Travel and Sharing in the Heart of Siam

Accompanied by your English-speaking guide, you head to the docks and board a public water bus. Following the waterway, you head towards the historic centre on the right bank, as far as the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and immerse yourself in 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.

Then, we cross the river by small boat to reach Wat Arun, the famous "Temple of Dawn", standing on the right bank. Upon arrival, we will be able to admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral motifs that shimmer in the light.

Private ride on a traditional long-tail boat on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways and a vital artery of Bangkok. As we glide along the water, we discover the "Venice of the Orient," with its peaceful canals, stilt houses and small temples nestled along the riverbanks.

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.

This morning, we begin 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. On board 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 plantations of gac fruit and discover the making of various products based on this unique fruit.

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

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

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.

Morning departure for the national park and Erawan Falls (60 km drive). This national park is home to a stunning waterfall extending over 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue water inhabited by Mahseer Barbel fish. If you prefer, you can stay around the first 3 levels, the easiest to access, and take a swim there, but climbing to the 7th level, while not difficult, is rewarding: La Phu Pha Erawan, with the final waterfall being the most majestic place in the area.

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

This morning we head to Amphawa, famous for its floating markets.

In the morning, we set off to meet the Ban Bang Phlap community. We hop on our bikes for a tour of the coconut plantations where we see how coconut sugar is made. During our visit we meet a group of women busy preparing items made from bamboo, lemon and papaya. We now continue to an orchard where organic grapefruits are grown. We then head into the countryside to a traditional kite-making workshop.

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

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 dishes, a few shrimp or squid skewers, or perhaps some pre-cut mangoes.

As night falls, a boat trip on the canal. Our boatman picks us up from the docks, and we set off on a mini-excursion hunting 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 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.

An elegant and relaxed seaside resort, Hua Hin combines peaceful beaches, vibrant markets and nearby nature. At your own pace, compose your stay between relaxation, culinary walks and getaways to neighboring parks.

A la carte ideas: Khao Sam Roi Yot: caves and panoramas (Phraya Nakhon), Laem Sala beach, Bueng Bua marsh boardwalk, viewpoint or boat ride in Khao Daeng mangrove. Kui Buri: afternoon safari with rangers to observe wild elephants in their natural habitat. Pranburi: calm coves, cycling path along the river, seafood lunch in a fishing village. Wat Huay Mongkol: large Buddhist temple and surrounding countryside for a cultural break. Monsoon Valley: rolling vineyard for tasting and lunch with a view.

Local life: night markets (Cicada/Tamarind on weekends), historic railway station, beachfront cafés, cooking classes or traditional massage.

Practical tips: early departures to avoid the heat, closed-toe shoes for trails, water/mosquito repellent, and for Kui Buri favor discreet clothing and the afternoon time slot.

Return to the capital via the coastal road, which crosses the large salt marshes of Ban Laem. Stop at the Tham Khao Luang Temple cave. Continue to Bangkok, where we arrive in mid-afternoon. Day accompanied by a driver only.

In the evening, you can stroll freely in the Chinese quarter, walk through the alleyways that overflow with shops of all kinds. In early evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its adjoining illuminated alleyways which give new life to the neighborhood. You will find all sorts of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner.

Depending on your flight time, departure for Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles!