🚗 Self-Drive Tour Through History and Traditions – From Amphawa Canals to Northern Temples

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

Start your day with an immersion in local expertise by visiting a traditional palm sugar industry, typical of the Amphawa region.

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

Visit the gardens of the King Rama II Memorial Park located on the banks of the canals.

The site features magnificent teak wood houses, as well as a museum dedicated to Thai arts and traditions.

Continue with a visit to the Wat Bang Khae Noi, a small gem entirely built in sculpted teak wood.

Inside, the walls are finely engraved with scenes telling the Buddha's previous lives, in a unique style.

Then, head to the famous Wat Bang Kung (Kai Bang Kung), nicknamed the "Banyan Temple", whose chapel has been literally invaded by the roots of the banyan tree.

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

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

Along the canals, locals come to dine with family in a friendly atmosphere.

Night at Asita Eco Resort in a superior room.

Start your morning with a visit to the Mae Klong Market for an unusual experience: a market set up directly on the rails of an active railway line.

Four times a day, vendors quickly fold up their umbrellas and stalls to let the train pass, then set them back up as if nothing happened.

Continue your morning heading towards the mangroves for a traditional boat ride. You will discover a fragile ecosystem, home to numerous species, and the daily life of local fishermen, some of whom practice cockle fishing... from a surfboard!

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

In the afternoon, head to the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market, one of Thailand's most iconic markets.

Board a motorized long-tail boat and let yourself drift through narrow canals lined with colorful shops.

Late in the day, we arrive in Kanchanaburi, gateway to the landscapes of western Thailand.

Before heading to your accommodation, visit the great temple of Tham Sua, located at the top of a hill.

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

Installation at the Royal Riverkwai Resort, in a Deluxe room. Riverside hotel with pool - Located about 10 km beyond the town and the railway bridge.

Departure from the Kanchanaburi railway station, famous for its role in World War II history and the notorious "Death Railway" made famous by the film The Bridge on the River Kwai.

The train follows a line running along the cliff and the river, offering a setting full of history.

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

This is why we recommend simply observing the train's passage from one of the bridges or observation points along the line.

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

You will start by preparing the elephants' meals, before going to feed them by hand.

Then, embark on a walk through the surrounding forest in the company of these pachyderms.

Your local guide will share valuable information about the behavior, history and habits of these gentle giants.

• Elephants playing in the mud

• Swimming in the river alongside the pachyderms

• Free observation and exchanges with the caretakers.

Return to camp at the end of the afternoon, for a final moment of connection.

Early morning departure to one of the region's natural gems: Erawan National Park and Waterfall, located 60 km from Kanchanaburi (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes drive).

This park is renowned for its spectacular 7-level waterfall, where turquoise water cascades from pool to pool in the heart of the jungle. The first 3 levels, easily accessible, already offer the opportunity to swim in clear water.

For the more adventurous, climbing to the 7th level is possible!

In the early afternoon, we resume our journey towards Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siamese kingdom, where you will spend the night.

2 Nights at Baan Tye Wang in a deluxe room with canal view.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ayutthaya is an essential stop for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Begin with visits to the main sites in the historic center:

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

• Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, royal temple at the origin of Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew

• Wat Chai Watthanaram, temple in Khmer style.

If you wish to venture beyond the historic center, head towards the Bang Pa In Royal Palace located about fifteen kilometers away.

This sumptuous royal complex blends Thai, Chinese and European architecture. Built in the 17th century, then restored in the 19th, it was used as a summer residence by the royal family.

Note: an original option is to get there by traditional boat, for a lovely cruise on the Chao Phraya River (not suitable for self-drive if you don't leave your vehicle at the dock).

To close off this history-filled day, board an old rice barge, converted into a floating restaurant. During 1.5 hours of navigation, enjoy a traditional Thai dinner while admiring the ruins and temples around Ayutthaya island. A timeless escape to see the city from a different perspective.

This morning, you leave the historic valley of Ayutthaya to head north towards 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 unspoiled nature and magnificent temples.

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

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

From the summit, a panorama opens up over the rice fields and traditional roofs of Uthai Thani.

In late morning, embark on a peaceful cruise on the Sakae Krang river.

An opportunity to observe floating houses and the daily life of inhabitants still living according to a traditional lifestyle, reminiscent of Thailand of yesteryear.

In the afternoon, head to Sukhothai, the ancient capital of the first Thai kingdom.

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

Night at the hotel Le Charme in a deluxe room.

Your day begins with a cycling excursion off the beaten path. Following small paths along the khlongs (traditional canals), you travel through the rural villages of the region, rice fields, scenes of daily life: swimming, fishing, laundry…

Your itinerary then takes you to the city of Sukhothai, the ancient capital of the first Thai kingdom. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the historical park reveals its majestic ruins: lotus-shaped chedis, colossal Buddha statues, and lotus-lined pools, in a peaceful atmosphere steeped in history.

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

Here, you hop on your bike for a peaceful exploration through the ruins scattered across lush nature: laterite chedis, meditating buddhas, and ancient temples that bear witness to the golden age of art and religion in the Thai kingdom.

Continuing your itinerary towards Lampang, a discreet northern city where the art of ceramics has been passed down through generations.

You will discover the famous bowls decorated with roosters, emblems of Thai tables.

Your immersion continues with a visit to the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, one of Thailand's best-preserved wooden temples.

It is distinguished by its remarkable ancient architecture and its layout respecting the principles of Buddhist cosmology.

A true jewel of Thai heritage, this sacred site testifies to a rich history and exceptional architectural expertise.

Then, head to the magnificent temple Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, the former guardian of the Emerald Buddha.

Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is, beyond its religious purpose, a historical and architectural icon of the 15th century in the city of Lampang.

End the day with a walk along the old shopping street of Kad Kong Ta.

You will see beautiful teak houses there, including the famous Moung Ngwe Zin house with Sino-Burmese architecture.

Night at Lampang River Lodge in a Lanna cottage.

Today, heading towards the quiet and little-known province of Lamphun, rich in mountain landscapes, peaceful temples and cafés with singular charm.

A stage full of gentleness and altitude.

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

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

The trails offer superb viewpoints and allow you to discover varied flora and fauna.

Along the way, enjoy a visit to the Skywalk of Lamphun, a glass walkway suspended above the forest, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

End your day at Terracotta Garden, a unique garden café nestled in the heart of a small park. You'll find clay sculptures and ancient art objects there.

We settle in for the night at the De Lanna Hotel in a Deluxe room

Start your day with an immersion in the hustle and bustle of the great central market of Warorot, located in the heart of the commercial district of Chiang Mai.

A veritable Ali Baba's cave, this market is ideal for discovering and tasting the culinary specialties of northern Thailand:

• Sai Ua (northern spicy sausage)

• Moo Yo (Vietnamese pork sausage)

• Nam Phrik Num (green chili paste)

• Dried fruits, spices, local teas…

But also: fabrics, clothing, flowers, ceramics and handicraft embroidery.

In late morning, take the mountain road to reach Doi Suthep mountain, at 1,200 m altitude.

On the way, stop at the Wat Pha Lat temple, a small temple hidden in the jungle, on the edge of a waterfall. Then continue to the majestic Doi Suthep temple, perched at the summit.

This emblematic temple of Chiang Mai, adorned with gold leaf and sacred relics, is a major center of Thai Buddhism.

Climb the 306 steps bordered by nagas, or take the funicular, to enjoy a panorama of the city.

In late afternoon, end your exploration with a visit to the Wat Umong, a 13th-century Buddhist temple nestled at the foot of the mountain.

Its underground tunnels, moss-covered stupas and meditation pond make it a timeless place.

You may have the opportunity to interact with the resident monks.

Return your rental vehicle at the end of the day (17:30 at the latest).

End of your self-drive tour – Thank you for your trust, and see you soon for a new adventure in Thailand!