Thailand Differently

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's 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 former 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 into the heart of Siamese history.

This morning, we start the day at the Baan Saladin agrotourism village where you will discover the manufacturing process of the famous Puffed Rice Cakes before moving on to their tasting.

This morning, we start the day with a visit to the Baan Saladin agritourism village, where you will discover the manufacturing process of the famous puffed rice crackers, before being able to enjoy a tasting.

We then continue our adventure with an exploration of the great Maha Sawat canal, once used to supply Bangkok's markets. Aboard a boat, we will enjoy a peaceful ride through its waters, while observing local wildlife and feeding the fish.

Back on dry land, we will visit a fruit garden, where you can admire gac fruit plantations and discover the making of various products based on this unique fruit.

We will end this morning with a stop at a lake where magnificent lotus flowers bloom, offering a peaceful landscape to contemplate.

Back on solid ground, you will visit the Jackfruit Garden where you can appreciate the plantations of gac fruit and the famous jackfruit (the world's largest fruit on a tree) and the production of various products based on these fruits. Finally, we will head to the lake where lotus flowers bloom, a unique landscape to behold.

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

Arrival in 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!!).

Departure to the station and boarding around 10:40 on the famous ''Death Railway'' made famous by the history of the film ''The Bridge on the River Kwai'', for approximately 1 hour of train travel westward to the SaiYok region, located 70 km to the west at the end of the train line.

Meet your guide and the Mahouts. Together, you will prepare food for the elephants before going to meet them while feeding them.

We then set off on a walk in the surrounding forest in the company of the pachyderms, with our guide taking this opportunity to tell us more about the animal. Next, we will have the chance to observe them playing in the mud, before accompanying them to the river to give them a bath.

We finally return to the camp where we can capture one last moment of our encounter with the pachyderms. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

This national park is home to a magnificent waterfall spanning 7 levels, creating natural pools with an emerald blue color inhabited by Mahseer Barbel fish.

If you choose to stay around the first 3 levels, the easiest to access, and swim there, a climb to the 7th level, while not difficult, is rewarding: Phu Pha Erawan, with the final waterfall being the most majestic feature of the place.

Early morning wake-up to participate in the morning alms offerings to monks on the bridge or in town. To be arranged with your guide. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Then, a trip to Sangkhlaburi to see the Mon ethnic temples (very close to the Burmese) and walk on the bridge (Saphan Môn) that is the area's claim to fame. A stroll through the small town (Mon and Burmese market). A boat trip on the lake and discovery of the submerged temple.

Morning bike ride with our host. On the road at 09:00. 5 kilometers by bike, no particular difficulty. On the way back, we can plan to swim in the hot springs of Hin Dat (possibility of massages – not included). Discovery of a rural school … or any other meeting or visit that is not always easy, or even desirable, to organize in advance - this also making up all the interest of the beautiful surprises of travel!

Possibility of preparing lunch with a family from a Thai minority village (note, local cuisine).

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

We begin with a small stop at the Mae Klong Railway Market, where 4 times a day, fruit and vegetable stalls hastily fold up when the train passes through the market.

This morning, we leave our hosts early, as a long morning of driving awaits us. On the way, we stop in Ratchaburi and visit the shadow puppet theater museum of the Musée Wat Kanon Nang Yai.

After lunch, stop at a Thai family home to learn how to make small objects from palm leaves, particularly the small fish "pla tapian" whose mobiles are one of the specialties of the Ayutthaya and Amphawa regions. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

In the evening, let yourself be tempted by a Thai massage. (Optional activity to discuss with the guide on site).

Then, an excursion to a local palm sugar industry.

In early afternoon, we visit the gardens of King Rama II's residence, where we find superb teak wood buildings (tropical tree).

Visit of the temple Wat Bang Khae Noi located not far from the city. You will appreciate its architecture, for which the building was entirely constructed in teak wood. Its walls are entirely carved and represent episodes from the previous lives of Buddha.

Continuation with the visit of the Wat Bang Kung (Kai Bang Kung), commonly called the Banyan Tree Temple, since its chapel was covered by the roots and branches of a banyan tree. In its gardens, we can notably observe life-size representations of wrestlers, commemorating the Battle of Ayutthaya between Thailand and Burma at the end of the 13th century.

This evening, we head to the quays to taste the local flavors of the Floating Market, which takes place on weekend evenings. Along the canals, many locals have come to dine. Like them, we order our small dishes directly from each boat: stir-fried noodle dish, some shrimp or squid skewers, or why not pre-cut mangoes.

As night falls, a boat trip along the canal. Our boatman picks us up from the docks, and we set off for a mini-excursion hunting for fireflies that illuminate the waters.

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

Next, we head 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.

In the morning, we will join a weaving workshop for an introduction to basketry; weaving of reeds "krajoot". An activity of approximately one hour where we will learn in particular how to weave rushes the Varni way.

During the afternoon, we will meet with a local beekeeper to discover their production.

Day without an English-speaking driver only

Not far away, we will continue our day with a visit to the temple Wat Tham Khuha Sawan.

We make a stop at the local market of Kwanjai Papai Sansook, which takes place every Saturday 20km from the city. Very local atmosphere, in a magnificent setting shaded by immense bamboos. We will then have lunch (not included) at Pa Pai Sang Suk Market for a guaranteed typical atmosphere.

Finally, we will visit the information center on shadow theater "Nang Thalung", an art form that gave its name to the Phatthalung region)

Other activities / visits are possible on site such as a visit to a Thai boxing training camp. However, this type of visit is difficult to schedule in advance as we can only make an appointment a few days before your arrival, and it depends on everyone's availability.

Driver only.

Meeting in the morning at dawn, before sunrise (probably between 05:30 and 6 in the morning) for the exploration of the lake and Thale Noi park (''small sea'' in Thai), an ornithological nature reserve. At sunrise, you will discover the water buffalo crossing the lake waters, then a little further in the lagoon, you will observe various birds that take flight upon our arrival. During this crossing of approximately one hour and a half, we will pass notably the large fishing nets with lever which are located just at the mouth of the river. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Then, we head to the river where a large part of the village community gathers on weekends to have lunch and spend the afternoon with family. Lunch (drinks not included) will be provided - a meal prepared by the ladies of the community - we can then plan to buy a few drinks on the way before arriving.

We recommend bringing light swimming clothes and a change of clothes - knowing that there are no changing cabins on site. Since this is - like all of southern Thailand - a predominantly Muslim region, and moreover Thais are generally very modest, ladies who wish to swim may want to bring a sarong (simple cotton fabric that you will find at the market - batik or printed textiles being a specialty of the South and nearby Malaysia).

Day accompanied by a driver.

At the end of the day, meet at the Chalerm Prakiat Bridge to watch the sunset over the lake, offering notably a view of the water buffalo farms. Driver only.

3 days of rest to enjoy the sea and your hotel facilities. Various activities can be arranged on site: Visit to the surrounding areas, in particular Tham Khao Whang Thong Cave, Beach relaxation, Hiking in Khao Luang, Fishing, Snorkeling …

Here we are immersed with our host family in the small village of Pathiu. During our 2-day, 2-night stay with locals, in addition to discovering the daily life of Thai people, we will enjoy many activities:

• A ride on a raft towed on a sandbank at sea.

• A half-day at sea on the very small islands located at the edge of the village (30 to 40 minutes by boat). Snorkeling available.

• Introduction to local cuisine, for preparing the evening meal. Self-service kayaking activity. Full board (3 local Thai meals included - beverages not included)

This morning, we set off for a bike tour in the capital's lungs. Accompanied by a local private guide for the island part, we embark on the extraordinaryBike ride in Bang Krachao- a true jungle in the heart of the city. We will make some additional visits along the way (if available)

We set off by boat through the Khlong to discover the curious Artists' House. In this authentic quarter of Bangkok, local artists have settled and exhibit their traditional and contemporary works. An atypical visit to a little-known side of Bangkok.

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 emblematic figure of the place, as well as the inner courtyards punctuated by stupas and refined decorative details.

Then, you cross the river aboard a 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 sparkle in the light.

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

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport. The transfer will take place at the time of your choice depending on your return flight.