Bangkok and Surroundings

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the Thai capital. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to recover from the journey while enjoying your first gentle immersion into Bangkok’s unique atmosphere.

Depending on your arrival time, you can head out to explore your neighborhood, sample your first tastes of Thai cuisine, wander lively streets, or simply relax at the hotel. With a mix of urban modernity, discreet temples, and vibrant local life, this first day is the start of your discovery of the Kingdom of Siam.

In the evening, dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya.

Journey: Bangkok → Bang Pa-In (1h15, 65 km)

We set off to explore Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, the former royal summer residence built in the 17th century. Abandoned after the fall of Ayutthaya, the site was fully restored and expanded in the mid-19th century by King Rama V, who made it a favorite retreat.

In the heart of elegantly landscaped gardens, you'll discover a harmonious ensemble of pavilions blending Thai, European, and Chinese influences, reflecting the kingdom’s openness during that era. A peaceful visit offering a refined insight into the royal history of Siam.

After lunch, set out to explore the historic center of Ayutthaya. You’ll visit Wat Mahathat, a major temple from the late 14th century, famous for the Buddha's head entwined in tree roots, now a symbol of the site.

The visit continues to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the former royal temple and the largest in the old capital, easily recognized by its graceful, aligned chedis that testify to the kingdom’s former splendor.

Finally, discover Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, renowned for its impressive reclining Buddha and peaceful atmosphere—a fitting conclusion to your immersion in the heart of Siam's history.

Route: Ayutthaya → Maha Sawat (1h15, 80 km)

This morning, we’ll start the day by visiting the agrotourism village Baan Saladin, where you’ll discover the process of making the famous puffed rice cakes—and get to taste them.

We then continue our adventure with an exploration of the great Maha Sawat canal, once used to supply Bangkok’s markets. On board a boat, we’ll enjoy a peaceful ride along its waters, watching local wildlife and feeding the fish.

Back on dry land, we’ll visit a fruit garden where you can admire gac fruit groves and learn how various products are made from this unique fruit.

We end the morning with a stop at a lake blooming with magnificent lotus flowers, providing a serene landscape to admire.

Next, we head for Nakhon Pathom, home to Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, Thailand’s tallest stupa.

Journey: Nakhon Phanom → Kanchanaburi (1h15, 70 km)

Arrive in Kanchanaburi, where we’ll take time to visit the impressive Wat Tham Suea temple, reached by local cable car (local standards!).

Departure for the train station and boarding at about 10:40am on the famous “Death Railway,” made famous by the film “The Bridge on the River Kwai.” About an hour’s journey west to the Sai Yok region, 70 km along the train line.

After lunch, we’ll spend the afternoon at Elephant Haven. There, you can buy baskets of fruit (not included)—the elephants’ favorite treats.
In early afternoon, enjoy a special moment: swimming with the elephants! Return to Kanchanaburi in the late afternoon.

🌞 Get ready for your afternoon with the elephants.
Bring your swimwear and a change of clothes in the morning if you plan to swim with the elephants this afternoon.

👕 Easy-to-wear clothes.
Choose clothes that are easy to slip on and off, as there likely won’t be a convenient changing cabin on site.

Route: Kanchanaburi → Erawan NP (1h, 60 km)

Depart in the morning for Erawan National Park and waterfalls (63 km by road). This national park is home to a superb waterfall spread across 7 levels, forming natural emerald ponds populated by Mahseer Barbs. While you can stay around the first three levels, which are the easiest to access and ideal for swimming, hiking up to the 7th level, though not difficult, is rewarding: La Phu Pha Erawan, the final waterfall, is the most majestic of all.

Afternoon at leisure. Kayaking available as an option. The day is accompanied by a French-speaking guide.

Route: Erawan National Park → Kanchanaburi (1h15, 63 km)

Route: Kanchanaburi → Ratchaburi Province (1h30, 90 km)

Morning departure for Ratchaburi and visit to the Nang Yai shadow puppet museum at Wat Kanon.

Route: Ratchaburi Province → Amphawa (40min, 30 km)

After lunch, we’ll stop at a Thai family’s home to learn how to craft small palm-leaf objects—especially the little 'pla tapian' fish, whose mobiles are a specialty of the Ayutthaya and Amphawa regions.

Day accompanied by a French-speaking guide

In the evening, why not indulge in a Thai massage? (Optional activity to arrange with your guide on site).

