Sporting exploration of Thailand, from the North to the beaches of the South

Departure in the morning to reach the quay and board a public waterbus towards the city centre, on the right bank and the flower market district of Pak Khlong Talat.

The day begins with a visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, built in 1782. This vast complex houses several majestic buildings, including Wat Phra Kaeo, famous for its Emerald Buddha dating from the 14th century.

On foot, you then reach Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in the capital, known for its impressive reclining Buddha.

Crossing the river by small boat then allows you to reach Wat Arun, the famous “temple of dawn”, overlooking the right bank of the Chao Phraya.

You continue with a ride in a traditional longtail boat on the river, at the heart of local life. An opportunity to observe the authentic Bangkok, between bustling canals and stilt houses that still line the banks.

An early morning departure for the outskirts of Bangkok to explore the Mae Klong market, famous for its train that passes through the stalls several times a day. Each time the train passes, vendors quickly pack up their fruit and vegetable stands before resuming their activities as soon as it departs.

The route continues towards the Damnoen Saduak floating market, famous for its colorful atmosphere and spicy aromas. Aboard a small wooden boat, you navigate between the narrow canals, meeting vendors wearing straw hats, offering exotic fruits, souvenirs, and local crafts directly from their boats.

At the end of the day, arrival in Kanchanaburi and visit to the Tham Sua temple, perched on a hill and accessible by a small local cable car.

Departure for the station in the morning and boarding around 10:40 am aboard the infamous Death Train, made tragically famous by the story of the film The Bridge on the River Kwai . The journey lasts approximately one hour and passes through magnificent landscapes to the Sai Yok region, 70 km to the west, at the end of the railway line.

After lunch, a stop at Hellfire Pass, an impressive 4-km trench carved into the rock to allow the railway to pass. This historically significant site pays tribute to the thousands of prisoners and forced laborers who died during the construction of the line under Japanese occupation. A visit to the museum, followed by a walk along the memorial trail, offers a powerful and moving moment of reflection. Allow approximately two to three hours for your visit.

Return to Kanchanaburi in the late afternoon.

Depart in the morning for Erawan National Park, located approximately 60 km away. This remarkable natural site is famous for its large waterfall, composed of seven tiers, each forming turquoise pools inhabited by Mahseer fish. You can choose to relax and swim near the first three tiers, which are easily accessible, or continue the climb to the seventh, La Phu Pha Erawan, where the waterfall offers a truly impressive spectacle.

After some free time to enjoy the surroundings and swimming, we'll head towards Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, steeped in history and majestic ruins.

A day dedicated to discovering Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. The tour begins in the historic center with Wat Mahathat, a temple dating from the late 14th century, famous for its Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree. You will then continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the former royal temple and the largest in the city, before concluding at Wat Chai Watthanaram, whose ruins are bathed in beautiful light at sunset.

In the afternoon, departure for a boat trip to Bang Pa-in. The boat trip allows you to observe the daily life of the inhabitants along the river: traditional wooden houses on stilts, rice barges heading down towards Bangkok and silhouettes of temples rising in the distance.

Upon arriving in Bang Pa-in, we visited the royal palace built in the 17th century, abandoned after the fall of Ayutthaya, then restored and enlarged in the 19th century by the king who stayed there during the summer.

Return to Ayutthaya at the end of the day.

Departure in the morning towards Lopburi, nicknamed the city of monkeys. On the way, stop at Wat Phra Phutthabat, known as the temple of the Buddha's footprint, which houses a natural cavity believed to be the mark left by his steps.

Upon arrival, discover Lopburi, a city with a rich historical past, having served as the kingdom's capital on several occasions. The ruins and ancient palaces still bear witness to this era. Today, the city owes its fame to the numerous monkeys that roam freely through its streets and temples. The tour begins at Phra Prang Sam Yod, a Khmer-influenced temple now home to a colony of macaques, before continuing to Wat Mahathat, remarkable for its architecture. The tour concludes at the palace of King Narai, now a national museum retracing the region's history.

After lunch, we will drive across the central plains towards Sukhothai, the ancient capital of the first Thai kingdom, a symbol of prosperity and nicknamed "the dawn of happiness".

Set off on a pleasant bike ride along small canals winding between rice paddies and rural hamlets. This ride offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the inhabitants, where the canals play an essential role: irrigating crops, doing laundry, fishing, or simply providing a place to live and meet.

