Discovery and Relaxation in the Land of Smiles

This morning, we set off for the small floating market of Tah kah, rich in colors and scents. A real immersion into local Thai life.

Then, excursion to a local palm sugar industry.

Local curiosity, Mae Klong Railway Market, where 4 times a day, fruit and vegetable stalls hastily 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.

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.

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 noodles, a few shrimp or squid skewers, or why not pre-cut mangoes.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

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

After this fantastic adventure in the mangroves, we head to Kanchanaburi.

Departure to the station and boarding around 10:40 in the famous "Death Railway" made famous by the history of the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai", for approximately 1 hour by train heading West 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.
Early in the afternoon, we enjoy an exceptional moment: bathing with the Elephants! Return late afternoon to Kanchanaburi.

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

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

Morning departure to the national park and the Erawan falls (63 km drive). This national park is home to a superb waterfall spanning 7 levels, forming natural pools with an emerald blue color populated by Mahseer Barbels. 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, with the final waterfall being the most majestic spot in the area.

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

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

In the afternoon, we say goodbye to our team who accompanied us this far and board the overnight sleeper train heading to Phatthalung in the far southeast of Thailand. Departure at 16:11, with an expected arrival the next day at 05:04.

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

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

Day without an accompanying driver only

This morning, let's start our visits.

We'll make a quick trip to the local market of Kwanjai Papai Sansook, which is held every Saturday 20km from the city. Very local atmosphere, in a beautiful setting shaded by huge bamboos. We'll then have our lunch (not included) at Pa Pai Sang Suk Market for a guaranteed typical atmosphere.

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

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

Other activities / visits are possible on site such as visiting 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 each person's availability.

Driver only.

Meet in the early morning at dawn, before sunrise (probably between 05:30 and 6 a.m.) for exploration of the lake and Thale Noi park (''little sea'' in Thai), a natural bird sanctuary. At sunrise, you will discover water buffalo crossing the lake waters, then a little 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 notably the large lever fishing nets situated right at the river mouth. 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 (excluding drinks) will then be included - a meal prepared by the ladies of the community - we can then plan to buy some drinks on the way before arriving.

We plan to bring 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 swim may want to bring a sarong (simple cotton cloth that you will find at the market - batik and printed textiles being a specialty of the South and nearby Malaysia).

At the end of the day, meet at the grand Chalerm Prakiat bridge to observe the sunset over the lake, offering a view of the water buffalo farms in particular.

Early departure for this new day which will take us to the west coast of Thailand and the Andaman Sea where our beach stay awaits us on the island of Koh Jum, a small gem of tranquility where we can relax and enjoy stunning beaches. Arrival at the port, we board a private long-tail boat to travel to the island. Check-in at the resort. We leave our driver at the port and will be unaccompanied during our beach stay on the island. 4-night stay in Koh Jum, to relax and enjoy activities on-site. • Sea kayaking • Snorkeling day on the Phi Phi Islands • Relaxing by the pool or on the beach • Massage • Island exploration We spend 4 nights on a Bed and Breakfast basis at Koh Jum Delight Beach in a double bungalow with sea view.

Flight to Bangkok. Our driver is waiting for you to accompany you to your hotel, the Shanghai Mansion where you settle in. Rest of the day free. Day not accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Check-in at Shanghai Mansion, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Bangkok's Chinatown.

Morning departure to reach the pier and take public water buses heading upriver to the city center, on the right bank and the Pak Khlong Talat flower market district.

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 iconic figure of the place, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Next, 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 shimmer in the light.

Visit to Wat Traimit or the Temple of the Golden Buddha, and the small but very interesting Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Museum, which traces the history of Chinese immigration to Bangkok.

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

Day trip with an English-speaking guide