Essentials of Thailand

Vibrate in Bangkok , its dynamic and contrasting capital. Discover its tropical vegetation in the Erawan National Park and through the province of Kanchanaburi . Relive History by discovering the archaeological site of Ayutthaya or the famous bridge over the River Kwai . Finally, immerse yourself in Buddhist culture in the marvelous “Rose of the North”, Chiang Mai .

Departures year-long

Price to come* (land only)

INCLUDED
Welcome from your guide and driver upon arrival at Bangkok airport.
Accommodation in a double room, as indicated in the program.
Breakfasts at the hotel throughout the trip.
Visits and activities as indicated in the program.
Entrance fees to the sites.
Accompaniment by a French-speaking guide, as indicated in the program.
Transfers and ground transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, as indicated in the program.
Government taxes and service taxes.
The overnight train ride from Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai.

EXCLUDED

International flights.
International airport taxes.
Visa fees and bank charges for payment by credit card or transfer.
Tipping. It is part of the country’s culture (the locals themselves are used to giving it).
Lunches and dinners, expect to pay between €2 and €3 in a local restaurant for a local meal and between €8 and €20 in a restaurant per meal/person.
Drinks and personal expenses.
Repatriation assistance.
Anything not listed under “price includes”.

Insurances

10 D / 9 N

9 breakfasts+ Age

Thailand

Asia

Thailand

Destination

Thailand

Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok

First Thai immersion

"Sawadee" ! Your driver during this stay in Thailand will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in the heart of the city center. An excellent location for walking, shopping, taking the skytrain or even having a drink in one of the city's famous rooftops . Before returning to the hotel, treat yourself to a traditionalfoot massage or a Cha Nom Yen , a cold milk tea with very refreshing properties.

Day 2: Bangkok

Boat trip and temple visit

After breakfast, your French-speaking guide will take you to discover the city by "tuk-tuk" and overhead metro. You will first visit Wat Pho , the oldest temple in Bangkok , home to the famous reclining Buddha, a 46-meter-long statue entirely covered in gold. Then, you will continue with a visit to Lak Muang , the symbolic pillar of the city's foundation, as well as the very sacred Wat Phra Kaeo , the "temple of the Emerald Buddha" . Then discover another facet of the "Venice of the East" by crisscrossing it through the "Khlongs" , these canals from where you can observe Thai daily life. You will end this day of visits with Wat Arun, "the temple of dawn".

Day 3: Bangkok - Kanchanaburi

Walk on the Bridge over the River Kwai

This morning, you are still driven with your guide to Damnoen Saduak, the largest floating market in Thailand. You then head west to reach the Mae Klong “railway” market , where vendors use the rails to set up their stalls, which they quickly fold up when the trains pass. Then enjoy a canoe ride on the Mae Klong River before going to the “Kanchanaburi War Cemetery” , a cemetery welcoming victims of Japanese imprisonment during the war. Arrival in Kanchanaburi and passing the famous Bridge on the River Kwai , built by these forced laborers. Then stop at the Tham Krasae cave which offers a spectacular view of the river as well as a ride on the rails of the famous “death train” .

Day 4: Kanchanaburi

Walking tour in Erawan National Park

Today you follow your guide through the wild and relaxing nature of Erawan National Park . As you walk, you will discover many waterfalls that offer you the perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim in clear and limpid waters. Remember to bring your swimsuit and good shoes to avoid slipping on wet roots and stones.

Day 5: Kanchanaburi - Ayutthaya

Bike and canoe trip

Get on your bikes and follow your guide through an authentic ride, between countryside and traditional villages. This is the opportunity to observe Thai rural life. Afterwards, you change means of transport and climb aboard a kayak canoe to enjoy a ride on the River Kwai. A majestic panorama that allows you to recharge your batteries before your driver takes you to the next stage of your trip to Thailand , the city of Ayutthaya .

Day 6: Ayutthaya - Chiang Mai

Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

For this day, let yourself be carried by your guide to the heart of the History of the Kingdom of Siam by discovering its ancient capital: Ayutthaya. This historic city which was razed by the Burmese in the 17th century and whose ruins today form this fantastic archaeological site classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . At the end of the day your driver drops you off at Ayutthaya station where you board a night train to the beautiful “rose of the North”, Chiang Mai.

Day 7: Chiang Mai

Sacred temples and local market

This morning your driver will pick you up with your guide at Chiang Mai train station and take you to discover the large local market of Warorot . Let yourself be seduced by the sensational colors and smells that emerge from it. You will then go to Wat Phra Singh which houses a very sacred and very ancient Buddha. Finally, before returning to the hotel, stop at Wat Prathat Doi Suthep , where you will surely have the chance to attend a blessing ceremony. Climb the 300 steps that lead to its summit to enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the “capital of the North”.

Day 8: Chiang Mai

The “Rose of the North”

Enjoy a free day to wander the streets of the former capital of the independent kingdom of Lanna. The city is full of cultural treasures and activities for all tastes. Its old town still houses the remains of ramparts and moats and as you walk you come across ancient temples on every street corner. All this offers you a magnificent contrast with the Asian modernity of this dynamic city.

Day 9: Chiang Mai

Free day

This last free day is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself before heading home. Did you enjoy your foot massage? Why not treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage that should relieve any tension. Is your palate begging for something delicious before you leave? So go and enjoy a last Pad Thai , a delicious, fragrant and subtle recipe of stir-fried noodles, in one of the city's many gourmet restaurants .

Day 10: Chiang Mai

Stars in the eyes

Free day before your return flight. Then it is with a heart full of perfume, a head full of memories and stars in your eyes that your driver takes you to Chiang Mai International Airport . This is the end of our services, Shanti Travel hopes to see you again very soon for new adventures in Asia!

Destination