Wild nature and traditions of Southern Thailand
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAsia / Thailand
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions5643.26 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
The highlights
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Confidential Phatthalung: Awakening of Lake Thale Noi, Water Buffaloes and Shadow Theatre
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Sharing in Koh Klang: immersion by bike and encounters with artisans in the heart of the island
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Wild Khao Sok: Rainforest trek and unusual night in a treehouse lodge
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This tour is classified as level 1 because it requires no particular technical skills. However, a good level of fitness is necessary to fully enjoy the activities, especially the bike ride on Koh Klang. The main challenge is concentrated on day 10 , with an immersive 6-8 hour trek into the heart of the Khao Sok jungle, an activity that can be considered a level 2 day.
Management
Throughout our adventure, we are accompanied by an expert French-speaking guide who ensures group cohesion and a smooth itinerary. For certain specific stages, such as our immersions in Koh Klang or our jungle treks, he is assisted by a passionate local guide. This duo allows us to benefit from a unique perspective on Thailand: our guide enthusiastically shares his knowledge of the history, fauna, and flora, while also facilitating authentic and privileged encounters with the inhabitants of the regions we travel through.
Program
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Departure from France and international flight
- Transportation Plane - 11h - 9500km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from France during the day and international flight to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Overnight flight.Day 1 -
Welcome and free time in Bangkok
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival, we are greeted by a member of our local team and transferred to our hotel. We check in to our rooms from 2:00 PM. The rest of the day is entirely free for us to explore the city at our own pace. After settling into the Arte, ideally located in the vibrant Asoke district, we take some time to relax and get our bearings. To end this first day on a relaxing note, we can take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool, which offers breathtaking views of Bangkok's glittering skyscrapers.Day 2 -
The "Venice of the East"
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We depart early in the morning by public waterbus, heading upriver to the colorful Pak Khlong Talat district, the famous flower market. Using local transport, we reach the Grand Palace, built in 1782, and admire Wat Phra Kaew, home to the precious Emerald Buddha. We continue on foot to Wat Pho to contemplate its majestic reclining Buddha, before crossing the river to visit Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn." In the afternoon, we board a traditional longtail boat for a private cruise on the Chao Phraya River canals. This immersion in the "Venice of the East" reveals traditional riverside life. In the evening, we board our overnight train to Phatthalung. Overnight in a sleeper compartment.Day 3 -
Welcome to Phatthalung!
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We arrive early in the morning at Phatthalung train station, where our driver greets us with a local breakfast. Later that morning, we head to a weaving workshop for an introduction to basketry. For an hour, we learn the art of weaving "krajoot" (local rush) at the Varni Center. In the afternoon, we visit a local beekeeper to discover the secrets of his production. We end the day at the Nang Thalung Shadow Puppet Theatre Information Center, an iconic ancestral art form that gave its name to the region.Day 4 -
Sunrise over Thale Noi Lake
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We depart at dawn to explore the Thale Noi Lake bird sanctuary. At sunrise, we watch water buffalo cross the lagoon and admire the flight of migratory birds. During our boat trip, we pass by impressive traditional fishing huts. After breakfast at the hotel, we visit Wat Tham Khuha Sawan temple, nestled in a serene atmosphere. For lunch, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Pa Pai Sang Suk market. In the afternoon, we delve deeper into the region's culture at the Nang Thalung shadow puppet theater, a cultural icon. We end the day on the Chalerm Prakiat bridge, watching the sunset over the lake and its buffalo herds.Day 5 -
Krabi and its coast
- Transportation Minibus - 03h30 - 200km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we set off for Krabi province. Along the way, we take a wonderful break in nature: the famous Emerald Pool and its natural hot springs. We then continue on to Wat Tham Suea. The site is renowned for its staircase of over 1,200 steps leading to the summit. The climb is challenging, but the effort is well worth it: throughout the ascent, we trek through jungle and sometimes encounter monkeys, before reaching a spectacular panorama of the karst limestone formations and the Krabi Valley. At the top, a large golden Buddha and a shrine offer a peaceful atmosphere and a breathtaking view, a highlight of the trip. At the end of the day, we arrive in Krabi and check into our hotel for a well-deserved rest.Day 6 -
Cruise in the Hong Kong Islands
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set sail for the magnificent Phang Nga Bay, famous for its limestone cliffs and hidden caves. Aboard a traditional longtail boat, we navigate through mangrove forests, wild havens where we keep a sharp eye out for monitor lizards, macaques, and tropical birds. We then reach the Koh Hong archipelago, renowned for its exceptionally fine sand and emerald waters. After enjoying the coral reefs of Koh Ladin and Pak Bier, we explore the interior of the main island. A walk leads us to a viewpoint offering a breathtaking 360° panorama of the surrounding islands. Before our return, we discover its spectacular lagoon, a true natural sanctuary encircled by towering green peaks. Transfer to our hotel at the end of the day.Day 7 -
Day trip to Koh Klang
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Krabi, we cross the river in a traditional boat to reach Koh Klang Island. This unspoiled paradise offers a true step back in time, immersing us in the heart of an island Muslim community. We hop on our mountain bikes for a peaceful ride through rice paddies, mangroves, and stilted houses. Accompanied by our guides, we explore tropical trails, meeting local artisans. We discover ancestral skills during stops at various workshops: wooden boat building, traditional batik making, sculpture, and rice paper making. This responsible experience allows us to share authentic moments with the locals in an atmosphere of rare serenity, before returning to our accommodation at the end of the day.Day 8 -
Splendors of Chiew Larn Lake and Khao Sok Jungle
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 100km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We set off early in the morning to reach Khao Sok National Park, one of Thailand's natural gems. We embark on an excursion to the stunning Chiew Larn Lake, whose emerald waters and limestone peaks are reminiscent of Halong Bay. Amidst this spectacular scenery, we navigate between the rugged cliffs and explore the surrounding caves. After a local lunch at a floating restaurant on the lake, we return to the land-based section of the park. We settle in for two nights at the Khao Sok Paradise Resort, where we stay in a luxurious tree lodge for an immersive jungle experience.Day 9 -
Wild immersion in the Khao Sok jungle
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We embark on an unforgettable day of adventure in the heart of one of the world's oldest rainforests. From our very first steps, we are enveloped by the mysterious sounds of the Khao Sok jungle and the fragrance of tropical essences. Accompanied by our passionate guide, we begin an immersive 6- to 8-hour hike. Among giant vines and centuries-old trees, we discover lush vegetation and try to spot the local wildlife: monkeys, exotic birds, and colorful butterflies. After a rejuvenating lunch break surrounded by nature, we uncover the secrets of this fascinating ecosystem before returning to our lodge at the end of the day.Day 10 -
Relaxing on the shores of Khao Lak
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 100km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This morning, a short transfer takes us to Khao Lak, a favorite destination for sea lovers. We settle into The Leaf Oceanside, in the comfort of our "Leaf" room, and enjoy a leisurely lunch upon arrival. The afternoon is dedicated to relaxation: we can take advantage of the hotel's facilities or the beautiful beach along the coast. For those who wish to explore further, numerous options are available, such as a trip to the famous Phra Nang Bay, a cruise to the Phi Phi Islands, or a pampering traditional massage. The evening and dinner are at our leisure, allowing us to savor the local cuisine at our own pace.Day 11 -
Return and international flight
- Transportation Plane - 11h - 9500km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport according to our return flight schedule. Depending on the flight plan, arrival at the destination will be either on the same day (daytime flight) or the day after departure (night flight).Day 12
Note
Information regarding elevation changes, walking times and routes is provided for guidance purposes only. It may be adjusted according to weather conditions, terrain, or the pace of the group.
Accommodation
On this tour, we stay in comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms in good quality hotels. We have selected establishments offering optimal comfort and a unique immersion, such as our treehouses nestled in nature.
For our journey south, we spent a night on a train, in a sleeper compartment.
Access
Travel within the country:
- Travel by sleeper train to reach the south
- Private minibus transfers for our groups.
Go to the starting point
International transport:
To reach Thailand, we use scheduled flights departing from Paris, operating year-round at fixed times. We travel with airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Emirates, or Malaysia Airlines. The final choice is made based on availability at the time of your booking.
Other companies may also be offered to you depending on the opportunities.
Direct flights are sometimes available for an additional fee; please contact us for more information. Departures from other French cities are also possible.
Flights are usually at night, for arrival at the destination the following day.
Important: This information is for guidance only. Companies and schedules may vary depending on availability at the time of your booking.
Price details
The price includes
- International flights departing from Paris
- Air taxes
- Land transport
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Full board except for the meals not included in the program
- The excursions detailed in the trip itinerary
- Entry to the sites mentioned in the program
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
- The local assistant guide service for hikes.
The price does not include
- The optional meals mentioned in the program (approximately €8 to €10 per meal)
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- Tips for local teams (see "Tips" section)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Pouch for your passport and personal documents.
Essential everyday kit:
- Sunscreen cream for face and lips
- Sunglasses
- Hat, cap or scarf for sun protection
- A lightweight, insulated water bottle
- Water purification tablets
- Mosquito repellent spray
- Notepad and pen, book, deck of cards...
- Microfiber bath towel
- Toiletry bag
Clothing to bring