12-Day Discovery of Siam, French-speaking guide

Upon arrival in Bangkok, proceed to the meeting point at Gate 6 on the 2nd floor of the international arrivals terminal, where you will be greeted and assisted by our representative before being transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free at leisure, so you can take time to relax and enjoy a traditional Thai massage at one of the nearby massage shops or visit Asiatique The Riverfront, a vibrant market filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, located along the Chao Phraya River beside the Ferris wheel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Early morning departure to visit the Mae Klong Market, uniquely set along an active railway track. Several times a day, vendors swiftly clear the tracks as the train passes through, before returning to business as usual. Continue to a floating market and board small canoes to navigate the canals. Disembark and enjoy free time to explore the market. Stop at a coconut sugar farm before continuing to Kanchanaburi, known as the “City of Gold.” Lunch is served on a floating raft on the River Kwai. Visit the Jeath War Museum, followed by a train ride on the historic Death Railway running alongside the river. Dinner is served on a floating raft.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Early departure to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam. Visit Wat Phra Mongkhon Bophit, home to one of the largest bronze Buddha images in Thailand (or Wat Panan Chaoeng if closed). Continue to Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the former royal temple, and Wat Lokaya Sutharam with its impressive reclining Buddha. Lunch features Thai specialties, including a tasting of mu sap bai kraphao, stir-fried minced pork with basil. Continue north to Phitsanulok, which served as the capital of Thailand for 25 years.

Overnight in Phitsanulok.

After breakfast visit Wat Phra Buddha Chinnaraj, housing a revered 13th-century Buddha image considered among the most beautiful in Thailand. Depart for Sukhothai, meaning “Dawn of Bliss,” the ancient capital of Siam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit key monuments from the 13th century, including Wat Mahathat and Wat Sra Sri, as well as the local museum. Lunch with Thai specialties. Continue to the Na Ton Chan village tour by E-Tak, the local vehicle, to see the way of life in the village, watch the making of dolls, the floating house and the rice fields. Afterwards, drive to Phrae.

Overnight in Phrae.

Depart for Chiang Rai with a stop at Phae Muang Phi, a natural geological site in Phrae Province, renowned for its unusual rock formations shaped by wind and rain over thousands of years. The mysterious landscape is often compared to a “ghost town,” which is why it is known as Phae Muang Phi, meaning “Ghost Town.” Stop at Phayao Lake before lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Chiang Rai and visit the White Temple, known for its flashy appearance. This Buddhist temple, glittering with thousands of small mirrors, created by a contemporary artist, displays sophisticated and jagged architecture and welcomes you with statues that reference pop culture. It will not leave you indifferent!

Overnight in Chiang Rai.

Head north to the Golden Triangle region, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet along the Mekong River, historically associated with the opium trade. Visit the House of Opium Museum, illustrating the history and impact of the drug trade. Drive through lush countryside to Choui Fong Tea Plantation, where tea fields cascade across the hillsides. After lunch featuring local specialties, continue to Thaton. Visit a local village to observe traditional weaving techniques and participate in a demonstration of local craftsmanship. In the evening, enjoy a demonstration of traditional cuisine, followed by a Hmong dance performance and dinner.

Overnight in Thaton.

Depart for Doi Poo Meun village, home to the Lahu Red minority. Access the village by local pick up vehicle. Discover traditional village life and enjoy a special lunch prepared using bamboo and banana leaves. In the afternoon, continue to Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second largest city.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

This morning, enjoy an introduction to Thai cuisine at Mama Noi Thai Cooking School. Visit the organic garden to select fresh ingredients before preparing traditional dishes. Lunch consists of the meals you have prepared, and you will receive a small recipe book. In the afernoon, drive through forested mountain roads to Doi Suthep. Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the most sacred temple in northern Thailand. Learn about its history and admire the chedi and murals. Return to Chiang Mai and stroll through Nimmanhaemin, a trendy district known for its creative atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a traditional kantoke dinner accompanied by an ethnic dance performance.

Overnight in Chiang Mai.

This morning, visit the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Learn about the elephants’ lifestyle and ethical conservation practices. You may observe and feed the elephants, with interactions kept limited out of respect for their well-being. Return to Chiang Mai and transfer to the train station for an overnight air-conditioned sleeper train to Bangkok. Dinner box will be provided.

Remark: If the train service is unavailable for any unforeseen reason, the transfer will be replaced by the most comfortable coach available.

Overnight on the train.

Arrival at the Bangkok train station and transfer to the hotel for breakfast. Depart by sky train and local boat for a full day sightseeing tour. Visit the Royal Palace, founded in 1782, and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha. Continue to Wat Pho to see the impressive reclining Buddha, measuring 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf. Lunch includes a tasting of pad Thai. In the afternoon, explore Chinatown, including Yaowarat Road and its lively local market. Dinner at a riverside restaurant with a tasting of moo satay.

Overnight in Bangkok.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure to discover the city on your own or choose to join an optional excursion.

Overnight in Bangkok.