This morning we head to the small, vibrant, and aromatic Tah Kah floating market—a true immersion in local Thai life.

Then, visit to a local palm sugar workshop.

A local curiosity: the Mae Klong Railway Market, where four times a day, stalls full of fruits and vegetables are hastily packed away as the train passes right through the market.

Next, we set out to discover mangrove life. By boat, we explore this fragile ecosystem. During our excursion, we learn about the fishermen’s way of life (here, cockle fishing is done from a surfboard) and visit a shellfish farm.

Lunch featuring local specialties.

After nightfall, we head out by boat on the canal. Our boatman picks us up at the dock, and we set off for a short excursion to hunt for fireflies illuminating the water.

Tonight, we head down to the waterfront to sample the local flavours at the floating market, which takes place on weekend evenings. Along the canals, locals gather for dinner. Just like them, we order our snacks straight from the boats: stir-fried noodles, a few skewers of shrimp or squid, or perhaps some freshly sliced mango.

Day accompanied by a French-speaking guide

First, we'll make a quick stop at the Mae Klong Railway Market, where four times a day the train rushes through and vendors scramble to clear their fruit and vegetable stalls.

Next, we set out to discover mangrove life. By boat, we explore this fragile ecosystem. During our excursion, we learn about the fishermen’s way of life (here, cockle fishing is done from a surfboard) and visit a shellfish farm.

Lunch featuring local specialties.

Route: Amphawa → Hua Hin (2h30, 170 km)

We hit the road for Hua Hin, a seaside resort town where we'll stay for the next few days.

We’ll spend the morning relaxing and enjoying the beach.

Route: Hua Hin → Kui Buri National Park (1h10, 70 km)

Around 1:00 p.m., we depart for Kui Buri National Park. With a ranger (and in his pick-up truck), we'll head out in search of wildlife—mainly elephants and gaurs (though sightings can never be guaranteed).

Route: Kui Buri National Park → Hua Hin (1h10, 70 km)

Return in the late afternoon.

Day accompanied by a French-speaking guide.

This morning, visit to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park ('300 Peaks') and Tham Phraya Nakhon Cave. To get there, we take a small boat to Laem Sala beach, followed by a hike of about 500 meters up to the cave.

Return to the hotel, with the rest of the day free to relax on the beach. Day accompanied by a French-speaking guide.

Route: Hua Hin → Bangkok (2h45, 200 km)

Back to the capital via the coastal road, crossing the large salt marshes of Ban Laem. Stop at Tham Khao Luang cave. Journey continues to Bangkok, with an anticipated mid-afternoon arrival.

Morning detour to Jim Thompson’s House for a glimpse of traditional Thai interior architecture. Day accompanied by a French-speaking guide.

Accompanied by your guide, you’ll make your way to the piers and board a public water bus. Along the river, you’ll travel up to the historic center, on the right bank, as far as Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market. Wander the fragrant aisles for your first taste of authentic, traditional Asia.

We set out to discover Bangkok’s architectural treasures. Marvel at the splendor of the Grand Palace, built in 1782: a sumptuous complex of buildings and courtyards, including Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Here, we discover the celebrated Emerald Buddha, a precious 14th-century statue at the heart of one of the country’s most venerated shrines.

Then, on foot, we head to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, famed for its peaceful atmosphere and elegant pavilions. Here we discover the impressive Reclining Buddha, the iconic figure of the temple, as well as peaceful courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Next, we cross the river in a small boat to reach Wat Arun, the famous 'Temple of Dawn', on the right bank. On arrival, we’ll admire its spectacular central prang, beautifully decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral motifs that glisten in the light.

Private cruise aboard a traditional longtail taxi boat on the Chao Phraya River, one of Thailand’s major waterways and Bangkok’s vital lifeline. As we travel, we discover the 'Venice of the East', with tranquil khlongs, stilted houses, and hidden temples lining the banks.

Set off on a cycling tour in the 'green lung' of the capital within the extraordinary neighborhood of Bang Kachao—a true jungle in the city center. At the entrance, you can rent bikes to explore the park.

You can also visit an incense stick workshop, several small temples, and see old houses in the neighborhood.

Possibility to head to the city's 'modern' center and Siam Square’s main shopping district.

Depending on your flight time, transfer to Bangkok airport.

Goodbye, and see you again soon in the Land of Smiles!