Thai Essence in a Small Group - Nomadays

Thailand

Thai Essence in a Small Group

After visiting Bangkok and Ayutthaya, we head to Chiang Rai, where we stay for 3 nights to explore the city and its surroundings. This mountainous region, at the border of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, lies at the confluence of the Mekong and is home to many ethnic minorities. The beauty of the rice field landscapes is matched only by the smiles of the people living in this region.

We then move on to Chiang Mai, the beauty of the North with its lively streets, ancient temples, and enchanting...

See more

Day 1Welcome and free visit of Bangkok

Day 1Welcome and free visit of Bangkok

  • Welcome by our team, then transfer to your hotel. Rooms available from 2:00 pm.

    The rest of the day is free.

  • We are staying for 2 nights in a Deluxe room at the Arte Hotel in the modern Asoke district. This modern 4-star hotel will charm you with its rooftop infinity pool.

Day 2The "Venice of the East"

Day 2The "Venice of the East"

  • Departure in the morning to reach the pier and take the public boat-buses to the center, on the right bank and the Pak Klong Talad flower market district.

  • We start our day with a visit to the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782, which includes several magnificent buildings, including the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which houses a beautiful Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century.

  • Then, we walk to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, to see its reclining Buddha.

  • We then cross the river by a small boat to visit Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn," located on the right bank.

  • Private traditional long-tail boat taxi ride on the Chao Phraya River, one of the most important rivers in the country. Discover the Venice of the East and the traditional life of the city's inhabitants, half of whom still live by the water.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
1h 45m-100km
15m-15km
1h 15m-80km

Day 3Market Day

Day 3Market Day

  • Early morning wake-up to head to the outskirts of Bangkok, to the colorful, lively, and flavorful floating market of Damnoen Saduak.

    By boat, along the narrow canals of the market, we discover the stalls of goods joyfully swaying on the water. We negotiate for fresh fruits, clothing, or Thai masks from a wooden boat with vendors proudly wearing straw hats and vibrant dresses.

  • We then head to the town of Amphawa, a small town just 15 minutes from Damnoen Saduak that lives by the rhythm of its markets and small river commerce.

    We visit Wat Bang Kung (Kai Bang Kung), commonly known as the Banyan Tree Temple, named so since its chapel was enveloped by the roots and branches of a banyan tree.

    In its gardens, we can notably observe life-sized representations of wrestlers, commemorating the Battle of Ayutthaya between Thailand and Burma at the end of the 13th century.

  • We cannot leave Amphawa without making a brief stop at the Maeklong Market, where, four times a day, the fruit and vegetable stalls are hastily folded up as the train passes through the market. (Train passes at 5:00 PM)

    Finally, we return to Bangkok after a day full of experiences at Thailand's markets.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
1h-65km
Bang Pa-In
1h-25km

Day 4Ayutthaya, former capital of the kingdom

Day 4Ayutthaya, former capital of the kingdom

  • We set off to explore the Bang Pa-in Palace, built in the 17th century and abandoned after the destruction of Ayutthaya. The palace was restored and expanded in the mid-19th century by the King, who made it his summer residence.

  • From the palace, we will travel to Ayutthaya by traditional boat on the river. Along the way, we will discover the Thai way of life along the water, the wooden stilt houses, the rice barge convoys towed to Bangkok warehouses, and the temple spires pointing towards the sky.

    We will arrive in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Siam.

  • After lunch, we'll explore the historic center of the city, including Wat Mahathat , dating back to the late 14th century. We'll then continue to Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which once served as the royal temple and is the largest in the city. Finally, we'll visit Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, famous for its reclining Buddha.

    The afternoon in Ayutthaya will be guided by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • Settling in for the night at the Krungsri River Hotel in a Deluxe room.

1h 30m-800km

Day 5Flight to Chiang Rai

Day 5Flight to Chiang Rai

  • Your driver will take you to the airport for your domestic flight.

  • We fly to Chiang Rai, our first stop in the north of the country. Upon arrival at the airport, we are greeted by our guide and driver. Transfer to the hotel.

  • We begin our stay with a visit to the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun "White Temple," a contemporary creation by one of Thailand's most famous artists: Chalermchai Kositpipat.

    In reality, while the site mimics the appearance of a religious complex, its purpose is quite different: the nine buildings house extraordinary works of art, from meditating Buddha statues to pop culture idols like Michael Jackson, as well as murals celebrating the doctrines of Theravada Buddhism. Its pristine white color gives the building a unique and surprising charm.

