Songkran Celebrations and Cultural Treasures in Small Groups

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the docks and board a public water bus. Along the water, you make your way upstream toward the historic center on the right bank, as far as the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and get your first taste of authentic, traditional Asia.

Nous partons à la rencontre des joyaux architecturaux de Bangkok. Émerveillons-nous devant la splendeur du Grand Palais de Bangkok, édifié en 1782 : un ensemble somptueux de bâtiments et de cours intérieures, dont le Wat Phra Kaeo (temple du Bouddha d’émeraude). Nous y découvrons le célèbre Bouddha d’émeraude, précieuse statue datant du XIVe siècle, au cœur de l’un des sanctuaires les plus vénérés du pays.

Then, on foot, we reach Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and elegant pavilions. We discover the impressive Reclining Buddha, an emblematic figure of the place, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Next, we cross the river by small boat to reach Wat Arun, the famous "Temple of Dawn", standing on the right bank. Upon arrival, we can admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral patterns that glitter in the light.

Private traditional long-tail boat ride on the Chao Praya River, one of the most important waterways in the country and a vital artery of Bangkok. As we cruise along the water, we discover the "Venice of the Orient," with its peaceful canals, stilt houses and small temples hidden along the banks.

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 fruits, local specialties, handicrafts and souvenirs. This visit will allow us to appreciate an authentic facet of Thai lifestyle.

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.

Départ pour la gare et embarquement vers 10h40 dans le fameux ''train de la mort'' rendu célèbre par l'histoire du film ''le pont de la rivière Kwai'', pour environ 1 heure de train vers l'Ouest et la région de SaiYok, située à 70 km à l'ouest à l'extrémité de la ligne de train.

Après le déjeuner, nous passons l'après-midi à "Elephant Haven". Sur place, nous achetons des paniers de fruits (non compris – environ 3 euro le panier), friandises des pachydermes.
En début d'après-midi, nous profitons d'un moment d'exception : la baignade avec les Élephants ! Retour en fin d'après-midi à Kanchanaburi.

🌞 Préparez-vous pour l'après-midi avec les éléphants.
Prévoyez dès le matin vos vêtements de bain et des habits de rechange si vous avez prévu de vous baigner avec les éléphants l'après-midi.

👕 Vêtements faciles à enfiler.
Choisissez des vêtements faciles à enfiler, car il n'y aura probablement pas de cabine de change pratique sur place.

Early morning departure to the national park and Erawan falls (63 km drive). This national park is home to a stunning waterfall extending across 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue waters teeming with Mahseer barbs. If you prefer to stay around the 3 first levels, the easiest to access, and swim there, a climb to the 7th level, while not difficult, is rewarding: La Phu Pha Erawan, with the final waterfall being the most majestic of the site.

Free afternoon. Possibility of kayaking (optional). Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

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

The visit continues to 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 past grandeur of the kingdom.

Finally, you discover the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, renowned for its impressive reclining Buddha and its peaceful atmosphere, offering a beautiful conclusion to this immersion in the heart of Siamese history.

Our driver takes us to our hotel at the end of this rich cultural day.

This morning, transfer to the airport and flight to the capital of the North, Chiang Mai. The beauty of the North is a lively and pleasant city, renowned for its quality of life, affordable prices and exceptional natural environment. You will discover Thai culture, its temples, its gastronomy, its smiles and its traditions. Check-in at De Chai the Deco Chiang Mai for 4 nights, in a Deluxe room.

Late morning free discovery of the beauty of the North.

In late afternoon, we depart for a traditional cooking class in English, organized in the countryside, outside Chiang Mai, in an old Lanna style house. In a friendly atmosphere, we discover the basics of Thai cuisine and learn to balance the emblematic flavors: spicy, sweet, salty and tangy.

Throughout the session, we will prepare several essential recipes, before tasting our creations on site.

Vegetarian or vegan options available. (Please inform us in advance)

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Kha Gai (lemongrass coconut milk soup)

• Pad Thaï (stir-fried rice noodles)

• Nam Prik Ong (Northern specialty made with tomatoes and chili)

• Khao Soi Gai (curry noodle soup, Northern specialty)

• Dessert: Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango)

In the company of your guide, you make a detour to the Warorot market, where you can find all kinds of northern Thai specialties, such as Sai Ua (northern sausage), Moo Yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam Phrik Num (northern green chili paste) and dried fruits, among other delights. In addition to local food, the market also offers clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery tools, flowers, and much more.

You then leave the city center to gain elevation heading towards the Doi Suthep temple, perched on the mountainside at approximately 1,200 meters altitude. A true symbol of Chiang Mai, this magnificent Buddhist temple offers an atmosphere filled with serenity and spirituality, where statues, sanctuaries and bells accompany the faithful and visitors in a moment of contemplation.

Along the way, a stop at Wat Pha lat, a more discreet temple nestled in the forest, appreciated for its peaceful setting and almost exclusive atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Visit to Wat Umong, a Buddhist temple founded in the 13th century and nestled at the foot of the Doi Suthep mountains. Surrounded by forest, this monastery offers a particularly peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

You discover the history of the place by walking through its ancient underground tunnels, carved out for meditation. It is also an opportunity to exchange, when possible, with the resident monks and learn more about monastic life.

For these next two days, it's time for freedom and improvisation in the heart of Songkran festivities! Whether you choose to join in the wild water battles around the old city's moats, stroll through temples to witness traditional rituals, or simply wander through flower-lined streets to the rhythm of Thai smiles, this day is yours. Enjoy it at your own pace, between bursts of laughter, cultural discoveries, and welcome moments of coolness under the northern sun. 🌞💦 🌸 Flower shirts and water guns highly recommended! Let the battle begin!

Welcome by our English-speaking team at the airport then transfer to Khao Lak north of Phuket, a beach resort appreciated by families, and a favorite destination for diving enthusiasts, and departure point for cruises to the Similan Islands.

Transfer to the sumptuous nature of Phang Nga Bay, with its breathtaking landscapes and unique caves hidden among the immense limestone cliffs. We begin our journey on the water in the most traditional way – our longtail boat takes us along the lush mangrove forests, which are, among other things, the habitat of monitor lizards, snakes, long-tailed macaques and various bird species.

We will reach the famous James Bond Island, the most popular limestone rock in this region, since the release of the film shot here in 1974 "The Man with the Golden Gun" with Roger Moore as British secret agent 007. By canoe this time, we travel to hidden caves within the limestone cliffs.

Then we will stop at the floating village of Koh Panyee, a fishing village of Indonesian origin in search of a "promised land" teeming with fish. Specialty lunch and tour of the village.

Our discovery of the bay concludes on land, inside Phang Nga National Park, a place for observing long-tailed macaques, located near a huge cave carved by nature in a limestone cliff.

Return transfer to your hotel. Private excursion.

Today we set off on a day boat excursion that will take us to the Similan Islands. This small archipelago located 65 km off the coast is a true paradise for lovers of white sand beaches and divers.

With mask and snorkel, you will be able to appreciate the extremely rich marine life in the coral reefs. Activity carried out within a group of travelers. English-speaking guide.

In the evening, you can stroll freely through the Chinese quarter, wandering through the narrow streets brimming with shops of all kinds. Early in the evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its adjoining illuminated alleyways that breathe new life into the neighborhood. You'll find all kinds of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner there.

Depending on your flight time, depart for Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the Land of Smiles!