The Grand Loop of Thailand - Nomadays

Thailand

The Grand Loop of Thailand

A complete 3-week circuit in 3 parts.

During the first part of our journey, you start your stay in the Land of Siam with a visit to the City of Angels: Bangkok. Next, head to Amphawa and its still authentic floating market where you can discover the daily life of Thais, before embarking on the Death Railway in Kanchanaburi. As a nature stop, you'll explore the waterfalls of Erawan National Park and kayak down the Kwai River. Our stay in the central region concludes with the cultural visit of Ayu...

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Day 1Welcome and free visit of Bangkok

Day 1Welcome and free visit of Bangkok

  • Regarding the market dates, this tour must start on a Tuesday. The program will need to be adjusted if arriving on another day.
    

    Welcome by our team, then transfer to your hotel. Rooms available from 2:00 pm.

    The rest of the day is free.

  • We are staying for 3 nights in a Deluxe room at the Arte Hotel in the modern Asoke district. This modern 4-star hotel will charm you with its rooftop infinity pool.

Day 2Cultural discovery of Bangkok

Day 2Cultural discovery of Bangkok

  • Departure in the morning to reach the pier and take the public boat-buses, heading towards the center, on the right bank and the flower market district of Pak Khlong Talat.

  • We start our day with a visit to the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782, which includes several magnificent buildings, including the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which houses a beautiful Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century.

  • Our morning continues. We go to Wat Benchamabophit. Often called the "Marble Temple," this architectural gem showcases a beautiful image of Buddha, a copy of the highly revered Phra Buddhajinaraja, as well as a magnificent ceiling of dark red and gold beams.

  • Then, we walk to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, to see its reclining Buddha.

  • We then cross the river by a small boat to visit Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn," located on the right bank.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    

Day 3Bangkok in depth

Day 3Bangkok in depth

  • This morning, we will go on a bike tour in the "Green Lung" of the capital. Accompanied by a local private guide for the island part, we will explore the extraordinary Bang Krachao district, a true jungle in the heart of the city.

    You will also be able to visit several small temples and see old houses in the neighborhood.

  • Next to Chinatown lies the remarkable neighborhood of Talat Noi, one of the oldest in Bangkok. Rich in Chinese culture, this place is full of all kinds of curiosities, from street art to unique houses and age-old temples. A true discovery of authentic Bangkok.

  • Visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha – Wat Traimitr, and the small but very interesting Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Museum, which traces the history of Chinese immigration in Bangkok.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
  • In the evening, you can freely stroll through the Chinatown district, wander the alleys overflowing with all kinds of shops. In the early evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its illuminated side streets, bringing new life to the neighborhood. You will find all kinds of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner there.

45m-30km
1h-55km
50m-60km

Day 4Maha Sawat and its lotus farm

Day 4Maha Sawat and its lotus farm

  • This morning, we begin the day with a visit to the Baan Saladin Floating Market, where you will discover the process of making the famous rice crackers before indulging in a tasting session.

    Next, we explore the grand canal of mahasawat , which historically supplied Bangkok's markets. By boat, we embark on a journey along its waters to enjoy the local wildlife and feed the fish.

    Upon returning to dry land, you will visit the Baby Jackfruit Garden, where you'll appreciate the plantations of the famous jackfruit (the largest fruit on a tree) and the production of various products made from this fruit.

    Finally, we head to the lake where red lotuses bloom all year round, offering a unique landscape to behold.

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

  • After lunch, stop at a Thai family's house to learn how to make small objects out of palm leaves, including the small fish known as "pla tapian," which are a specialty of the Ayutthaya and Amphawa regions.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • In the evening, let's treat ourselves to a Thai massage. (Optional activity to be arranged with the guide, on site).

  • Overnight at the Baan Amphawa Resort

Day 5Floating markets

Day 5Floating markets

  • The program will be adjusted so that this day falls on a Saturday.
    

    This morning, we are heading to the small floating market of Tah kah, rich in colors and scents. A real immersion in Thai local life.

  • Then, an excursion to a local palm sugar industry.

  • In the early afternoon, we visit the gardens of the residence of King Rama II, where we find superb teak wood buildings.

  • Visit to the temple Wat Bang Khae Noi, located not far from the city. Its architecture is appreciated, as the building was entirely constructed of teak wood. Its walls are entirely carved and represent episodes from the previous lives of the Buddha.

  • Continuing with a visit to Wat Bang Kung (Kai Bang Kung), commonly known as 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 fighters, commemorating the Battle of Ayutthaya between Thailand and Burma at the end of the 13th century.

  • Tonight, 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 come to dine. Like them, we order our dishes directly from each boat: stir-fried noodles, skewers of shrimp or squid, or why not some pre-cut mangoes.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
  • Nightfall, boat trip on the canal. Our boatman picks us up from the quayside, and we set off on a mini-excursion in search of fireflies that illuminate the waters.

Day 6In the mangroves

Day 6In the mangroves

  • We start with a quick stop at the Mae Klong Railway Market, where four times a day, fruit and vegetable stalls hurriedly fold away as the train passes through the market.

  • Then, a half-day of discovering life in the mangroves. By boat, we explore this fragile ecosystem. During our excursion, we discover the way of life of the fishermen (here clam fishing is done from a surfboard) and visit a shellfish farm.

    Lunch of specialties.

  • Arrival in Kanchanaburi, where we will take the time to visit the grand temple of Tham Suea, accessible by a short cable car ride.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking local guide
    
  • Settle in at the Royal Riverkwai Resort Spa, in a Deluxe room.

    Hotel by the river with a pool - Located about ten kilometers after the town and the train bridge.

Day 7Discovering Kanchanaburi and its surroundings

Day 7Discovering Kanchanaburi and its surroundings

  • Departure for the station and boarding around 10:40 am on the famous "Death Railway". made famous by the story of the movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai," for about 1 hour by train to the west and the Sai Yok region, located 70 km west at the end of the train line.

  • After lunch, we stop at Hellfire Pass, a long 4 km trench of the Death Railway cut into a huge rock mass to allow the train to pass. The work carried out by prisoners of Japanese soldiers is said to have cost the lives of more than 100,000 forced laborers and other prisoners of war. Visit the associated museum and an emotional walk along the commemorative trail.

    Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours on site.
    

    Return to Kanchanaburi in the late afternoon.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
1h-60km
3h 30m-220km

Day 8Visit to Erawan National Park

Day 8Visit to Erawan National Park

  • Departure in the morning for the Erawan National Park and Waterfalls (60 km drive). This national park is home to a superb waterfall spanning 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue water inhabited by Mahseer barbs. While you can choose to stay around the first 3 levels, which are the easiest to access and where you can swim, an ascent to the 7th level, although not difficult, is rewarding: La Phu Pha Erawan, the final cascade, is the most majestic of all.

  • After some free time to enjoy the waterfalls, we head to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
1h-25km
Bang Pa-In
30m-25km
11h 30m-620km

Day 9Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the kingdom

Day 9Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the kingdom

  • Day dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

    We will discover the historical center of the city, including the Wat Mahathat temple, dating from the late 14th century. Continuing to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple, which once served as the royal temple and is therefore the largest in the city. Finally, the Wat Chai Watthanaram, where we can appreciate the sunset over its ruins.

  • We then go on a boat excursion to Bang Pa-in. Along the water, we discover the Thai way of life, wooden stilt houses, rice barge convoys being towed to the warehouses of Bangkok, and temple spires pointing skyward everywhere.

  • We meet our driver at the dock and visit the Bang Pa-In Palace, built in the 17th century and abandoned after the destruction of Ayutthaya. The palace was restored and expanded in the mid-19th century by the King, who spent the summer months there.

    Return to Ayutthaya

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
  • 21:06 - We board our night train to Chiang Mai in second class.

Day 10First steps in the Rose of the North

Day 10First steps in the Rose of the North

  • 07:15 - Our train arrives at the station. Upon arrival, we meet our guide and driver who will take us to our hotel.

    Note: Room availability may be until 14:00. If your room is not ready upon arrival, you can drop off your belongings and start exploring the city.
    
  • Together with our guide, we make a detour to the Warorot Market, where you can find a variety of specialties from northern Thailand such as Sai ua (northern Thai sausage), Moo yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam phrik num (green chili paste from northern Thailand), dried fruits, and more. In addition to local food, the market offers clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery appliances, flowers, and more.

  • We then head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent Doi Suthep Temple, located on the mountain at 1,200 meters above sea level.

    This stunning Buddhist temple invites you to a pious meditation in an atmosphere imbued with silence and mysticism, where every stone, every statue, every step reveals an aspect of Buddhism.

    On the way, a stop at the Wat Pha Lat Temple.

  • Finally, we will end our day with a visit to the Wat Umong temple, an underground Buddhist temple from the 13th century. Nestled at the foot of the Doi Suthep mountains, Wat Umong is a haven of peace.

    Discover the history of the monastery, walk through old underground tunnels, and take the time to talk with the resident monks.

    The day will be guided by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • We'll be staying at the De Lanna Hotel for 2 nights in Deluxe room.

Day 11Bike ride & cooking class

Day 11Bike ride & cooking class

  • This morning, we'll explore the "Rose of the North" by bike.

    Starting from the famous Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai, with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, we'll venture into the city's traditional small streets and alleys. You'll discover numerous ancient temples, monks going about their daily routines, lively markets, and the daily lives of the locals, including artisans from mountain communities who will be busy with their tasks as we cycle through their neighborhoods, under their curious eyes.

    This activity will be in a small group accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.
    
  • In the afternoon, we head to a traditional cooking class in the countryside, outside of the city, in an old Lanna-style house.

    On the menu, typical northern dishes:

    • Chicken curry (Aou Kai)
    • Spicy chicken soup (Tom som Kai)
    • Pork stir-fry (Phad Makauyaw Moo)
    • Minced pork (Nam prik Ong)
    • Banana in coconut milk
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Lanna Hotel

Dinner: Homestay

Accommodation: De Lanna Hotel

1h 15m-60km

Day 12Among the Karen people in Doi Inthanon National Park

Day 12Among the Karen people in Doi Inthanon National Park

  • Today, we embark on a guided hike in the mountains of Doi Inthanon National Park to discover the Karen populations of northern Thailand.

    We start our Doi Inthanon Hilltribe Trail trek. We walk alongside a mountain stream before ascending to the lush green rice paddies of the region. Lunch is enjoyed near a waterfall where we can also refresh ourselves.

    In the afternoon, our hike continues uphill. We reach a Karen village where we make a stop before venturing into the rice fields where our guesthouse is located.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. Duration of the excursion approximately 5.5 hours, including 3.5 hours of actual hiking
    
  • Tonight, we are welcomed for dinner and the night by a Karen family in a stunning setting.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Lanna Hotel

Lunch: Included

Dinner: Homestay

Accommodation: Homestay

Day 13In the company of elephants

Day 13In the company of elephants

  • After breakfast at our hosts' home and a morning stroll in the village, we drive to Chi's camp, a young Karen who will show us his elephants and way of life. Upon arrival, we prepare fruits to feed the elephants. We then walk together in the jungle, where the elephants continue to feed and we can interact with them in a natural environment. Our guide provides more information about their behavior. Finally, we witness the elephants bathing in the river.

    The activity is private and in the company of Chi.
    
  • In the afternoon, to cool off, we will take a short bamboo rafting trip down the Mae Wang River.

    The activity is a peaceful ride of about 40 minutes.
    
  • Night at Chiang Mai Elephant Friends, a charming lodge on the banks of the Mae Wang.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Homestay

Lunch: Included

1h 15m-45km
2h 5m-1450km

Day 14The Khao Sok National Park

Day 14The Khao Sok National Park

  • Our driver will take you to Chiang Mai airport, where we will fly to the south/west of Thailand, and the Andaman coast.

  • We board our flight heading to Phuket.

  • Arriving in Phuket, we met our driver who will take us to the Khao Sok National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the country, thanks notably to its large emerald green lake, Chiew Larn, and its limestone peaks which can sometimes make one believe they are in Halong Bay in Vietnam. Rivers, caves, waterfalls, treehouses… complement the picturesque landscapes of the area.

  • 3:00 PM - Half-day educational hike in the jungle. This is an opportunity to learn more about the fauna and flora of the National Park. (3 hours)

    Activity accompanied by an English-speaking local guide in a small group.
    
  • Night at the Khao Sok Eco Resort in a Tree Lodge.

Day 15The Khao Sok National Park

Day 15The Khao Sok National Park

  • We then head to the Chiew Larn Lake. From there, a boat awaits to transfer us to our floating accommodation.

    We have some free time to swim in the clear waters of the lake.

    In the late afternoon, let's enjoy one last boat excursion to watch the sunset. Return to the floating resort for dinner.

Meal and accommodations

Lunch: Panvaree

Dinner: Panvaree

Accommodation: Panvaree

2h 30m-160km
40m-25km

Day 16Departure for the islands!

Day 16Departure for the islands!

  • This morning, a safari to observe the surrounding wildlife, then back to the bungalow for our morning snack. We have some free time to enjoy the lake waters, with the possibility of canoeing.

    After lunch, we leave this place to return to the mainland.

  • At the dock, our vehicle awaits to transfer us to Krabi.

    With its true postcard landscapes, the region is characterized by its karst peaks and numerous islands bordered by incredibly beautiful turquoise waters.

  • From there, departure by boat-ferry to the island of Koh Jum.

  • We spend 4 nights on a Bed and Breakfast basis at Koh Jum Delight Beach in a Twin Bungalow with a sea view.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Panvaree

Accommodation: Koh Jum Delight Beach

Day 17-19Relaxation on the island of Koh Jum

Day 17-19Relaxation on the island of Koh Jum

  • We're enjoying our free time on the stunning Island of Koh Jum and at sea (not included - to be arranged directly on site):

    • Discovering the island's interior
    • Half-day or full-day boat excursions to nearby small rocks and islets
    • Cooking classes (must be booked in advance)
    • Kayaking
    • Snorkeling around the Phi Phi islands

    Or simply lounging by your pool or on the white sandy beach.

40m-25km
1h 15m-750km

Day 20Returning to the City of Angels.

Day 20Returning to the City of Angels.

  • Departure in the morning from the hotel to Manoh Pier and boat crossing to Krabi Pier.

    Our driver will be waiting for us upon arrival at the pier. Transfer to Krabi Airport (1 hour).

  • We board our return flight to Bangkok. Transfer to your hotel and rest.

  • Night at the Shanghai Mansion, a boutique hotel ideally located in the heart of the capital's Chinatown.

Departure

Day 21See you soon in Thailand!

Day 21See you soon in Thailand!

  • Breakfast at the hotel. Free day and transfer to the airport at your preferred time.