Along the way, the road leads to the historic city of Sukhothai, the former capital of the first Thai kingdom. A visit to the historical park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, allows you to admire its majestic temples, Buddha statues, and reflecting pools that evoke the grandeur of this foundational era.

Departure north with a stop at the historical site of Si Satchanalai, the former capital of the Sukhothai kingdom in the 13th century. The bicycle tour allows you to explore at your own pace the remains of temples and ramparts nestled in peaceful vegetation, testaments to a glorious past.

The road continues towards Lampang, renowned for its ceramic craftsmanship and its famous bowls adorned with roosters, the city's emblem, which can be found in many restaurants. The exploration begins at Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an iconic temple from the Phra Nang Cham Thewi era, whose traditional architecture is remarkably well-preserved.

In the mid-afternoon, a stroll through the old street of Kad Kong Ta, a charming neighborhood lined with teak houses, including the historic Moung Ngwe Zin residence. The day concludes with a visit to Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao, a 15th-century temple with a serene atmosphere.

Departure in the morning towards Chiang Rai, with a detour to the spectacular Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat temple, perched atop a mountain. The ascent of approximately 800 meters is via a metal staircase and requires about forty minutes of effort, amply rewarded by a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding hills and the small white chedis suspended between sky and earth.

Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, visit the famous Wat Rong Khun, also known as the "White Temple." Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, this contemporary site is distinguished by its vibrant architecture and sculptures that blend Buddhist symbols with modern references. The nine buildings house a collection of works that are as spiritual as they are original, including Buddha statues, colorful frescoes, and nods to popular culture.

Depart early in the morning with your tour team towards the Mekong River and the legendary Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. The road follows the riverbanks, offering superb views of this iconic region.

From the port, board a water taxi for an approximately one-hour journey on the Mekong River. The trip offers the opportunity to observe the river landscapes and daily life on the banks, before reaching a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the river and the vast Sino-Roman style casino built on the Laotian bank.

The visit continues at the Opium Museum, located on the hillside, which soberly retraces the history of the opium trade in the region and its cultural and social consequences.

On the way back, we'll stop in small villages of the Yao and Akha communities to discover their traditions. Time permitting, we'll visit a Padaung village, where the women, recognizable by their spiral gold necklaces, perpetuate a unique craft and cultural identity.

Departure in the morning for Mae Salong, about thirty kilometers away on a winding mountain road offering magnificent panoramas. This region is home to several villages founded by Chinese refugees who settled here in the last century. Visit to the 101 Tea Plantation, followed by a walk through the village of Santikiri to learn about the history of the Kuomintang, the former Chinese Nationalist army that found refuge in these mountains after the civil war.

The road continues through stunning landscapes of valleys and rice paddies to Tha Ton, a peaceful village near the Burmese border. This charming place, bordered by the Kok River, captivates with its tranquil atmosphere and views of the surrounding hills.

From Tha Ton, board a longtail boat for a cruise on the Kok River towards Chiang Rai. As you glide along, enjoy the verdant landscapes, observe the daily life of the locals on the riverbanks, and watch the animals coming to drink. A stop in a tribal village offers a chance to relax and share a moment with the locals before continuing your journey.

Early departure for Chiang Mai, the major city in the North and former capital of the Lanna kingdom. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, temples, cuisine and traditions, it captivates with its authenticity and art of living.

Before arriving there, stop in Mae Khampong, a charming mountain village nestled in lush greenery. This small, century-old village of about 500 inhabitants offers a peaceful setting amidst tea gardens, terraced rice paddies, and farms where water buffalo roam freely. A stroll through its narrow streets allows you to appreciate the serenity and simple way of life of its inhabitants.

On the road to Chiang Mai, a possible stop is the village of Bo Sang, famous for the handcrafted production of its Sa paper umbrellas, a skill passed down for over a century. A visit to the Umbrella Making Center allows you to observe each stage of the process—from the bamboo frame to the painting of the colorful designs—before strolling through the alleyways where other workshops perpetuate the arts of paper, silver, and wood.

A few kilometers further on, visit the Silk Village, where you will discover the entire manufacturing process, from the silkworm to the final weaving.

This morning, set off by bicycle to explore Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North." From Tha Phae Gate, the route winds through the traditional alleyways of the old city, with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop. You'll cycle through authentic neighborhoods, encounter monks on their way to temples, discover local markets, and observe the daily lives of the inhabitants, particularly the artisans from the hill tribe communities. This friendly and immersive excursion takes place in a small group with an English-speaking local guide.

