engraved with scenes depicting the Buddha’s past lives, in a unique style.

Next, head to the famous Wat Bang Kung (Kai Bang Kung), nicknamed the “Banyan Temple,” whose chapel has been literally engulfed by the roots of the banyan tree.

In the temple gardens, you will find life-size statues of Thai boxers, commemorating a historic battle of the 13th century.

In the evening, head to the quays of the Amphawa Floating Market, open only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Along the canals, locals come to dine with their families in a convivial atmosphere.

Overnight at Asita Eco Resort in a superior room.

Begin your morning with a visit to the Mae Klong Railway Market for a truly unique experience: a market set up directly on the tracks of an active railway.

Four times a day, the vendors quickly fold back their umbrellas and stalls to let the train pass, before putting them back in place as if nothing had happened.

Continue your morning towards the mangroves for a traditional boat ride.

You will discover a fragile ecosystem, a refuge for many species, and the daily life of local fishermen, some of whom practice cockle fishing… from a surfboard!

You will also visit a shellfish farm, testimony to the close bond between local communities and the sea.

In the afternoon, head to the famous Damnoen Saduak, one of the most iconic in Thailand.

Board a motorized canoe and let yourself be carried through the narrow canals lined with colorful stalls.

By the end of the day, you will arrive in Kanchanaburi , gateway to the landscapes of western Thailand. Before reaching your accommodation, visit the great Tham Sua Temple, located atop a hill.

Accessible by local funicular (or on foot for the more courageous), the temple offers a superb panorama over the surrounding valley and rice fields.

Settle in at the Royal Riverkwai Resort Spa, in a Deluxe room for 2 nights.

Hotel by the river with a pool - Located about ten kilometers after the town and the train bridge.

Head to Kanchanaburi station, famous for its role in World War II history and the infamous “Death Railway”, made famous by the film The Bridge on the River Kwai.

The train follows a line running along the cliff and river, offering a landscape steeped in history.

❗ This train does not make a loop: if you decide to board, your arrival point will be different from your departure. You will therefore need to arrange a return transfer to recover your vehicle.

After the morning, head to Elephant Haven, a sanctuary committed to the protection and well-being of elephants.

You will begin by preparing the elephants’ meals, before feeding them by hand.

Then set off on a walk in the surrounding forest alongside the pachyderms. Your local guide will share precious insights into the behavior, history, and habits of these gentle giants.

• Elephants playing in the mud

• Bathing in the river alongside the pachyderms

• Free observation and exchanges with the caretakers

Return to camp in the late afternoon for a final moment of sharing.

Early morning departure to one of the natural gems of the region: Erawan National Park and waterfalls, located 60 km from Kanchanaburi (about 1h30 drive).

This park is famous for its spectacular 7-tiered waterfalls, where turquoise waters cascade from pool to pool in the heart of the jungle.

The first 3 levels, easily accessible, already allow you to enjoy swimming in crystal-clear water.

For the more adventurous, the climb up to the 7th tier is possible!

In the early afternoon, we take the road towards Ayutthaya , the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, where you will spend the night.

2 Nights at the Baan Tye Wang hotel.

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya is a must for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Start with a visit to the main sites in the historic center:

• Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots

• Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, royal temple that inspired Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew

• Wat Chai Watthanaram, a temple in Khmer style

If you wish to venture outside the historic center, head to the Bang Pa-in palace, located about 15 km away. This splendid royal complex combines Thai, Chinese, and European architecture. Built in the 17th century and restored in the 19th, it was used as a summer residence by the royal family.

Note: An original option is to reach it by traditional boat, for a lovely ride along the Chao Phraya River (not recommended for a self-drive unless you leave your vehicle at the pier).

To end this day steeped in history, embark on an old rice barge converted into a floating restaurant. During a 1h30 cruise, enjoy a traditional Thai dinner while admiring the ruins and temples around Ayutthaya Island.

A timeless moment to see the city from another angle.

This morning, you leave the historic valley of Ayutthaya and head north toward Sukhothai, the cradle of Siamese civilization.

Before that, make a stop in the little-known province of Uthai Thani, a true haven of peace between preserved nature and grand temples.

Begin your discovery with one of the most beautiful temples in the country: Wat Chantaram, nicknamed the Glass Temple for its interior decorated with columns and arches covered in mirrors.

Continue with the climb up Khao Sakae Krang, a hill dominated by the temple Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri.

Late morning, embark on a peaceful cruise along the Sakae Krang River.

This is a chance to observe floating houses and the daily life of residents still living in a traditional way, reminiscent of Thailand in the past.

In the afternoon, head toward Sukhothai, the former capital of the very first Thai kingdom.

This UNESCO-listed city will immerse you tomorrow in a unique atmosphere of sacred ruins, blooming lotuses, and eternal serenity.

2 nights at the Le Charme Hotel in a deluxe room.

Your day begins with an off-the-beaten-path cycling excursion.

Following small paths along the khlongs (traditional canals), you will pass through rural villages of the region — rice fields and daily life scenes: swimming, fishing, laundry…
Your route then leads you to the city of Sukhothai , the ancient capital of the first Thai kingdom.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historical park reveals its majestic ruins: lotus-bud chedis, colossal Buddha statues, and lotus-lined ponds, in a peaceful atmosphere steeped in history.

First stop: the remarkable site of Si Satchanalai, sister city of Sukhothai in the 13th century, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here, you’ll hop on your bicycle for a peaceful exploration among ruins scattered across lush nature: laterite chedis, meditating Buddhas, and ancient temples bear witness to the golden age of Thai art and religion.

Continue your itinerary toward Lampang, a discreet northern city where the art of ceramics has been passed down for generations.

Here, you will discover the famous rooster bowls, a staple on Thai tables.

Your immersion continues with a visit toWat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of the best-preserved wooden temples in Thailand. It stands out for its remarkable ancient architecture and layout, designed according to Buddhist cosmology. A true gem of Thai heritage, this sacred site reflects both rich history and exceptional architectural craftsmanship.

Then head to the magnificent temple Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao,, former guardian of the Emerald Buddha. Beyond its religious significance, Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao is a historic and architectural icon of 15th-century Lampang.

End the day with a stroll along the old merchant street of Kad Kong Ta, where you will see beautiful teak houses, including the famous Moung Ngwe Zin House in Sino-Burmese style.

Overnight at the Lampang River Lodge.

Today, head toward the quiet and little-known province of Lamphun, rich in mountain landscapes, peaceful temples, and charming cafés. A gentle and elevated stop.

This morning, set off for a nature walk in Doi Khun Tan National Park, on the border between Lamphun and Lampang.

This mountainous park, little frequented, is appreciated for its fresh air, forest hiking trails, and especially its famous railway tunnel, the longest in the country.

The trails offer superb viewpoints and allow you to discover a variety of flora and fauna.

On the way, enjoy a stop at the Lamphun Skywalk, a glass walkway suspended above the forest, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

End your day at the Terracotta Garden, a unique garden café nestled in a small park.

Here you’ll find clay sculptures and ancient art objects.

We'll be staying at the De Lanna Hotel for the night in Deluxe room.