Thailand
Authentic Thailand, between nature and culture
Réf : ATHADECX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration16 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-Emissions5483.77 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
A complete immersion from north to south awaits travelers curious about nature and culture. The journey begins in Chiang Mai , in the heart of the verdant mountains, with an easy trek connecting the traditional villages of the Akha and Karen communities . The exploration of the rainforest continues in an original way, on foot and by bamboo raft .
The journey then takes a major historical turn. Exploring Sukhothai , the first capital of Siam, is done by bicycle , offering complete freedom amidst the ruins. Following the Chao Phraya River downhill, the route stops at Ayutthaya , a royal city and UNESCO World Heritage Site , before plunging into the vibrant temples of Bangkok . The experience is further enriched by local flavors during a unique stop at the Amphawa floating market .
Heading south for the final leg of this grand journey, the scenery changes dramatically, giving way to the majestic karst landscapes of Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake . Between lush jungle and emerald waters, this comprehensive adventure concludes gently on the beaches of Khao Lak or Koh Samui .
The highlights
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A balanced trip between nature and culture, exploring from north to south.
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Easy hikes through mountains, forests, villages and waterfalls
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Cheow Lan and Khao Sok, magical sites in the heart of nature
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
The expert's opinion
This trip is generally accessible to anyone in good health, used to walking regularly and enjoying gentle exercise in nature.
It includes:
- A mini-trek over two half-days in the north (Days 3 and 4), with moderate elevation gain but hot and humid weather conditions that can make it more demanding. This section can be considered level 2 .
- Two easy hikes (Day 11 and Day 12), on slightly rugged terrain, corresponding to level 1 .
- A half-day bike ride in Sukhothai , on flat and shaded terrain, to discover the temples in pleasant conditions.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 64 m
- Average daily descent: 60 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
French
English
French
English
Supervisor
Supervisor
Based in Thailand for many years, our local agency guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to our guides and logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you'll be accompanied by our adventure guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature.
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be met by your French-speaking Thai tour guide. They will accompany you to Khao Lak or Koh Samui, depending on the season (day 13). The beach stay at the end of the trip is self-guided. Transfers between Khao Lak and Phuket Airport will be arranged by us. We will also arrange transfers from your hotel in Koh Samui to Koh Samui Airport during the summer season.
Your French-speaking guide is assisted by one or more drivers and local assistant guides for certain hikes and visits.
Program
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Paris - Chiang Mai
- Transportation Plane - 14h - 8900km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
International flight from Paris to Chiang Mai.Day 1 -
Chiang Mai
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Chiang Mai. A modern, dynamic, and historic city, Chiang Mai is nestled in a majestic mountain setting on the banks of the Ping River. It boasts hundreds of sacred temples, with stupas and multi-tiered roofs. Depending on our flight schedules, after settling into our hotel, we'll have some free time to explore this amazing city and relax. We can take advantage of the night market, held every Sunday in Chiang Mai, to stroll among the stalls of local crafts, sample street food, and soak up the city's lively evening atmosphere.Day 2 -
Chiang Mai - Mae Malai Market - Ban Mae Manai
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Positive elevation gain 320 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we begin our day with a visit to the local market in Mae Malai. We wander among the stalls overflowing with fruits, vegetables, and flowers, soaking up the lively and colorful atmosphere. It's a guaranteed sensory experience! Next, we discover the Mok Fha waterfall where we can swim (weather permitting). Lunch is at a small, traditional restaurant. Afterward, we head to the village of Ban Mae Sae, the starting point of our hike. An easy walk takes us to the Karen village of Ban Mae Manai, winding through hills, rainforest, and past waterfalls (we'll be self-sufficient for two days). This is an opportunity to discover the way of life and beliefs of this animist ethnic group originating from Yunnan, China. Dinner and overnight stay with the villagers: an unforgettable experience!Day 3 -
Ban Mae Manai - Ban Pa Ngaen - Chiang Mai
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, we'll set off on a hike to the village of Ban Pa Ngaen, located on the banks of the Mae Taeng River. We'll embark on a unique experience: a bamboo raft trip down the Mae Taeng River. Thrills guaranteed! Upon arrival in the village of Bane Sopkai, we'll have lunch. Afterward, we'll travel to an elephant camp, a center dedicated to the protection and care of elephants, where we'll learn about the lives of the mahouts and their animals (bathing and feeding). We'll then continue to a village of the Akha people, originally from Tibet, before heading back to Chiang Mai. We'll enjoy a free evening with a visit to the famous Night Bazaar.Day 4 -