  • Continuing to Wat Rong Sua Ten, also known as the "Blue Temple," in Chiang Rai. This temple is the work of a disciple of the architect Chalermchai.

    There, you'll observe sculptures of Buddha in lotus position, as well as figures of demons and legendary nagas, half human and half serpent, along with paintings illustrating the events of Gautama's earthly life.

  • Our day concludes with a visit to Wat Huay Pla Kung, often mistakenly referred to as the Grand Buddha of Chiang Rai due to its large white statue, which is actually a representation of the Goddess of Mercy. The temple is also nicknamed the "9-Story Temple" because of its 9-story pagoda, which can be climbed to the top for a view of the surrounding rice fields.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • Overnight at Nak Nakara for 3 nights.

1h-55km
1h 30m-80km

Day 6The Golden Triangle

Day 6The Golden Triangle

  • In the early morning, we meet our accompanying team, then depart towards the Mekong River and the Golden Triangle, the point where the Thai, Burmese, and Laotian borders converge, taking the route along the banks of the Mekong.

  • At the port, we board a taxi boat and cruise for about an hour on the waters of the Mekong.

    Continuing along the Mekong banks to a viewpoint overlooking the Mekong and the huge "decadent Sino-Roman style" casino on the Laotian bank of the river.

  • Visit to the splendid Hall of Opium Museum, built into the side of one of the hills overlooking the Mekong Valley.

  • On the way back, we make a stop in small villages of the Yao and Akha communities. If time and your inclination allow, we can also visit a Padaung community, a mountain people and a branch of the Karenni ethnic group, originally from neighboring Myanmar, who have found refuge in Thailand. The women of this community are known for wearing the famous golden spiral collars that give the impression of elongated necks.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
    
1h 15m-55km
1h 30m-60km
Thaton
3h-80km

Day 7The Mae Salong tea plantations

Day 7The Mae Salong tea plantations

  • Departure for Mae Salong (25 to 30 km of mountain road), region of the villages of Chinese refugees from the last century and large tea plantations.

    Visit to the 101 Tea Plantation - stroll in the small village of Santikiri to discover the history of the KMT refugees - refugees from the former KuoMingTang army fleeing the end of the civil war in China.

  • We continue our journey through the mountains to Tha Ton, a charming village located not far from the Burmese border. With its hill tribes, picturesque guesthouses, and unique setting along the Kok River, it has all the charm to captivate you. The road to get there is equally stunning, with its valleys, hills, and lush green rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see.

  • From Thaton, we board our long-tail boat and begin our cruise on the Kok River, which will take us back to Chiang Rai. Along the way, you will appreciate the magnificent landscapes of the region, the life of the villagers, and observe herds of water buffaloes cooling off in the muddy waters, as well as a rich and varied birdlife.

    Halfway through, we stop at a tribal village to rest and buy some cold drinks.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
    
2h 55m-175km

Day 8First steps into the beauty of the North

Day 8First steps into the beauty of the North

  • Early departure for Chiang Mai, the beauty of the North and former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, which enchants us with its way of life, hundreds of temples, cuisine, smiles, and traditions.

  • On our way to Chiang Mai, we will stop at the village of Bo Sang, renowned throughout Thailand for its artisanal production of Sa paper umbrellas. This art, originally from Burma, was brought here over a century ago by a monk.

    We begin our visit at the Umbrella Making Center, where several artisans work on each step of the umbrella-making process (structure construction, pattern painting, etc.).

    We will then explore other small workshops in the little streets, whether for umbrella making, Sa paper production, or other crafts (silver and wood work).

  • Today, we explore the magnificent Doi Suthep Temple, located in the mountains at an altitude of 1200 meters.

    This beautiful Buddhist temple invites you to pious meditation in an atmosphere filled with silence and mysticism, where every stone, every statue, and every step reveals an aspect of Buddhism.

  • We'll be staying at the De Lanna Hotel for 3 nights in Deluxe room.

Day 9Biking & Cooking Class

Day 9Biking & Cooking Class

  • This morning, we'll explore the "Rose of the North" by bike.

    Starting from the famous Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai, with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, we'll venture into the city's traditional small streets and alleys. You'll discover numerous ancient temples, monks going about their daily routines, lively markets, and the daily lives of the locals, including artisans from mountain communities who will be busy with their tasks as we cycle through their neighborhoods, under their curious eyes.

    This activity will be in a small group accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.
    
