A Summer in Thailand

After lunch, we set off to discover the historic center of Ayutthaya. We explore in particular the Wat Mahathat, a major temple dating from the late 14th century, famous for the Buddha's head entwined in the roots of a tree, which has become one of the site's symbols.

The visit continues towards the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a former royal temple and the largest in the ancient capital, recognizable by its elegant aligned chedis that testify to the former grandeur of the kingdom.

Finally, we discover the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, renowned for its impressive reclining Buddha and peaceful atmosphere, offering a beautiful conclusion to this immersion into the heart of Siam's history.

Arrival at Kanchanaburi, where we will take time to visit the grand temple of Wat Tham Suea, accessible by climbing with a small cable-car (local standards!!).

Boarding at around 10:40 AM on the famous "Death Railway" made legendary by 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.

We will then be transferred to Elephant Haven for lunch.

Upon your arrival, you will meet your guide and the mahouts, the elephant caretakers. Together, you will prepare their food before meeting these gentle giants and participating in their meal.

You will then set off on a walk through the forest alongside these majestic pachyderms, while your guide shares with you their way of life, their behavior, and the conservation efforts implemented to protect them.

The experience will continue with observing the elephants having fun in the mud, a natural behavior essential to their well-being. You will then accompany them to the river for their bath, a moment that is at once playful, moving, and privileged.

Finally, we will return to the camp, where you will have the opportunity to capture this exceptional encounter with a few final photos before heading back to your hotel at the end of the day.

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

We set out to meet the Baan Bang Phlap community. We hop on our bikes for a tour through coconut plantations where we see how coconut sugar is made. During our visit we meet a group of women busy preparing dishes based on bamboo, lemon and papaya. We continue now to an orchard where organic grapefruits are grown. Let's continue into the countryside to a traditional kite-making workshop.

We return to the starting point for a tasting of coconut and grapefruit.

We will then visit the famous floating market Damnoen Saduak, where local life is organized along the canals. Aboard a traditional boat, we will discover the stalls set up on the water and along the banks, offering fresh fruit, local specialties, crafts and souvenirs. This visit will allow us to appreciate an authentic facet of Thai lifestyle.

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

We start with a small stop at the Mae Klong railway market, where 4 times a day, the fruit and vegetable stalls quickly fold up as the train passes through the market.

Next, we set off to discover life in the mangroves. By boat, we explore 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 of local specialties (included).

We then head to Nakhon Pathom, which is home to the Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, Thailand's tallest stupa.

Renowned worldwide for its famous Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan also captivates with its authentic character and pristine landscapes. The island has managed to preserve its natural charm, with its fine sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation. A large part of its territory is protected within Than Sadet National Park, which is home to rich biodiversity. Beyond its festive atmosphere, Koh Phangan is also appreciated for the tranquility of its northern and western coasts, where peaceful coves and magnificent panoramas succeed one another.

Upon arrival on the island, we will be transferred to our hotel. Accommodation for 5 nights at Maehaad Bay Resort in a Deluxe room.

Let's make the most of these 4 days in Koh Phangan to relax and enjoy the activities available on site (not included). Let ourselves be tempted by a traditional Thai massage, or why not plan water activities: kitesurfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking…

And then, if we want to explore the surroundings, there's the possibility of going on a day trip for hiking, or a short boat tour around the island.

We are leaving today for an excursion to Antong National Park, a protected archipelago of 42 wild and uninhabited islands. Famous for its natural beauty with its islets covered in lush vegetation and beautiful white sand beaches, its landscape is often compared to that of Halong Bay in Vietnam. The boat leaves the Thong Sala pier at around 9:00 AM and heads towards the national park which we will reach after 1 hour 30 minutes of navigation.

Upon arrival at the first islands of Koh Wao and Koh Tai, we will be able to swim and especially explore marine life while snorkeling.

After lunch, we arrive at Koh Wua Ta Lap and its white sand beach, Ao Ka. From there relax in the crystal-clear waters of the region, or take to the heights during a hike that will offer you a breathtaking viewpoint over the surroundings. The last stage of our day, the island of Mae Ko, or Mother Island, which has a superb beach and an interior lagoon with emerald green waters rightly called Emerald Lake (Thale Nai). Return around 6:00 PM to Koh Phangan.

Group activity with an English-speaking guide.

Suggestion: In the evening, you can stroll freely through the Chinese quarter, walking through the alleys teeming with shops of all kinds. At the beginning of the evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its illuminated side alleys which give new life to the neighborhood. You will find all kinds of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner there.

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the docks and then board a public river bus. Following the water, you travel upstream toward the historic center, on the right bank, until you reach the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and immerse yourself in authentic and traditional Asia.

You embark on a journey to discover the architectural gems of Bangkok. Marvel at the splendor of the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782: a sumptuous ensemble of buildings and inner courtyards, including Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). You discover the famous Emerald Buddha, a precious statue dating from the 14th century, at the heart of one of the most venerated sanctuaries in the country.

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.

Then, you cross the river by 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 glitter in the light.

Cruise aboard a private traditional "long-tail" boat on the Chao Praya River, one of the country's most important waterways and the lifeblood of Bangkok. As you drift along the water, you discover the "Venice of the East," with its peaceful klongs, stilt houses, and small temples hidden along the riverbanks.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide