Hiking, mangroves and encounters in the heart of Siam
In summary
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Sports
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Duration11 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAsia / Thailand
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AgeFrom 8 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions403.87 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Between cultural immersion, lush nature, and relaxation by the sea, this trip to Thailand offers a concentrated dose of unforgettable experiences. From Bangkok, you'll explore a vibrant capital city blending modernity with age-old traditions , before stepping back in time to Ayutthaya , the ancient royal city. In Kanchanaburi , prepare for an emotional experience with a ride on the legendary "Death Train," followed by tranquility amidst landscapes of jungle and rivers. The floating markets of Amphawa immerse you in the local way of life, with authentic scenes of daily life and vibrant colors. You'll also have the opportunity to encounter elephants in a respectful setting and navigate through the mangroves , fascinating ecosystems of the Thai coast. The trip concludes in Hua Hin , an elegant seaside resort, ideal for enjoying some rest before your return home.
A balanced itinerary , between discoveries, emotions and tropical gentleness, ideal for a comprehensive first approach to Thailand.
The highlights
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Bangkok and Ayutthaya: between modernity, traditions and royal remains
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Floating markets and elephant encounters in a respectful setting
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Relax in Hua Hin amidst mangroves, beaches and tropical tranquility
Photos
Sport
Level
Kayaking and Canoeing
In figures
Canoeing / Kayaking
- Average duration/day: 2h
- Majority river class : Class 1 - calm river
Management
During this stay, from day 2 to day 8 , you will be accompanied by a French-speaking Thai guide.
She will be by your side to help you discover Thailand from an authentic perspective, sharing her knowledge of local culture, traditions and history.
Beyond the sightseeing, your guide will facilitate interactions with locals and help you better understand everyday Thai life. She will also adapt the pace of the days to your preferences and answer all your questions to make your trip even smoother and more enjoyable.
His presence guarantees a successful immersion, hassle-free organization, and attentive support throughout your adventure.
Program
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Welcome and free day in Bangkok
- Transportation Car - 05h - 29km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Welcome by our team, then transfer to your hotel where you can rest.
The rest of the day is free.
After settling into the Arte, located in the modern and lively Asoke district, you can relax, get your bearings, and perhaps take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool, overlooking the glittering rooftops of the capital.
Day 1 -
Immerse yourself in the heart of Bangkok, between temples and life on the river.
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 08h - 70km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrive at the train station in the morning and meet your local team. A quick stop at the hotel allows you to drop off your belongings before starting the day.
You then head towards the quay to take the public waterbuses and go up the river towards the city centre, on the right bank, to the lively flower market district of Pak Khlong Talat.
The tour begins at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, built in 1782, which notably houses Wat Phra Kaeo, home to a precious 14th-century Emerald Buddha.
You continue on foot towards Wat Pho, famous for its immense reclining Buddha, before crossing the river by small boat to discover Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, located opposite, on the other bank.
The day ends with a ride in a private longtail water taxi on the Chao Phraya River, discovering the canals and local life, between houses on stilts and small markets.
You will be accompanied throughout the day by a French-speaking guide.
Day 2 -
Canals, lotuses and temples: immersion in the Thai countryside
- Transportation Car - 08h - 200km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The morning begins at the Baan Saladin floating market, where you discover the steps involved in making puffed rice cakes, before enjoying some of them.
You then continue with a boat trip on the Mahasawat Canal, once used to supply Bangkok's markets. This peaceful moment allows you to observe the local wildlife and feed the fish that inhabit the waters.
Back on land, visit the jackfruit garden, where you will discover this impressive fruit – the largest growing on a tree – and the handcrafted products made from it.
The morning ends with a stop at the edge of a lake covered with red lotuses, in bloom all year round, offering a striking landscape.
In the afternoon, drive to Nakhon Pathom to discover Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, the tallest stupa in the country, before continuing to Kanchanaburi.
At the end of the day, take a small local cable car up to reach the temple of Wat Tham Sua, perched on a hill and offering a beautiful view of the region.
We then stop at a Thai family's home to learn how to make small objects from palm leaves, including the adorable pla tapian fish, whose colorful mobiles are a craft specialty of Ayutthaya and Amphawa.
Day 3 -
Railway Adventure and Kayaking
- Transportation Car - 08h - 30km
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Majority river class Class 1 - calm river
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure in the morning for the station, with boarding scheduled for around 10:40 am aboard the famous Death Train, known for its connection to the construction of the Bridge on the River Kwai. You will travel for approximately one hour through the Sai Yok region, located about sixty kilometers to the west, at the end of the line.
Upon arrival, transfer to Elephant Haven for lunch.
You then meet your guide and the mahouts, traditional caretakers, with whom you prepare the elephants' food. This is an opportunity for a gentle first encounter, by feeding them directly.
The discovery continues with a walk in the forest alongside the elephants, punctuated by explanations from your guide about their behavior and way of life.
You then witness a playful moment: games in the mud, followed by a bath in the river, which you share with them.
Return to camp at the end of the day for a final moment with the pachyderms and some souvenir photos.
In the afternoon, kayaking trip on the River Kwai.
Day 4 -
Erawan Falls: swimming, nature and relaxation in the heart of the jungle
- Transportation Car - 08h - 140km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure in the morning towards Erawan National Park, located approximately 60km away. This remarkable natural site is known for its cascading waterfalls, spread over 7 levels, forming turquoise pools in which Mahseer fish swim.
