top of page
lachy-spratt-_N8_eJqHKu4-unsplash.jpg

Bangkok- kanchanaburi - Chiang mai - Khao lak
-
11 nights

FIT 17

A message from our Travel Expert

Discover the secrets of the Land of Smiles through some of Thailand's must-see places. Explore Thailand between nature and traditions on the northern route between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and let yourself be dazzled by the paradisiac South of the kingdom.

stil-TVllFyGaLEA-unsplash.jpg

Highlights

  • ​Discover the "green lung", a natural oasis in the heart of the city, and visit the Royal Palace to discover the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of dawn.

  • The famous floating market of Damnoen Saduak, the picturesque train ride to Mae Klong and its amazing fresh market installed on the rails of the railway.

  • Hiking in Erawan National Park and its seven waterfalls where you can bath

  • The site of Ayutthaya, world heritage site classified by UNESCO, with its Buddha head embraced by the roots of trees.

  • The discovery of the old city of Chiang Mai with its small alleys lined with old houses and its bohemian atmosphere.

  • The visit of Doi Suthep with its superb view of the Chiang Mai valley and the unforgettable experience of the evening prayer with the monks.

  • The student market and the street food diner in the middle of Chiang Mai's youth, a total immersion and without make-up!

  • The discovery of a typical northern stilt house with a local resident who will introduce you to the customs and lifestyle of the Lanna culture. Participation in the preparation of the meal with the family and tasting of the dishes you cooked.

  • Meeting the Asian elephant for a better understanding of this sacred creature for Thai 
     

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO BANGKOK: SAWASDEE!  (-/-/-)

Arrival in Bangkok by flight.

"We start our descent to Bangkok. Please return to your seat and fasten your seat belt", announces the chief cabin attendant. In less than 30 minutes, your plane will land in Bangkok, the "City of Angels" and capital of the Kingdom of Thailand. 

When you leave the plane, you will be greeted by a privileged welcome: assistance and a porter will be waiting for you with a personalized sign. 


At the exit of the airport, you will be directed to your private vehicle for a transfer to the hotel. As the urban landscape unfolds before your eyes, you will feel the first sensations of the "Land of smiles", as Thailand is nicknamed.
Room available from 14:00. Dinner at leisure and night at the hotel.

 

Day 2: BANGKOK (Breakfast/-/-)

Morning (Join-in – Group session with a English-speaking guide


Afternoon – Excursion privatized with English-speaking guide

8:00 am Departure from your hotel
8.45 am Arrival by boat at Bang Kra Chao
9.00 am Bicycle tour 
11:30 am End of your excursion and return to the hotel
Lunch at leisure
14:00 pm Departure for the visit of the main temples of the city.
Dinner at leisure


This morning, move away from the center of Bangkok in a little frequented place: Bang Kra Jao nicknamed "the jungle" of Bangkok. This oasis dotted with bicycle paths crossing coconut groves, parks and villages, is formed by a large curve of the Chao Phraya river drawing a peninsula, and is not connected to the urban center by any bridge and only accessible by boat from the port of klong Toey. Once you cross the river, the change of scenery is such that you feel like you are in the countryside. By bicycle, ride along many small canals and traditional villages planted in the middle of a real tropical jungle. This ride is easy and accessible to the whole family.


Another island, artificial this one because formed by a canal and the Chao Phraya river, another time: the historic district of Rattanakosin, where the Royal Palace is located, the most visited site in Bangkok, which houses the Wat Phra Keo and the famous Emerald Buddha, the most venerated representation of Buddha in Thailand. On the other side of the royal enclosure, the Wat Po and its 46 meters long golden reclining Buddha is also a temple known to teach the art of traditional Thai massage. What could be more relaxing than a 30 min foot massage before returning to the hotel (optional at extra charge)
 

Day 3: BANGKOK – DAMNOEN SADUAK – KANCHANABURI (Breakfast/-/-)

English-speaking guide and private transportation

•    7:00 am Meet your English speaking guide at the reception of your hotel.
•    8:30 am Visit of Mae Khlong “train” market
•    9:30 am Arrival at Baan Paew village and boat ride 
•    10:10 am Visit of the floating market of Damnoen Saduak
•    10:45 am Road to Kanchanaburi (110km, 2h drive)
•    1:00 pm Lunch at leisure
•    3:30 pm Journey aboard the death railway train (50 min)
•    5:00 pm: check in at the hotel
•    Dinner at leisure at the hotel

This morning, discover the amazing Mae Khlong market, also known as the "train market" located about 1h30 south of Bangkok. Indeed, the locals have set up their stalls on the sides of the rails, and each time the train approaches, they hurry to pack up their stuff and put their products back on sale after the locomotive passes by! You will take a motorized pirogue (40 min) to reach the most famous floating market of the country, by taking several klongs (canals) where you will observe scenes of daily life on the shores.

 

At Damnoen Saduak, the merchants' boats are loaded with fruits and vegetables and food of all kinds. In Kanchanaburi, you will have lunch at the foot of the famous Kwai River Bridge, which inspired the eponymous film. “The train of death", built by the prisoners of the Japanese occupying forces (tens of thousands of men lost their lives) to bring military equipment to Burma, snakes through the jungle, passing over ravines on suspension bridges on the hillside between Namtok and Tha Kilen stations. An impressive journey in this moment of tragic history of the Second World War.
 

Day 4: RIVER KWAI – DAY AT LEISURE! (Breakfast/-/-)

English-speaking guide and private transportation

•    11:00 am Visit of the "Hell's Fire Pass".
•    12:30 pm Lunch at leisure at the entrance of the national park. 
•    1:30 pm Walk and swimming in the national park. 
•    Return to your hotel at the end of the afternoon. 
•    Dinner at leisure at the hotel.

Departure in the late morning for the visit of the Hellfire Pass center and a walk on the railroad built by the Japanese prisoners of war during the Second World War. A moment to remember and never forget that thousands of men lost their lives there. You will then join the Erawan National Park for lunch (at leisure) on site (local specialties). This park is worth the detour thanks to its seven-level waterfall that flows into the Khwae Yai River. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit and a towel, as the hiking trail leads you to several natural pools. A stroll in the jungle between natural pools with turquoise waters and tropical vegetation await you.
 

Day 5: KANCHANABURI – AYUTTHAYA AND SLEEPER TRAIN TO CHIANG MAI (Breakfast/-/-)

English-speaking guide and private transportation

•    9:30 am Departure from the hotel
•    11:30 am Arrival in Ayutthaya
•    12:00 pm Lunch at leisure
•    1:00 pm Visit of the main temples on archaeological site
•    6:00 pm Transfer to the city center and then to the train station 
•    Dinner at leisure


This morning, take the road to the emblematic city of Ayutthaya, an archaeological site classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Founded around 1350, Ayutthaya became the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai. The Burmese destroyed it in the 18th century. Its vestiges, characterized by the "prangs", or reliquary towers, and by monasteries of gigantic proportions, give an idea of its past splendor. Enjoy a (free) local lunch followed by a tasting of the local specialty, the Roti Sai Mai known as the "cotton candy" of Ayutthaya. 


You will visit the various temples that are most emblematic and impressive, such as Wat Phanangchoeng, Wat Lokaya Sutharam with its 42 meter reclining Buddha. You will also visit the Phra Si Sanphet, a Buddhist temple of Ayutthaya style, which was used at the time as a royal temple. The visit of Wat Mahathat, symbol of Ayutthaya, will mark this dive into the rich history of Siamese past. 
Very beautiful pictures in perspective when, at the end of the afternoon, a shower light comes to illuminate the site. Before reaching the train station and preparing to spend a night in the train (restaurant car on board), you will take a trip to the Ayutthaya market, the best time to sit on a small stool at a stand to taste one of the specialties of the region, accompanied by a cool drink.

 

Day 6: CHIANG MAI (Breakfast/-/Dinner)

English-speaking guide and private transportation

•    7:00 am Arrival at Chiang Mai train terminus, welcome by your guide and transfer to your hotel (room available upon arrival)
•    8:00 am Breakfast and morning free 
•    12:00 pm Lunch at leisure
•    1:30 pm Visit of the Old Town and his unique Buddhist temples
•    4:15 pm View point and visit of Doi Suthep, 
•    6:30 pm Street-food dinner at Chiang Mai University
•    8:30 pm Back to the hotel

Terminus, all passengers are invited to get off the train. The Chiang Mai station has retained its old-fashioned charm. It's a great way to discover the Rose of the North, as the former capital of the Lanna kingdom (13th to 18th century) is nicknamed. The historical "old square" center, bounded by ramparts and moats, has some of the most beautiful and oldest Buddhist temples in the region, characterized by their very particular architecture. You will visit the old town by tuk-tuk. The gastronomy has also made the fame of Chiang Mai. For your lunch, 150 meters from your hotel, you will find a small restaurant, "The Chef", which serves local specialties. 

Doi Suthep Mountain, with its breathtaking view, dominates the entire Chiang Mai valley bordered by mountain ranges, at more than 1000 meters above sea level. Further North, Doi Inthanon is the highest point of the country (2565 m). Doi Suthep Temple is also a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world, as it is said to contain relics of Buddha. Take advantage of it to take part in the prayer of the monks.  


On the way down the valley, you will stop at the university of Chiang Mai street-food market where you will dine among the students in a joyful atmosphere. 
 

Day 7: CHIANG MAI (Breakfast/Lunch/-)

English-speaking guide and private transportation

•    8:00 am Breakfast.
•    9:00 am Kad Luang Walk
•    10:00 am Meeting with Mr. Praphat
•    12:00 pm Cooking class and lunch
•    2:30 pm Visit of an orchid farm  
•    4:00 pm Return to your hotel
•    Dinner at leisure

The Kad Luang market will surprise you with its great diversity of colors and scents. Locals looking for the best products mainly frequent this large market. The competition is hard between the merchants, and the most beautiful stalls win the game. The best manufacturers of homemade sausages and grilled pork rinds are immediately recognizable to the many buyers who are patiently waiting their turn. A very interesting space is dedicated to the ethnic handicrafts of the northern tribes.

Mr. Praphat will receive you in his over hundred years old traditional house of pure Lanna style, a real living museum where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather already lived. A return to the past, amidst fruit trees, medicinal plants and herbs. You will participate in the elaboration of the lunch under the wise advice of the whole family.

After hearing the details of the orchid-replanting program in the forest at the University of Maejo Nursery, you will visit a farm where these orchids grow. After transfer back to your hotel. Rest of evening and meals at leisure. Night at the hotel.
 

Day 8: CHIANG MAI – ELEPHANT NATURE PARK (Breakfast/Lunch/-)

Join-in-Group tour with an English-speaking guide.

•    8:30 am Departure from your hotel
•    Immersion with elephants
•    12:00 pm Lunch on site
•    3:30 pm Return to your hotel


This morning, meeting with the most emblematic animal of the kingdom. Long used by the wood industry and then the tourist industry, the domesticated Asian elephant is today preserved in sanctuaries dedicated to its well being, like the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary. Through various playful activities, you will share a privileged moment in the respect of the most sacred animal of Thailand. 
Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Take advantage of this end of the day to get lost in the charming little streets of the old square of Chiang Mai, between small restaurants, cafes and art stores. 

 

Day 9: CHIANG MAI <FLIGHT> PHUKET (Breakfast/-/-)

English-speaking guide and private transportation

Room available until 12:00 noon. According to the schedule, transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Phuket. Upon arrival, transfer (1 hour by road) and check-in to your hotel in Khao Lak. Room available from 14:00. Rest of the day at leisure. Dinner on your own and night at the hotel.
 

Day 10 & Day 11: KHAO LAK (Breakfast/-/-)

Day and meals at leisure. Night at the hotel.

Day 12: KHAO LAK – PHUKET <RETURN FLIGHT> (Breakfast/-/-)

According to the flight schedule, private transfer to Phuket airport for your international return flight.

Included

  • During the tour, private air-conditioned vehicle (except boats – Local taxi - etc)

  • Accommodation in double rooms in the indicated hotels.

  • The meals specified in the program

  • Your local English speaking guide according to your program.

  • Visits mentioned in the program and entrance fees to tourist sites and national parks.

  • Hotel taxes and service

  • Our 24-hour English-speaking hotline in case of emergency during your trip

Not included

  • Visa fees (If necessary)

  • Beverages and personal expenses

  • International flights

  • Domestic flights

  • Regional flights

  • The tips for the guides are about 5 USD per night per person.

  • Repatriation and Health Insurance

annie-spratt-qyAka7W5uMY-unsplash (1).jpg

Interested?

or

bottom of page