Visit Chiang Mai - Lampang - Sukhothai
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 300km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Explore Chiang Mai's main temples on foot. In the early afternoon, we depart for Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, we stop in Lampang to visit the beautiful Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Check into your hotel in Sukhothai.Day 5 -
Sukhothai Tour - Khao Nor - Ayutthaya
- Transportation Minibus - 04h30 - 300km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A bike ride through the ruins of Sukhothai, the ancient capital of Siam, past temples, Buddha statues, and lotus-covered ponds. It's one of the most sacred and evocative sites in the country. After the visits, we head to Ayutthaya. On the way, we make a short stop at Chai Nat, at the Chaba Lagoon café, to stretch your legs and explore its small botanical garden. We then continue on to Ayutthaya.Day 6 -
Ayutthaya - Kanchanaburi - River Kwai
- Transportation Minibus - 03h30 - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Visit the city of Ayutthaya, whose archaeological park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient capital was once one of the most prosperous cities in Asia: numerous temples stood proudly in the heart of this once opulent port. Its ruins, reliquary towers, and monasteries of gigantic proportions give an idea of its past splendor. We then travel towards Kanchanaburi and stop at the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, built at the beginning of World War II. We continue our journey to our hotel on the banks of the River Kwai, where we can take a refreshing dip and enjoy the idyllic setting. Overnight on the banks of the River Kwai, in a place of rare serenity!Day 7 -
River Kwai - Erawan - Amphawa
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 300km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off again towards Erawan National Park, where we strolled to discover the famous Paradise Falls. These seven waterfalls, with their turquoise and emerald hues, are nestled in the heart of a lush, verdant jungle. The last waterfall resembles the figure of Erawan, a three-headed elephant in Hindu mythology. It was the perfect opportunity for a well-deserved swim. We then took the Amphawa road. Next, we discovered a so-called "floating" market, named for its former location on the water. Now situated on the riverbank, it remains a typical Thai market, renowned for its lively atmosphere and numerous stalls selling local food. We wandered through the market's winding lanes and met vendors in their small boats selling exotic fruits, vegetables, and other specialties, primarily for the locals. Special shellfish dinner by the canals and a nighttime boat trip to admire the fireflies. Note: Please inform us before departure if you do not eat shellfish so that we can prepare a suitable menu.Day 8 -
Amphawa - Bangkok
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We visit the typical Mekong market with its many stalls located along the railway! We then travel by road towards the capital. Check-in at our hotel in Bangkok. Evening and dinner at leisure.Day 9 -
Bangkok - Suratthani
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A day dedicated to an unusual exploration of Bangkok. First, we'll take the Skytrain, then a riverboat cruise on the Chao Phraya River. We'll discover the magnificent Grand Palace, whose construction began in 1782 to mark the founding of the new capital. The Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, and its reclining Buddha powerfully illustrate the importance of Buddhism in this country. From the Temple of Dawn and the unique Wat Arun, we'll head to the starting point of our mini-cruise on Bangkok's canals (klongs). At the end of the day, we'll go to Bangkok Railway Station to board our sleeper train to Surat Thani. Overnight and dinner at your leisure on board. Note: Bangkok's new railway station has showers, food outlets, and small shops, allowing you to freshen up and purchase anything you might need for your night on the train.Day 10 -
Suratthani - Cheow Lan
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 100km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation Lodge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We arrive at Suratthani train station early in the morning. We have breakfast at the hotel, where we can also freshen up. Afterwards, we drive towards the immense shale dam called Rachaprabha, which created Cheow Lan Lake. We take a boat from the pier to our floating bungalow, in a relaxing and peaceful setting. The boat stops at the three rock formations known as the "Thai Gullin." We visit the Pra Kay Pet cave before enjoying the available kayaks for a paddle on the lake. Overnight in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake.Day 11 -
Cheow Lan - Khao Sok
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 150km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, a boat takes us from our bungalow to the pier. We depart for Khao Sok National Park, home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Check-in at our hotel. After lunch, we set off with our guide on the western trail for a hike that passes several waterfalls. We discover a magnificent natural landscape composed of impressive limestone formations. Return to our hotel at the end of the day. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.Day 12 -
