The Great Discovery of Southern Thailand

Day dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam. We set out to discover the city's historic center, including the temple Wat Mahathat, dating from the late 14th century. Continue to the temple Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which formerly served as a royal temple, and is therefore the largest in the city; Finally, the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, from where we can enjoy the sunset over its ruins.

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 crackers, before enjoying a tasting.

We then continue our adventure with an exploration of the great 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 land, we will visit a fruit garden, where you can admire the gac fruit plantations and discover the making of various products from 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 towards Nakhon Pathom, which is home to the Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, Thailand's tallest stupa.

Departure for 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 of train journey westward to the SaiYok region, located 70 km west at the end of the railway line.

After lunch, we spend the afternoon at "Elephant Haven". On site, we purchase baskets of fruits (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.

🌞 Prepare yourself 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-put-on clothing.
Choose easy-to-put-on 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 spanning 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue water populated by Mahseer Barbels. If you prefer, you can stay around the first 3 levels, which are 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 of the area.

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

In the evening, let's treat ourselves to a Thai massage. (Optional activity to discuss with your guide on site).

This morning, we depart for the small floating market of Tah kah, rich in colors and smells. A real immersion in Thai local life. Then, an excursion to a local palm sugar industry. Local curiosity, Market on the Mae Klong railway tracks, where 4 times a day, the fruit and vegetable stalls quickly fold up during the train's passage crossing 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 with local specialties.

When night falls, a boat trip on the canal. Our boatman picks us up on the docks, and we depart for a mini-excursion hunting fireflies that illuminate the waters.

This evening, we head to the docks to taste the local flavors of the Floating Market, which operates on weekend evenings. Along the canals, many locals have come to dine. Like them, we order our small dishes directly from each boat: plate of stir-fried noodles, a few shrimp or squid skewers, or why not pre-cut mangoes. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Then, excursion to a local palm sugar industry.

Next, we set off to discover life in the mangroves. By boat, we venture into discovery of 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, we take a boat ride on the canal. Our boatman picks us up at the docks and we set off on a mini-excursion to hunt 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 small 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 head off to discover life in the mangroves. By boat, we venture into 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 (included).

In the evening, we board our night train, heading to Surat Thani.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Discover the Khao Sok national park during a half-day hike through one of the world's oldest tropical forests.
Accompanied by a local guide, walk along trails through lush vegetation, observe local wildlife and flora, cross small streams and discover the natural riches of this exceptional park.

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

After breakfast, a half-day educational hiking trip in the jungle. An opportunity to learn more about the fauna and flora of the National Park. (3 hours). Activity accompanied by a local English-speaking guide in a small group.

We then head to Chiew Larn Lake. From there, a boat awaits us to transfer us to our floating accommodation. We have some free time to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the lake.

In the late afternoon, enjoy one last boat excursion to observe the sunset. Return to the floating complex for dinner. A magical night in a stilt bungalow at Greenery Panvaree resort.

In the morning, we leave Khao Sok National Park for the rural community of Prom Lok. Our program for the next 2 days is to observe, participate, and exchange with our hosts. An opportunity to learn more about local Thai life.

This afternoon, we set out to discover the village and its gardens – and will take the opportunity to gather what we need to prepare dinner for the day. We will continue with: a walk leading to the local waterfall (bring swimwear and/or change of clothes), a small workshop learning to weave coconut leaves, making small dried bananas, a visit to a local school.

In the evening, we attend a traditional Nora dance performance, typical of the south of the country.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Accommodation in the countryside, with a family. Basic comfort, but authentic.

Departure in the morning for a day of cycling (route of approximately 15 km) in the countryside. Along the way, we will make various stops to visit: mushroom farm (with mushrooms for lunch!), rubber plantations and rubber cultivation/processing, WangPai lake to feed the fish, production of small dried bananas, Wat Khao Khun Phanom Caves (climbing to the top of the hill - 245 steps), Visit of a local school, At Wat PhromLok temple: discovery of medicinal plant treatments for snake bites. And many other things to discuss with the local guide.

In the evening, we have a small 'cooking class' to prepare Thai desserts. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

We say goodbye to our hosts and resume our journey to Phatthalung. Upon arrival, we visit the temple Wat Tham Khuha Sawan. Visit to the shadow theatre information centre 'Nang Thalung' (from which the Phatthalung region gets its name).

In the afternoon, if we feel up to it, we climb Khao Ok Thalu, a rocky peak overlooking the city. To reach it, there are 1300 steps. One peculiarity: there is a hole in the rock.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Meet in the early morning at dawn, before sunrise (probably between 5:30 am and 6 am) to explore the lake and Thale Noi park ("small sea" in Thai), a natural bird sanctuary. At sunrise, you will discover the water buffalo crossing the lake waters, and a little further in the lagoon, you will observe various birds taking flight upon our arrival.

During this crossing of approximately one and a half hours, we will pass alongside the large balance fishing nets located right at the mouth of the river.

Return to the hotel for breakfast.

We take a leap to the Kwanjai Papai Sansook local market, which is held every Saturday 20km from the city. Very local atmosphere, in a magnificent setting shaded by immense bamboos. Then, at Pa Pai Sang Suk Market, we will have our lunch.

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

At the end of the day, departure on the great Chalerm Prakiat bridge to observe the sunset over the lake, as well as the view of the water buffalo farms. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

We are heading to the river where a large part of the village community gathers on weekends to have lunch and spend the afternoon with their families. Lunch (excluding beverages) will be included - a meal prepared by the ladies of the community - we can then plan to buy some drinks on the road before we arrive

We recommend bringing light swimwear and a change of clothes - knowing that there are no changing cabins on site. Since this is - like the rest of southern Thailand - a predominantly Muslim region, and moreover Thai people are generally very modest, ladies who wish to swim may want to bring a sarong (simple cotton fabric that you will find at the market - batik and printed textiles being a specialty of the South and nearby Malaysia).

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

We continue our journey, heading to the southwest coast of Thailand. We arrive near the city of Surat Thani where our driver drops us off at the port of Don Sak. We then board the ferry for the crossing to the island of Koh Phangan.

Renowned for its famous Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan has many other assets to offer its visitors. Still authentic, Koh Phangan has managed to develop without too much altering its natural landscapes and magnificent fine sandy beaches. Consisting largely of Than Sadet National Park, Koh Phangan protects and respects its lush nature which is home to incredible flora and fauna. Here we love the parties of the south but we especially appreciate the calm and beauty of the west and north coasts.

Arrived on the island, we are transferred to our resort.

Free days to enjoy the beach and available activities (not included, to be booked on site):

• Boat excursion

• Hiking

• Mountain biking

• Cooking class

• Elephant sanctuary (if available)

• And much more

We take the morning ferry, then we are transferred to Surat Thani airport.

In the early afternoon, we board our return flight to Bangkok. Our driver awaits our arrival at the airport to take us to our hotel.

Rest of the day free.

Accompanied by your guide, you join the wharves then board a public boat-bus. Following the water, you head upstream towards the historic center, on the right bank, as far as the flower market at Pak Khlong Talat. Stroll through the fragrant alleys and first immersion in an 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 Bangkok's oldest temples, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and elegant pavilions. We 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, we cross the river by 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 shimmer in the light.

A cruise 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 we travel along the water, we discover the "Venice of the East", with its peaceful klongs, stilt houses and small temples hidden along the banks.

Set off on a bike tour through the capital's lungs in the extraordinary Bang Kachao neighborhood - a true jungle in the heart of the city. At the entrance, you can rent bikes to explore the park.

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

Possibility to reach the "modern" city center and the Siam Square shopping district.

Depending on your flight time, head to Bangkok airport.

Goodbye and see you soon in the land of smiles!

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