  • In the late afternoon, we head to a traditional cooking class conducted in French in the countryside, outside the city, in an old Lanna-style house.

    Note: Vegetarian or vegan dishes available.
    

    On the menu:

    • Tom Kha Gai (lemongrass chicken coconut soup)
    • Pad Thai (Thai-style fried rice noodles)
    • Nam Prik Ong (spicy pork and tomato relish: a typical dish from Northern Thailand)
    • Khao Soi Gai (curry noodle soup with chicken: a typical dish from Northern Thailand)

    For dessert, we enjoy Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango).

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Lanna Hotel

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: De Lanna Hotel

Day 10With Elephants

Day 10With Elephants

  • Early in the morning, we head to an elephant sanctuary located in the tropical forest of the Mae Kampong Valley, an hour's drive north of Chiang Mai.

    After a short walk, we arrive at the camp and meet our guide who teaches us more about these majestic mammals and leads us to meet them. We feed and play with them before accompanying them to the river for a bath. Return to Chiang Mai in the early afternoon.

    Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
    
  • The rest of the day is free. Take the opportunity to stroll through the old town center, including a visit to the stunning Wat Sri Suphan Temple, located in the Wualai Silver Street district. This temple is entirely covered with silver and other metals, and you can see artisans working with metal on-site.

    Unaccompanied activity.
    

Day 11Krabi and its Coast

Day 11Krabi and its Coast

  • Our driver will take you to Chiang Mai Airport, where we will fly to the south/west of Thailand, to the Andaman Coast.

  • We board our flight to Krabi, where we will reach Ao Nang, a lively seaside resort.

    With its postcard-perfect scenery, the region is characterized by its karst peaks and numerous islands surrounded by incredibly beautiful turquoise waters.

    The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beauty of the area.

  • 3 nights at Pakasai Resort in a Deluxe Chalet.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Lanna Hotel

Accommodation: Pakasai Resort

Day 12Private cruise to the 4 islands

Day 12Private cruise to the 4 islands

  • From our hotel, we head to the docks for a full-day excursion to the 4 islands.

    By long-tail boat, we first head to Phra Nang Bay, an isolated peninsula at the end of Railay Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand.

    We explore Phra Nang Cave, learning about its origins and local fishing traditions before relaxing on a beautiful beach.

    Back on the boat, we head to local islands for a small beach where you can enjoy some local specialties (buffet lunch). The program includes snorkeling, visiting the picturesque small islands in the region, and stopping at secluded beaches away from mass tourism (Koh Poda, Koh Tup, and Chicken Islands). Finally, we head to the main beach of Koh Poda to end the day beautifully with a sunset aperitif. On the return trip, enjoy a night snorkel in luminescent plankton: a unique experience.

    Private cruise.
    
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Pakasai Resort

Accommodation: Pakasai Resort

Day 13Free day

Day 13Free day

  • Enjoy this free day in Ao Nang to relax on the beach, make use of your hotel's facilities, and admire the stunning coast. You can also visit the beautiful Railay Beach just minutes away or take an excursion to the surrounding islands. Among the possible excursions:

    • Discover Railay Beach and Phra Nang Bay
    • Cruise to the Phi Phi Islands
    • Cruise to Phang Nga Bay or Koh Hong Island
    • Cruise to the 4 Islands
    • Explore the hinterland: Emerald Pool, hot springs, Tiger Cave Temple
    • Bike ride on Ko Klang Island
    • Cooking class
    • Massage and spas, etc.
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Pakasai Resort

Accommodation: Pakasai Resort

30m-25km
1h 15m-750km

Day 14Return to the City of Angels

Day 14Return to the City of Angels

  • Free morning to enjoy a bit more of the laid-back lifestyle of Southern Thailand. Transfer to Krabi Airport (1 hour).

  • We board our return flight to Bangkok. Transfer to your hotel and rest.

  • Settling in at the Shanghai Mansion, a boutique hotel ideally located in the heart of the capital's Chinatown.

  • In the evening, you can freely stroll through the Chinatown district, wander the alleys overflowing with all kinds of shops. In the early evening, the night market sets up on Yaowarat Road and its illuminated side streets, bringing new life to the neighborhood. You will find all kinds of Thai and Chinese specialties for dinner there.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Pakasai Resort

Accommodation: Shanghai Mansion

Departure

Day 15See you soon in Thailand!

Day 15See you soon in Thailand!

  • Breakfast at the hotel. Free day and transfer to the airport at your preferred time.