Thailand Differently

Day dedicated to visiting Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siamese kingdom. We set out to discover the historic 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 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 remains.

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 being able to enjoy a tasting.

We then continue our adventure with an exploration of the great Maha Sawat canal, formerly used to supply Bangkok 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 towards Nakhon Pathom, which is home to the Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, Thailand's tallest stupa.

Arrival in Kanchanaburi, where we will take time to visit the great temple of Wat Tham Suea, accessible by climbing with a small cable-car (local standards!!)

Departure for the station and boarding around 10:40 on 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 west at the end of the railway line.

After lunch, we spend the afternoon at "Elephant Haven". On site, we buy baskets of fruit (not included – approximately 3 euros per basket), treats for the pachyderms.
Early in the afternoon, we enjoy an exceptional moment: swimming with the Elephants! Return late afternoon to Kanchanaburi.

🌞 Prepare yourself for the afternoon with the elephants.
Plan your swimming clothes and spare clothes in the morning if you plan to swim with the elephants in the afternoon.

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

This national park is home to a magnificent waterfall spanning 7 levels, forming natural pools with emerald blue waters populated by Mahseer Barbs.

While you can decide to stay around the first 3 levels, the easiest to access, and swim there, a climb to the 7th level, though not difficult, is rewarding: the Phu Pha Erawan, with the final waterfall being the most majestic feature of the place.

Early morning wake-up to participate in the morning alms-giving ceremony to the monks on the bridge or in town. To be arranged with your guide. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Then, a trip to Sangkhlaburi to see the temples of the Mon ethnic group (very close to the Burmese) and stroll on the bridge (Saphan Môn) which is famous in the area. Explore the small town (Mon and Burmese market). Boat trip on the lake and discovery of the submerged temple.

Morning bike ride with our host. On the saddle from 09:00.

5 kilometers by bike, no particular difficulty.

Possibility of doing 15 or 30KM (greater difficulty).

On the way back, we can arrange to swim in the hot springs of Hin Dat (possibility of massages – not included).

Discovery of a countryside school … or any other encounter or visit that is not always easy, or even desirable to organize in advance - this is also part of the interest of the pleasant surprises of travel!

If the school is closed during your visit, possibility to visit an abandoned lithium mine!

Possibility of preparing lunch with a family from a Thai minority village (note, local cuisine).

This morning, we leave our hosts early, with a long morning drive ahead of us. On the way, we stop in Ratchaburi and visit the shadow puppet theatre museum of the Musée Wat Kanon Nang Yai.

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

In the evening, let yourself be tempted by a Thai massage.

(Optional activity to arrange with the guide on site).

Then, excursion to a local palm sugar industry.

In the early afternoon, we visit the gardens of King Rama II's residence, where we find superb buildings made of teak wood (tropical tree).

Visit to the Wat Bang Khae Noi temple located not far from the city. You will appreciate its architecture, for which the building was entirely constructed from 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 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.

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 illuminate the waters.

We start with a brief 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 out 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.

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

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

Day without a driver only

This morning, let's start our visits.

We're taking a trip to the local market of Kwanjai Papai Sansook, which is held every Saturday 20km from the city. Very local atmosphere, in a magnificent setting shaded by immense bamboos. We will 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 information center on shadow puppet theater "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 simply make an appointment a few days before your arrival, and it depends on everyone'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 (''small sea'' in Thai), a natural bird sanctuary. At sunrise, you will discover water buffalo crossing the lake waters, and a little further into the lagoon, you will observe various birds taking flight at our arrival. During this approximately one and a half hour crossing, we will pass notably the large balanced fishing nets located just at the river mouth. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Then, we head to the river where part of the village community gathers on weekends to have lunch and spend the afternoon with their families. Lunch (drinks not included) will be provided - a meal prepared by the women of the community - we can therefore plan to buy some drinks on the way before arriving.

We recommend bringing light swimming clothes and a change of clothes - knowing that there are no changing cabins on site. As this is - like all of southern Thailand - a predominantly Muslim region, and moreover Thais are generally very modest, the women who swim may want to bring a sarong (simple cotton cloth that you will find at the market - batik or printed textiles being a specialty of the South and nearby Malaysia).

At the end of the day, meet at the Chalerm Prakiat Grand Bridge to watch the sunset over the lake, offering notably a view of the water buffalo farms.

3 days of rest to enjoy the sea and your hotel facilities. Various activities can be arranged on site: Visit of the surroundings, including Tham Khao Whang Thong Cave, Beach relaxation, Hiking at Khao Luang, Fishing, Snorkeling …

Here we are immersed with our host family in the small village of Pathiu. During our 3-day and 2-night stay with locals, in addition to discovering the daily life of Thai people, we will enjoy numerous activities:

• A ride on a raft towed on a sandbank at sea.

• A half-day at sea on the very small islands located at the edge of the village (30 to 40 minutes by boat). Snorkeling opportunity.

• Introduction to local cuisine, for preparing the evening meal. Self-service kayak activity.

• Full board (3 local Thai meals included - beverages not included)

This morning, we set off on a bike tour in the capital's green lung. Accompanied by a local private guide for the island section, we venture into the extraordinaryBike ride in Bang Krachao- a real jungle in the heart of the city. We will make several side visits along the way (if available)

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.

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.

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