Khao Sok - Khao Lak or Koh Samui
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we depart Khao Sok for Khao Lak. It's time to say goodbye to our guide. Upon arrival in Khao Lak, we check into our hotel and enjoy a delicious lunch. The afternoon will be free to relax and explore the surroundings. Due to less than ideal weather conditions in Khao Lak between July and September, the tour will be moved to Koh Samui from July 1st to September 31st. Here is the adjusted itinerary: This morning, we depart from Khao Sok for Donsak, where we'll take a 45-minute ferry transfer to Koh Samui. This is where we'll say goodbye to our guide. Once we arrive, we'll check into our hotel and enjoy a delicious lunch. The afternoon will be free to explore and relax.Day 13 -
Khao Lak or Koh Samui
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A free day to relax or explore the surrounding area, perhaps with an excursion to the Similan Islands or the Surin Islands. You can also stroll through Khao Lak and enjoy its night market. Between July 1st and September 31st: A free day in Koh Samui to relax or explore the surrounding area. Overnight at the hotel. Lunch and dinner are at your leisure.Day 14 -
Khao Lak or Koh Samui - Phuket - Paris
- Transportation Plane - 14h - 8900km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Depending on your return flight schedule, transfer to Phuket Airport for your return flight to Paris. Between July 1st and September 31st: Transfer to Koh Samui Airport. Flight to Phuket or Bangkok, depending on your return flight.Day 15 -
Paris
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival in France.Day 16
Note
This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
Walking times are given as a guide and may vary depending on several factors: walking level of participants, weather conditions, terrain, group size, etc.
Transfer times can also vary, as they depend on road conditions and traffic, but also on the size of the vehicle used.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
Access
Departure
Aéroport international de Chiang Mai
Day 1
: 00h00
End of stay
Aéroport international de Chiang Mai
Day 16
- 00h00
Travel within the country:
- Private air-conditioned minibus.
- Rafting down the Maetaeng River on a bamboo raft.
- Bangkok's elevated metro.
- Shuttle boats on the Chao Phraya River.
- Night boat trip in Amphawa.
- Discover the Tha Kha floating market by local boat.
- Boat transfer on the River Kwai.
- Bangkok-Suratthani night train.
- Boat trip on Cheow Lan Lake.
- Ferry transfer from Donsak to Koh Samui
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isCNX - Chiang Mai - Aéroport international de Chiang Mai
International transport:
For flights to Thailand, we use scheduled flights departing from Paris, primarily with Emirates or Thai Airways. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may also offer flights with other airlines.
Note that there are no direct flights to Chiang Mai, Phuket or Koh Samui, so a stopover is necessary for this trip.
Departures from other provincial cities are possible, subject to an additional charge.
IMPORTANT: This information is for guidance only. Depending on availability at the time of your registration, airlines and flight times may differ from the information mentioned above.
Between July 1st and September 31st, the return trip will be from Bangkok, with a domestic flight from Koh Samui.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- International flights departing from Paris
- Between July 1st and September 31st - Domestic flight from Koh Samui to Phuket or Bangkok on day 15.
- 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
- The tour will be led by a French-speaking tour guide from day 2 to day 13.
- 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
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. You can also bring a hydration bladder (Camel Bag). The latter has the advantage of allowing direct drinking thanks to its drinking tube. You therefore don't have to take off your backpack to grab the bottle. This way, you drink more regularly and in smaller amounts, which is recommended for proper hydration.
- Water purification tablets
- Mosquito repellent spray
- Notepad and pen, book, deck of cards...
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Microfiber bath towel
- Toiletry bag
- Toilet paper
- A sleeping bag sheet
Clothing to bring
Clothing, from head to toe:
- A pair of hiking boots (high or low top, depending on your preference): they are a hiker's best friend. Avoid wearing brand new shoes; blisters could ruin your trip. Try to break them in before you leave.
- A pair of shoes or sandals suitable for water activities.
- Hiking socks
- Underwear: This is your first layer of insulation, so make it count! Thin technical fibers like Carline or Polartec are very effective, warm, flexible, comfortable, and lightweight. They also dry very quickly.
- Technical fiber shirt
- Warm fleece jacket for the mountainous area
- Waterproof and breathable jacket with a Gore-Tex type membrane
- Hiking pants made of breathable fabric
- Shorts
- Swimsuit
- Warm shirts/fleece during the cold season (October - March)
- Waterproof jacket for the rainy season (May - October)
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(1440 reviews)
• 453 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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