You can choose to stay at the first three levels, easily accessible and perfect for a refreshing swim, or continue the climb to the final level, Phu Pha Erawan, considered the most impressive. The ascent is gradual and accessible, rewarding you with a peaceful natural setting.
The afternoon is free. Kayaking is an optional activity, offering a different way to enjoy this unspoiled setting.
Day 5 -
Cruise to Ayutthaya and exploration of the treasures of the Kingdom of Siam
- Transportation Car - 08h - 90km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure in the morning to visit the Bang Pa-In Palace, built in the 17th century, then abandoned after the fall of Ayutthaya. It was restored and enlarged in the 19th century to become the royal summer residence.
From the palace, you board a traditional boat to reach Ayutthaya via the river. Throughout the journey, you observe local life: wooden houses on stilts, rice barges en route to Bangkok, and temples whose spires emerge above the trees.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch followed by an exploration of the historic center of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. You will visit Wat Mahathat, famous for its Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree, and then Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, formerly a royal temple and the largest on the site. The day concludes with a visit to Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, known for its large reclining Buddha.
Day 6 -
From railways to mangroves: local traditions before coastal escape
- Transportation Car - 08h - 170km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day begins with a stop at the Mae Klong market, famous for its stalls set up right in the middle of the railway tracks. Several times a day, the vendors fold up their stalls in a matter of seconds to let the train pass through the market, before putting everything back in place immediately.
You'll continue with a half-day boat trip exploring the mangroves, a fragile ecosystem rich in biodiversity. This excursion immerses you in the daily life of local fishermen, some of whom practice cockle fishing while standing on a plank, a surprising traditional technique. You'll also visit a shellfish farm and enjoy a lunch of local specialties by the sea.
In the early afternoon, drive to Hua Hin, a seaside town where you will stay for the next few days.
Day 7 -
A seaside break in Hua Hin: relaxation, nature and discoveries at your own pace
- Activity Snorkeling
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Hua Hin is a peaceful seaside resort, blending tranquil beaches, lively markets, and accessible nature. At your own pace, you can choose between relaxing, enjoying culinary experiences, and exploring the surrounding area.
Several options are available to you:
Head to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park to discover Phraya Nakhon Cave, secluded beaches like Laem Sala, or the Bueng Bua marshes via a wooden walkway. Near Khao Daeng, admire the scenery from the viewpoint or take a boat trip through the mangroves.
In Kui Buri, you can experience a safari led by rangers in an attempt to spot wild elephants.
For a tranquil getaway, Pranburi offers calm coves, a cycle path along the river and seafood lunches in fishing villages.
The Wat Huay Mongkol temple and its surroundings offer a cultural break, while the Monsoon Valley winery invites tasting with views of the hills.
Finally, enjoy local life with night markets, the historic train station, seaside cafes, or even a traditional massage or a cooking workshop.
Days 8 to 9 -
Return to Bangkok and free evening to enjoy the flavors of Chinatown
- Transportation Car - 08h30 - 240km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You leave Hua Hin via the coastal road, crossing the Ban Laem salt marshes, a typical landscape of this region between sea and countryside. Along the way, stop at the Tham Khao Luang cave, carved into a limestone hill and housing several Buddha statues, bathed in natural light filtering through the opening.
Arrival in Bangkok is scheduled for mid-afternoon.
In the evening, you can stroll freely through Chinatown, a veritable labyrinth of lively alleyways and eclectic shops. As night falls, Yaowarat Road lights up and transforms into a night market. This is the perfect opportunity to sample a wide variety of Thai and Chinese specialties directly from the street stalls: a wonderful way to conclude your trip with a vibrant culinary experience.
Day 10 -
See you soon in Thailand!
- Transportation Car - 08h - 40km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the hotel, then a free day, depending on your flight time. Enjoy these last moments to take a walk, do some shopping, or simply relax.
Your transfer to the airport is arranged at the agreed time, depending on your return flight.
Day 11
Note
Organization of pickups and drop-offs
Your transfer times (pick-ups and drop-offs) are precisely planned when your itinerary is created. This allows us to best adapt the program to your needs, as well as seasonal conditions (weather, traffic, crowds, opening hours of the sites to be visited).
This personalized organization guarantees smooth journeys, reduced waiting times and an optimization of your stay so that you fully enjoy every step.
Accommodation
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
Accommodation in a deluxe double or twin room.
Riverside hotel with swimming pool - Located about ten kilometers past the town and the railway bridge.
- Double room
- Twin room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
Night in a deluxe double or twin room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
Overnight stay at the Baan Bayan Hotel in a deluxe double or twin room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
- Single room
- Double room
- Twin room
Night at the Centara Ayutthaya in a deluxe double or twin room
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
Airport/hotel transfers
Accommodation: depending on the city, nights will be in 3 or 4 star hotels
Breakfasts
The services of a private French-speaking Thai guide from Day 2 to Day 8
The services of the private Thai driver from Day 2 to Day 8, and Day 12
The visits and activities mentioned in the program
Local insurance and local taxes
The price does not include
International flights
Customs fees, excess baggage
Meals and drinks (unless meals are explicitly mentioned)
Additional charges not explicitly mentioned, such as "early check-in", "day-use" or "late check-out"
Tips and personal expenses
International Insurance
Services not explicitly mentioned or mentioned as "optional"
Options
- single room : CHF539.73 / unit
- 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.
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