Thailand's Grand Loop

Accompanied by your guide, you head to the docks and board a public water bus. Following the water, you head towards the historic center, on the right bank, to the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant aisles and immerse yourself in authentic, traditional Asia.

You set out to discover the architectural gems of Bangkok. 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). You 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, 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 dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Then, you cross the river by 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 patterns that shimmer in the light.

Private traditional "long-tail" boat ride on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways and the vital artery of Bangkok. As you cruise along the water, discover the "Venice of the East," with its peaceful klongs, stilt houses, and small temples hidden along the banks.

Day trip with an English-speaking guide

Set off on a bicycle tour through the lungs of the capital in the extraordinary Bang Kachao District - a veritable jungle in the heart of the city. At the entrance, you can rent bicycles to explore the park.

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

Next to Chinatown, you'll find the amazing Talat Noi neighborhood, one of Bangkok's oldest. Steeped in Chinese culture, this place is full of curiosities of all kinds, from street art to unusual houses and ageless temples. A true discovery of authentic Bangkok.

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

Suggestion: In the evening, you can stroll freely through the Chinese quarter, wandering through the alleys brimming with all kinds of shops. At the beginning of the evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its adjoining lit alleyways that give the neighborhood new life. You'll find all sorts of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner.

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 cakes, before being able to enjoy a tasting.

We then continue our adventure with an exploration of the grand 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 the 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.

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

After lunch, stop at a Thai family home to learn how to make small objects from palm leaves, including the small fish ''pla tapian'' whose mobiles are one of the specialties of the Ayutthaya and Amphawa region.

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

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 hunting fireflies that light up the waters.

We start with a quick 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 way of life of the fishermen (here, cockle fishing is done from a surfboard) and visit a shellfish farm.

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!!).

Boarding around 10:40 am on the famous "Death Railway" made famous by the story of the film "The Bridge on the River Kwai", for approximately 1 hour by train heading West towards the Sai Yok region, located 70 km to the west at the end of the railway line.

After lunch, we stop at HellFire Pass, a long trench of the Death Railway cut into a massive rock mass to allow the train to pass through. The work carried out by prisoners of Japanese soldiers is said to have cost the lives of over 100,000 forced laborers and other prisoners of war. Visit the associated museum and take an emotional walk along the memorial trail. Plan to spend at least 1 to 2 hours at this location.

Return to Kanchanaburi in late afternoon.

Morning departure for the national park and Erawan waterfalls (63 km drive). This national park is home to a superb cascade extending over 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue waters inhabited by Mahseer Barbs. If you prefer, you can 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: La Phu Pha Erawan, with the final waterfall being the most majestic spot in the area.

After lunch, we set off to discover the historic center of Ayutthaya. We explore notably 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 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, we 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.

In the company of your guide, you make a detour to the Warorot market, where you can find all kinds 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 delights. In addition to local food, the market also offers clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery tools, flowers, and much more.

Then let's head towards the Doi Suthep temple, perched on the slopes of the mountain 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. According to legend, its location was chosen by a white elephant carrying a sacred relic of Buddha: after climbing the mountain, the animal is said to have stopped at the summit, trumpeted three times and then lay down, thus indicating the place where the temple was to be built. Today, its terraces offer a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding valley.

On the way, a stop at Wat Pha lat, a more discreet temple nestled in the forest, appreciated for its peaceful setting and almost confidential atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Finally, we will end our day with a visit to 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.

We will discover the history of the place by walking through its ancient tunnels, carved out for meditation. It is also an opportunity to exchange, when possible, with the resident monks and learn more about monastic life.

This morning, we set off by bike to discover Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North". From the famous Tha Phae gate, and with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, we quickly leave the main roads to slip into the small streets and traditional alleyways of the city. Along the way, we cross historic neighborhoods dotted with ancient temples, we encounter monks in their daily lives, and along the way we stop near bustling markets. The itinerary also takes us outside the city walls, where the pace becomes more relaxed, to meet a more local Chiang Mai: scenes of daily life, small workshops, crafts and busy residents who observe you passing with curiosity. Small group activity, accompanied by an English-speaking local guide. 3 hours - Approximately 13 Km

In late afternoon, we head to a Thai cooking class given in English in the countryside, outside the city, in an old Lanna style house.

Note: Vegetarian or vegan dishes available.

On the menu:

- Tom Kha Gai (coconut milk chicken soup with lemongrass)

- Pad Thaï (Thai-style stir-fried rice noodles)

- Panang Moo (Panang pork curry)

- Poh Pia tod (fried spring rolls)

For dessert, Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango) is served.

Upon arrival, we begin a guided hike on the Mae Wang trails. We first walk along a mountain stream, then climb to higher elevations and cross the terraced rice fields that shape the region's landscape. We take a lunch break near a waterfall, with the opportunity to cool off.

In the afternoon, the hike continues through farmland and mountain paths. We reach a Karen village for a stop, then continue to the rice fields where your guesthouse is located, for a peaceful end of day close to local life.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. Total duration: approximately 5h30, including 3h30 of actual hiking.

Tonight we are welcomed for dinner and the night by a Karen family, in a breathtaking setting on the edge of the jungle, surrounded by rice fields.

After breakfast with our hosts, we can enjoy a short morning walk in the surrounding area before driving to Chi's camp, a young Karen who shares his daily life with his elephants.

Here, the approach is respectful and centered on animal welfare: no riding, no shows, and limited interactions, always supervised, in order to give the elephants the space and pace they need.

Upon arrival, we prepare the fruits that will be used to feed them. You go for a walk with them in the jungle, where they move freely while feeding on the vegetation. Our guide helps us better understand their behavior and the attention paid to their well-being, for an authentic, gentle and ethical encounter.

In the afternoon, to cool off, you enjoy a peaceful descent of the Mae Wang river aboard a traditional bamboo raft. Guided by a local boatman, the raft glides gently along the water, offering a calm and contemplative way to discover the surrounding landscapes.

At the leisurely pace of the current, you travel through lush nature between forests, rice fields and wild banks. A simple and relaxing activity, ideal for ending the day gently.

Discover the Khao Sok national park on a half-day hike through one of the world's oldest tropical forests.
With a local guide, explore trails through lush vegetation, observe local wildlife and flora, cross small streams and discover the natural treasures of this exceptional park.

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

Late in the afternoon, let's enjoy one last boat excursion to observe the sunset. Return to the floating complex for dinner. Night in a magical setting in the stilt bungalows of Panvaree