Northern Mountains & Southern Beaches

A rich and varied experience across several iconic regions of the country.

This 12-day itinerary in Thailand begins with two days in Bangkok, where you will discover street food and visit the capital’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.

Next, head north, stopping in Ayutthaya and its historic temples, which you will explore by tuk-tuk.

An overnight train will take you to Chiang Mai, where you will enjoy a cooking class with a French-speaking chef, visit the famous temples of the old town, and explore the mountain temple of Suthep.

You will then stay with the Karen people for an immersive and memorable experience, including community activities and an ethical encounter with elephants living in semi-freedom.

Finally, relax in Khao Lak, a peaceful seaside destination on the Andaman coast, and end your journey in style with the discovery of the natural wonders of Koh Surin, both on land and underwater.

Return to Bangkok for a final night before leaving the Kingdom, your mind filled with unforgettable memories.

Bangkok – Street Food & the capital’s highlights (Day 1–2)

Welcomed by our driver at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel with a swimming pool, located in the heart of Chinatown, “Grand China BKK”.

In the early evening, meet your French-speaking guide for a private tuk-tuk food tour, discovering Bangkok’s street food scene.

The next day, meet your French-speaking guide for a private full-day tour of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha. Discover Wat Pho, famous for its massive 46-meter-long reclining golden Buddha.

After lunch in a local restaurant, you will board the Chao Phraya Express to reach the final temple of the day, the famous Wat Arun. Then enjoy a boat ride through the canals (“khlongs”) aboard a traditional longtail boat, exploring the oldest parts of Bangkok where daily life has remained largely unchanged for over a century.

Second and final night in Chinatown, in your “Superior” room.

Ayutthaya visit & overnight train to Chiang Mai (Day 3)

After breakfast and check-out, your driver will take you to Ayutthaya.

Arrival late morning and lunch at your own expense.

In the early afternoon, enjoy a tuk-tuk tour with an English-speaking driver to explore the most important temples of this former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will visit Wat Mahathat, Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Panang Choeng.

After the visit, transfer to the train station for your overnight train to Chiang Mai (second-class sleeper; first class available at extra cost and subject to availability).

Chiang Mai – Cooking class & countryside cycling (Day 4–5)

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel with a swimming pool in the city center, “Estia Chiangmai”.

Free day to relax or explore at your own pace. You can easily visit temples in the old town near your hotel (Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh), or head to Warorot Market by tuk-tuk or songthaew.

In the late afternoon, join a Thai cooking class taught in French. The dishes you prepare will be your dinner.

Return to your hotel in the evening with your recipe booklet and certificate, and overnight in your “Superior” room.

The next day, transfer to the meeting point for your countryside cycling excursion.

After a short 20-minute drive, you will arrive in a small village where your easy 5-hour bike ride begins (electric bikes available upon request and at extra cost).

You will cycle through scenic countryside, passing wooden stilt houses, rice fields, forest paths, and quiet rural roads connecting villages.

Expect charming encounters along the way, such as water buffalo crossing the road or children waving at passing cyclists.

You will visit a local school, with several breaks planned for rest, refreshments, and lunch.

Return transfer to your hotel and second night on site.

Stay in a Karen village – Local life & elephants (Day 6–7)

After breakfast, depart for a homestay experience with the Karen people, the largest hill tribe in northern Thailand.

The Karen are deeply connected to environmental preservation and mainly live from agriculture.

You will be welcomed into a comfortable guesthouse run by Pen, a Karen woman who speaks English.

After settling in, enjoy lunch before heading out to explore the village and learn about local life through interactions with residents.

Back at the house, Pen will give you a Karen cooking class, and you will enjoy the meal you prepared.

The evening ends around a campfire, often accompanied by songs and guitar.

You will spend the night in comfortable accommodation (private bathrooms, fan-cooled rooms).

The next day, enjoy an ethical encounter with elephants, considered part of the family by locals for generations.

After breakfast, Pen’s uncle will take you for a day with the elephants: feed them and bathe with them in the river before they return to the forest where they live freely.

End of your immersion experience in the early afternoon and transfer back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Final night in your “Superior” room.

From North to South – Khao Lak & the Andaman Sea (Day 8–11)

After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your late-morning flight to Phuket.

Upon arrival, transfer to Khao Lak (approx. 1h15 drive), where you will stay in your beachfront hotel with a pool, “Kokotel Khao Lak Lighthouse”.

Enjoy two free days to relax, explore the area, or take part in optional land or sea activities.

To end your seaside stay on a high note, a full-day excursion will introduce you to the wonders of Koh Surin, both above and below the water.

You will discover the Moken village (sea nomads) and explore the rich marine life through three snorkeling sessions.

Return to Bangkok (Day 12) & departure

After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Phuket airport for your early afternoon flight to Bangkok Don Mueang.

Transfer from Don Mueang Airport to your hotel, “Klub Hotel”, located near the Airport Rail Link for easy access to Suvarnabhumi Airport the next day.

End of our services.