In the afternoon, head out into the countryside for a traditional cooking class in an old Lanna-style wooden house. You'll prepare several Northern specialties: chicken curry (Aou Kai), spicy chicken soup (Tom Som Kai), pork stir-fry (Phad Makauyaw Moo), sliced ​​pork with chili paste (Nam Prik Ong), and banana dessert with coconut milk. A wonderful opportunity to learn the secrets of Thai flavors while sharing a warm and welcoming moment.

Early in the morning, depart for an elephant sanctuary nestled in the rainforest of the Mae Kampong Valley, about an hour's drive north of Chiang Mai. After a short walk, prepare fruit to feed the elephants before your encounter. You'll have the opportunity to approach them, feed them, and learn about their behavior and history from your guide. The highlight of the visit is bathing them in the river, where you can participate by brushing the animals in a peaceful and respectful atmosphere. Return to Chiang Mai in the early afternoon.

The afternoon is free. You can stroll through the old town and visit Wat Sri Suphan, located in the Wualai artisans' quarter. This remarkable temple is entirely covered with finely chiseled silver plates, and you can observe artisans at work, perpetuating an ancestral craft.

Transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to southwest Thailand and the Andaman coast. After a short drive, arrival in Krabi, then drive to Ao Nang, a charming seaside resort renowned for its lively atmosphere and spectacular scenery.

Between karst cliffs plunging into the sea, fine sandy beaches, and islands scattered across turquoise waters, the region offers a picture-perfect setting. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the sea and the exceptional natural surroundings at your own pace.

From your hotel, depart for the pier for a day trip to explore the "Four Islands." Aboard a traditional longtail boat, head towards Pranang Bay, a secluded peninsula at the end of Railay Beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Visit Pranang Cave, linked to the beliefs of local fishermen, before relaxing on the beach.

The journey continues to several small islands where you'll enjoy a buffet lunch of local specialties on a peaceful beach. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the islands of Koh Poda, Koh Tup, and Chicken Island, true gems with crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling, swimming, and stops at secluded beaches fill the day, far from the tourist crowds.

The cruise ends beautifully on the large beach of Koh Poda, with sunset drinks. On the way back, a snorkeling session offers the chance to admire the magical spectacle of bioluminescent plankton.

Private cruise

Enjoy a free day in Ao Nang to savor the charm of southern Thailand. Take advantage of the beach, your hotel's facilities, and the stunning scenery of the Andaman coast. Just minutes away, Railay Beach and Phra Nang Bay offer spectacular landscapes, perfect for swimming or a leisurely stroll.

If you wish to explore further, several excursions are possible: cruise to the Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay, Koh Hong or the famous 4 islands; discovery of the hinterland with the emerald pool, hot springs and the Tiger Cave temple; bike ride on the island of Ko Klang; or even cooking classes and massage sessions for a complete immersion in Thai culture.

Depart in a small group for a day trip by speedboat to discover the famous Phi Phi Islands. Aboard a boat limited to about fifteen participants, you will enjoy a friendly and flexible excursion, designed to avoid overcrowded areas and preserve the natural charm of the place.

The itinerary includes iconic sites such as Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, the Phi Phi Leh lagoon, the Viking Cave, and the famous Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach . You will also discover more secluded coves, ideal for swimming and relaxation.

The itinerary includes spectacular scenery, pristine beaches, several snorkeling stops in crystal-clear waters where it's not uncommon to spot blacktip reef sharks or sea turtles, and lunch served on a peaceful beach. Return to Ao Nang in the mid-afternoon, around 3 pm.

Enjoy a free morning to savor the tranquility of southern Thailand one last time. Relax on the beach or simply unwind before your transfer to Krabi Airport (approximately a 1-hour drive).

Flight to Bangkok, then transfer to your hotel upon arrival. The rest of the day is free for a final immersion in the capital.

In the evening, stroll through Yaowarat's Chinatown. Its narrow streets teem with activity, filled with traditional shops, colorful stalls, and the aroma of spices. As soon as night falls, the market comes alive along Yaowarat Road, illuminating the streets with neon lights and lanterns. It's the perfect place to sample the many Thai and Chinese specialties served at the stalls, in a vibrant and authentic atmosphere.

Breakfast at the hotel, then free time to enjoy your last moments in Thailand. Depending on your flight schedule, you can stroll around the area, do some last-minute shopping, or simply relax before your departure.

Transfer to the airport scheduled at the agreed time for your return flight.