Thailand at Christmas - Nomadays

Thailand

Thailand at Christmas

After visiting Bangkok and Ayutthaya, we head to Chiang Mai, the "Rose of the North," where we stay for 3 nights to explore the city and its surroundings. This mountainous region at the confluence of the Mekong River, bordering Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, is home to many ethnic minorities. The beauty of the rice fields is only matched by the smiles of the people inhabiting this region.

Next, we fly towards the Andaman coast, where we will discover the spectacular Khao Sok National Park before r...

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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 3 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 wake-up to head to the colorful, lively, and flavorful floating market of Damnoen Saduak in the suburbs of Bangkok.

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

  • Then, a half-day of discovering life in the mangroves. By boat, we explore this fragile ecosystem. During our excursion, we discover the way of life of the fishermen (here clam fishing is done from a surfboard) and visit a shellfish farm.

    Lunch of specialties.

  • We then head to the town of Amphawa, a small town 15 minutes from Damnoen Saduak, which lives to the rhythm of its markets and its small river trade.
    Visit to the Maeklong market, where four times a day, the fruit and vegetable stalls hastily fold up as the train passes through the market. (Train passes at 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM)
    Finally, we return to Bangkok after a day spent exploring Thailand's markets.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
  • In the evening, dinner on a cruise boat on the .

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Arte Hotel

Lunch: Homestay

Accommodation: Arte Hotel

1h-65km
Bang Pa-In
1h-25km
40m-45km
Bangkok - Don Muang
1h 15m-750km

Day 4Ayutthaya, ancient capital of the kingdom

Day 4Ayutthaya, ancient capital of the kingdom

  • We set out to discover the Bang Pa-in Palace, built in the 17th century and left 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.
    
  • In the late afternoon, we head back to Don Mueang Airport where you will take your flight to Chiang Mai and transfer to your hotel.

  • Settle in for 4 nights at the De Chai The Deco Hotel.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Arte Hotel

Accommodation: De Chai The Deco Hotel

Day 5First steps in the beauty of the North

Day 5First steps in the beauty of the North

  • In the morning, we make a detour to the Warorot Market, where you can find all kinds of specialties from northern Thailand, such as Sai ua (northern Thai sausage), Moo yo (traditional Vietnamese pork sausage), Nam phrik num (green chili paste from northern Thailand), and dried fruits, etc. In addition to local food, you can also find clothing, ceramics, fabrics, embroidery supplies, flowers, etc.

  • We then head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent Doi Suthep Temple, located on the mountain at 1,200 meters above sea level.

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

    On the way, a stop at the Wat Pha Lat Temple.

  • Finally, we will end our day with a visit to the Wat Umong temple, an underground Buddhist temple from the 13th century. Nestled at the foot of the Doi Suthep mountains, Wat Umong is a haven of peace.

    Discover the history of the monastery, walk through old underground tunnels, and take the time to talk with the resident monks.

    The day will be guided by an English-speaking guide.
    
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Chai The Deco Hotel

Accommodation: De Chai The Deco Hotel

Day 6Bike ride & Cooking class

Day 6Bike ride & 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 Chai The Deco Hotel

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: De Chai The Deco Hotel

Day 7In the company of elephants

Day 7In the company of 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 this opportunity to stroll around the center of the old town, including a visit to the stunning Wat Sri Suphan temple, located in the silversmiths' street of Wualai. This temple is entirely covered with silver plates and other metals; you can see artisans working on metal on-site.

    Unaccompanied activity
    
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Chai The Deco Hotel

Accommodation: De Chai The Deco Hotel

2h 5m-1450km

Day 8Khao Sok National Park

Day 8Khao Sok National Park

  • Early in the morning, we take our flight to Phuket.

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

  • Arrival in Phuket, where we will meet our driver who will take us to the Khao Sok National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the country, thanks in particular to its large emerald green lake Chiew Larn and its limestone peaks that could sometimes make you think you are in Halong Bay in Vietnam. Rivers, caves, waterfalls, tree houses… complete the picturesque landscapes of the area.

  • Half-day educational jungle trek or night safari depending on your arrival time. This is an opportunity to learn more about the wildlife and flora of the National Park (3 hours).

    Activity accompanied by a local English-speaking guide in a small group.
    
  • Settle in for the night at the Khao Sok Paradise Resort in a Threelodge.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: De Chai The Deco Hotel

Accommodation: Khao Sok Paradise Resort

Day 9Khao Sok National Park

Day 9Khao Sok National Park

  • 10:30 AM - We then head to the Chiew Larn Lake. From there, a boat awaits us to transfer us to our floating accommodation.

    We have some free time to swim in the clear waters of the lake.

    In the late afternoon, let's enjoy a last boat excursion to watch the sunset. Return to the floating resort for dinner.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Khao Sok Paradise Resort

Accommodation: Kheeree Thara

Day 10Departure for the islands!

Day 10Departure for the islands!

  • This morning, we go on a safari to observe the surrounding wildlife, then return to the bungalow for our morning snack. We have some free time to enjoy the lake, with the option of canoeing.

    After breakfast, we leave this place to return to dry land.

  • At the dock, our vehicle awaits to take us to Koh Lanta, a charming archipelago consisting of 2 main islands located in the Andaman Sea. Discovered by the French through the famous television show of the same name, Koh Lanta still resists the invasion of large infrastructures and has managed to preserve its beautiful wild beaches. Whether for a family trip or a romantic getaway, Koh Lanta captivates with its lush nature, coconut palm-lined beaches, and turquoise waters.

  • Transfer to your resort, the Anda Lanta Resort, where we will stay for 3 nights in a Deluxe room with a sea view.

Day 11Relaxation on the island of Koh Lanta

Day 11Relaxation on the island of Koh Lanta

  • We are enjoying a day of freedom on the beautiful Koh Lanta. Take the opportunity to explore the interior of the island or simply laze by your pool or on the white sandy beach.

Day 12Snorkeling cruise in the 4 Islands

Day 12Snorkeling cruise in the 4 Islands

  • We are setting off today for a speedboat cruise to the 4 islands located south of Koh Lanta: Koh Chuek, Koh Mook, Koh Ngai, and Koh Maa.

    Departure around 8:30 a.m. from your hotel to Koh Lanta Old Town, where we will board our boat with the captain and our English-speaking guide.

    We will sail for about 45 minutes to our first island, Koh Chuek, where we will have our first snorkeling session to observe marine life. In its crystal-clear waters, you will discover a wide range of tropical fish and corals.

    We will then continue to Koh Mook, known for its Emerald Cave and its inland lagoon.

    Lunch on Koh Ngai before heading to Koh Maa, further west, a prime diving spot (tank and snorkel) for a final diving session before returning to Koh Lanta.

    Return to Koh Lanta in the late afternoon and back to your hotel.

    Group activity accompanied by an English-speaking guide.
    
Meal and accommodations

Lunch: Buffet of Thai specialties

Accommodation: Anda Lanta Resort

2h 30m-90km
1h 15m-750km

Day 13Back in the City of Angels and Departure

Day 13Back in the City of Angels and Departure

  • Free morning to enjoy a few more moments at your hotel and on the beach. Departure from the hotel in the mid-afternoon for Krabi Airport.

  • We board our return flight to Bangkok. Transfer to your hotel and the rest of the day is free.

  • 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.

Departure

Day 14See you soon in Thailand!

Day 14See you soon in Thailand!

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