Songkran Celebrations and Cultural Treasures in Small Groups

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the quays and board a public river bus. Following the water's course, you travel upstream towards the historic center on the right bank, until you reach the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and immerse yourself in authentic and traditional Asia.

We set out to discover the architectural jewels 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 the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). We discover there 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 the oldest temples in Bangkok, 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.

Then, we cross the river aboard a 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 motifs that sparkle in the light.

Ride aboard a private traditional "long-tail" boat-taxi on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways and a 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.

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 out to discover life in the mangroves. By boat, we explore this fragile ecosystem. During our excursion, we discover the way of life of the fishermen (here, cockle fishing is done from a surfboard) and visit a shellfish farm.

Departure to the station and boarding at 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 railway 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.
In the early afternoon, we enjoy an exceptional moment: bathing with the Elephants! Return to Kanchanaburi late in the afternoon.

🌞 Get ready for the afternoon with the elephants.
Plan your swimwear and change of clothes from the morning if you plan to bathe with the elephants in the afternoon.

👕 Easy-to-wear clothing.
Choose easy-to-wear clothing, as there will likely 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 stretching over 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue waters populated by Mahseer fish. If you prefer 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: La Phu Pha Erawan, the final waterfall being the most majestic location.

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's head entwined in the roots of a tree, which has become one of the site's symbols.

The visit continues towards 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 Siam's 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 Belle 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 exploration of the Belle of the North.

Late in the 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 with tomatoes and chili)

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

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

With your guide, you make a detour to the Warorot market, where you can find all sorts of specialties from northern Thailand, such as Sai Ua (northern sausage), Moo Yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam Phrik Num (northern green chili paste) and dried fruits, among other delicacies. 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 altitude heading towards the Doi Suthep temple, perched on the mountain slopes 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.

On 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 of the 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, dug 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, freedom and improvisation take center stage in the heart of Songkran festivities! Whether you choose to join the wild water battles around the moats of the old town, stroll through temples to witness traditional rituals, or simply wander through flower-lined alleyways 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 team at the airport then transfer to Khao Lak north of Phuket, a beach resort appreciated by families, and a favorite location 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 long-tail boat takes us along the lush mangrove forests, which are, among other things, the habitat of monitor lizards, snakes, long-tailed macaques and different species of birds.

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 head towards caves hidden in 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" full of fish. Specialty lunch and tour of the village.

Our discovery of the bay ends 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 are leaving for a day trip by boat that will take us to the Similan Islands. This small archipelago 65 km from 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 alleyways teeming with shops of all kinds. Early in the evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its illuminated side streets which give new life to the neighborhood. You'll 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!