The Great Discovery of Southern Thailand

Day dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siamese kingdom. We set out to discover the historic center of the city, including the Wat Mahathat temple, dating from the late 14th century. Continue to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple, which formerly served as a royal temple, and is therefore the largest in the city; Finally, the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, from where we can enjoy the sunset over its ruins.

This morning, we start the day with a visit to the Baan Saladin agrotourism village, where you will discover the process of making 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, formerly 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 the gac fruit plantations and discover the making of various products from 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.

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

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

After lunch, we spend the afternoon at "Elephant Haven". On site, we buy fruit baskets (not included – approximately 3 euros per basket), treats for the pachyderms.
Early in the afternoon, we enjoy an exceptional moment: bathing with the Elephants! Return late afternoon to Kanchanaburi.

🌞 Prepare yourself for the afternoon with the elephants.
Plan your swimwear and change of clothes in the morning if you intend to bathe with the elephants in the afternoon.

👕 Easy-to-wear clothes.
Choose easy-to-wear clothes, as there will probably not be a convenient changing room on site.

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

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

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

This morning, we set off for the small floating market of Tah kah, rich in colors and scents. A real immersion in local Thai life. Then, an excursion to a local palm sugar industry. A local curiosity, the Market on the Mae Klong railway, where 4 times a day, the fruit and vegetable stalls quickly fold away when the train passes through the market.

Next, we set out 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 with local specialties.

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

This evening, we head to the docks 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 dishes directly from each boat: a plate of stir-fried noodles, some shrimp or squid skewers, or why not pre-cut mangoes. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Then, excursion to a local palm sugar industry.

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.

Lunch featuring local specialties.

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

This evening, we head to the docks to taste the local flavors of the Floating Market, which operates 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 dishes, a few shrimp or squid skewers, or why not pre-cut mangoes.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

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.

This evening, we head to the docks 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.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

We start with a brief 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).

In the evening, we board our night train, heading to Surat Thani.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Discover the Khao Sok national park on a half-day hiking tour through one of the world's oldest tropical forests.
Accompanied by a local guide, trek through trails across lush vegetation, observe local wildlife and flora, cross small streams and uncover the natural treasures of this exceptional park.

An ideal experience for nature lovers and travelers seeking immersion in a preserved environment.

After breakfast, a half-day educational hike in the jungle. An opportunity to learn more about the fauna and flora of the National Park. (3 hours). Activity accompanied by a local English-speaking guide in a small group.

We then head to Chiew Larn Lake. From there, a boat awaits us to transfer us to our floating accommodation. We have some free time to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake.

In the late afternoon, take advantage of one last boat excursion to watch the sunset. Return to the floating resort for dinner. A magical night in a Bungalow on stilts at Greenery Panvaree resort.

In the morning, we leave Khao Sok National Park for the rural community of Prom Lok. Our program for the next 2 days involves observing, participating, and exchanging with our hosts. An opportunity to learn more about local Thai life.

This afternoon, we set out to discover the village and its gardens – and will take the opportunity to pick up what we need to prepare dinner for the day. We will continue with: a walk leading to the local waterfall (bring swimwear and/or spare clothes), a small workshop learning to weave coconut leaves, making small dried bananas, visiting a local school.

In the evening, we attend a traditional Nora dance performance, typical of the south of the country.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Accommodation in the countryside, with a family. Simple comfort, but authentic.

Morning departure for a full day of cycling (route of approximately 15 km) in the countryside. Along the way, we will make various stops to visit: mushroom farm (with mushrooms at lunch!), rubber plantations and rubber culture / processing, WangPai lake to feed the fish, production of small dried bananas, Wat Khao Khun Phanom Caves (climbing to the top of the hill - 245 steps), visit to a local school, At Wat PhromLok temple: discovery of medicinal plant treatments for snake bites. And many other things to discuss with the local guide.

In the evening, we have a small 'cooking class' to prepare Thai desserts. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

We bid farewell to our hosts and head towards Phatthalung. Upon arrival, visit the temple Wat Tham Khuha Sawan. Visit the information center on shadow puppet theater 'Nang Thalung' (which gave its name to the Phatthalung region).

In the afternoon, if we feel up to it, we climb Khao Ok Thalu, a rocky peak that overlooks the city. To reach it, 1,300 steps. A unique feature: there is a hole in the rock.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Meet in the early morning at dawn, before sunrise (probably between 5:30 am and 6:00 am) to explore Thale Noi Lake and Park ("little sea" in Thai), a natural bird sanctuary. At sunrise, you will discover water buffalo crossing the lake waters, and further into the lagoon, you will observe various birds taking flight upon our arrival.

During this approximately one and a half hour crossing, we will pass by the large traditional fishing nets with counterweights situated at the mouth of the river.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

We'll make a jump to the local market of Kwanjai Papai Sansook, which is held every Saturday 20km from the city. Very local atmosphere, in a magnificent setting shaded by huge bamboos. Then, at Pa Pai Sang Suk Market, we will have our lunch.

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

At the end of the day, departure on the great Chalerm Prakiat bridge to observe the sunset over the lake, with also the view of the water buffalo farms. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

We are heading to the river where a large part of the village community gathers on weekends to have lunch and spend the afternoon with family. Lunch (excluding beverages) will be included - a meal prepared by the ladies of the community - so we can plan to buy some drinks on the road before we arrive

We recommend bringing lightweight swimwear 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 and printed textiles being a specialty of the South and nearby Malaysia).

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

We continue on our journey, heading along the southwest coast of Thailand. We arrive near the city of Surat Thani where our driver drops us off at Don Sak port. We then board the ferry for the crossing to the island of Koh Phangan.

Known for its famous Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan has many other assets to offer its visitors. Still authentic, Koh Phangan has managed to develop without overly altering its natural landscapes and magnificent fine sand beaches. Composed mainly of Than Sadet National Park, Koh Phangan protects and respects its lush nature which harbors incredible fauna and flora. Here we love the southern festivities but above all appreciate the calm and beauty of the west and north coasts.

Upon arrival on the island, we are transferred to our resort.

Free days to enjoy the beach and available activities (not included, to be booked on site):

• Boat excursion

• Hiking

• Mountain biking

• Cooking class

• Elephant sanctuary (if available)

• And many more

We take the morning ferry, then we are transferred to Surat Thani airport.

In the early afternoon, we board our return flight to Bangkok. Our driver awaits us upon arrival at the airport to take us to our hotel.

Rest of the day free.

Accompanied by your English-speaking guide, you join the quays and board a public water bus. As you travel along the water, you head towards the historic center on the right bank, up to the flower market of Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and immerse yourself in authentic and traditional Asia.

We set out to discover the architectural gems of Bangkok. Let us marvel at the splendor of the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782: a sumptuous complex of buildings and inner courtyards, including Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). We 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, 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 iconic 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 shimmer in the light.

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

Set off on a bike tour through the capital's green lung in the extraordinary Bang Kachao district - a true jungle in the heart of the city. At the entrance, you can rent bikes to explore the park.

You can also visit an incense stick manufacturing workshop and several small temples and see old houses in the district.

Possibility to reach the "modern" city center and the shopping district of Siam Square.

Depending on your flight time, transfer to Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles!