Thailand in Summer - Nomadays

Thailand

Thailand in Summer

This 15-day tour will take you from the northernmost reaches of Thailand to the islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

During your journey, you will meet the hill tribes of the north and explore the beautiful city of Chiang Mai.

From there, you will take the night train to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom.

Then, you will fly to the south of the country for 4 days of relaxation on the beautiful island of Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand.

Day 1Welcome and free tour of Bangkok

Day 1Welcome and free tour of Bangkok

  • 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 2 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 2The "Venice of the East"

Day 2The "Venice of the East"

  • Departure in the morning to reach the pier and take the public boat-buses to the center, on the right bank and the Pak Klong Talad flower market district.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Private traditional long-tail boat taxi ride on the Chao Phraya River, one of the most important rivers in the country. Discover the Venice of the East and the traditional life of the city's inhabitants, half of whom still live by the water.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
1h 10m-600km

Day 3First steps in the beautiful North

Day 3First steps in the beautiful North

  • Transfer to Don Muang airport and flight to the capital of the North, Chiang Mai.

    Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

  • In the morning, we make a detour to the Warorot Market, where you can find all kinds 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), and dried fruits, etc. In addition to local food, you can also find clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery supplies, flowers, etc.

  • In the afternoon, explore the center of the old town, including a visit to the stunning Wat Sri Suphan temple, located in the silversmiths' street of Wualai. This temple is entirely covered with silver plates and other metals; you can see the artisans working with metal on-site. We will also discover the Wat Phra Singh and the Wat Chedi Luang temples.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
  • We'll be staying at the De Lanna Hotel in Deluxe rooms.

Day 4Bike ride & Cooking class

Day 4Bike 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

Day 5At the Karen Hill Tribe in Doi Inthanon National Park

Day 5At the Karen Hill Tribe in Doi Inthanon National Park

  • This morning, we hit the road for the mountains overlooking the city of Chiang Mai, in the Doi Inthanon National Park, where we will embark on a guided hike in the mountains, as well as exploring the Karen populations of northern Thailand.

    We start our Doi Inthanon Hilltribe Trail trek. We walk along a mountain stream before reaching the lush green rice fields of the region at higher altitudes. We have lunch near a waterfall where we can also cool off.

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

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. Excursion duration approximately 5h30 including about 3h30 of effective walking
    
  • Tonight, we are welcomed for dinner and the night by a Karen family in a stunning setting.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Lanna Hotel

Dinner: Homestay

Accommodation: Homestay

Day 6With the elephants

Day 6With the 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

Day 7The rice fields of Baan Pa Pong Piang

Day 7The rice fields of Baan Pa Pong Piang

  • This morning, we venture into Doi Inthanon National Park.

    On our way, we will stop for a short walk to the Sirithan and Wachirathan waterfalls.

    We finally reach the highest point in Thailand and begin a 1.5-hour walk through the forest and along the ridge with a magnificent panorama of the region (Kew Mae Pan nature trail). We will pass by waterfalls and discover the 2 immense pagodas that stand at the top of the mountain.

  • Our day ends in the small hamlet of Baan Pa Pong Piang. Lost in the mountains of Doi Inthanon National Park, you will discover one of the most beautiful terraced rice fields in Thailand, if not the most beautiful.

    Walk through the rice fields before spending the night in a small guesthouse with rustic comfort in the heart of the rice fields, where we will appreciate the bright lights of the sun setting over the rice fields.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
    
Meal and accommodations

Dinner: Guest house

Accommodation: Guest house

2h 10m-115km
12h 50m-700km

Day 8Final moments in the beautiful North

Day 8Final moments in the beautiful North

  • This morning, we hit the road back to Chiang Mai.

    We head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent Doi Suthep temple, located in the mountains at an altitude of 1200m.

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

    On the way, we stop at the Wat Pha Lat temple.

  • Stop at a hotel near the airport so you can shower before boarding your train.
    

    We board our night train to Ayutthaya.

    Night in a 2nd class sleeper compartment.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Guest house

1h-25km
Bang Pa-In
30m-25km

Day 9Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the kingdom

Day 9Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the kingdom

  • Around 05:27 - Morning arrival at the train station where we meet our new team. We'll make a detour to the hotel where you can drop off your belongings and have breakfast.

    Please note, rooms are usually available from 2:00 PM onwards. You can leave your luggage before starting the city tour and return later in the day to check into your rooms.
    

    Morning dedicated to the visit of Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

    We set out to explore the historic center of the city, including the Wat Mahathat temple, dating back to the late 14th century. Continuation to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet temple, which formerly served as a royal temple and is therefore the largest in the city; Finally, the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon famous for its reclining Buddha.

  • We'll go on a boat excursion to Bang Pa-in. Along the way, we'll discover the Thai way of life, with houses on stilts, convoys of rice barges being towed to Bangkok's warehouses, and temple spires pointing skyward.

  • We meet our driver at the pier 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 used to spend the summer months there.

    Return to Ayutthaya.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
  • Night at the Baan Tye Wang hotel.

1h-700km
2h 30m-90km

Day 10Relaxation on Koh Phangan

Day 10Relaxation on Koh Phangan

  • You transfer to Bangkok Airport where you board your flight to Surat Thani.

  • Upon arrival at Surat Thani airport, we check in with the ferry company that will take us by bus to the pier where we can board our boat to the islands.

    Upon exiting the airport, locate the SeaTrans Ferry counter and present your voucher. You will board the ferry company's bus to the docks where you will board your ferry.
    

    We then board the ferry for the crossing to Koh Phangan.

    Renowned for its famous Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan has many other attractions to offer its visitors. Still authentic, Koh Phangan has managed to develop without too much alteration to its natural landscapes and its beautiful sandy beaches. Comprising mostly of the Than Sadet National Park, Koh Phangan protects and respects its lush nature which houses an incredible fauna and flora. Here, we love the southern parties but we especially appreciate the calm and beauty of the west and north coast.

    Upon arrival on the island, we are transferred to our resort.

    Transfer organized by your hotel.
    
  • We spend 4 nights at the Salad Beach Resort in a Superior Pool View Bungalow.

Day 11-12Beach stay on Koh Phangan

Day 11-12Beach stay on Koh Phangan

  • Let's take advantage of these 3 days in Koh Phangan to relax and enjoy the activities on site (not included).

    Let's treat ourselves to the hotel's spa, or why not plan some water activities: kite surfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking…

    And if we want to explore the surroundings, we can go for day hikes, take a boat trip around the island.

Day 13Excursion to Ang Thong National Marine Park

Day 13Excursion to Ang Thong National Marine Park

  • Today we are going on an excursion to Ang Thong National Marine Park, a protected archipelago of 42 wild and uninhabited islands. Famous for its natural beauty with its islets covered in lush vegetation and beautiful white sandy beaches, its landscape is often compared to that of Halong Bay in Vietnam.

    The boat leaves from Thong Sala pier around 9:00 am and heads towards the national park, which we will reach after about 1.5 hours of navigation. Arriving at the first islands of Koh Wao and Koh Tai, we can swim and especially explore the marine life while snorkeling.

    After lunch, we arrive at Koh Wua Ta Lap, and its white sandy beach, Ao Ka. From there, relax in the crystal-clear waters of the area, or take a hike that will offer you a breathtaking view of the surroundings.

    The last stop of our day is the island of Mae Ko, or Mother Island, which has a superb beach and an inland lagoon with emerald green waters aptly named Emerald Lake (Thale Nai).

    Return around 6:00 pm to Koh Phangan.

    Group activity with an English-speaking guide.
    
Meal and accommodations

Lunch: Buffet on the Boat

Accommodation: Salad beach resort

45m-25km
1h 15m-750km

Day 14Return to the city of angels

Day 14Return to the city of angels

  • Departure in the morning from the hotel to the pier and boat crossing to Mae Nam pier on Koh Samui.

    Ferry ticket to be purchased on site - 2496 THB per person to be expected
    

    Our driver will be waiting for us upon arrival at the pier. Transfer to Koh Samui airport (30 minutes)

  • We board our return flight to Bangkok. Arrival at Bangkok airport where your driver awaits you. Transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day is free.

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

Departure

Day 15Looking forward to seeing you in Thailand soon!

Day 15Looking forward to seeing you in Thailand soon!

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