Central Thailand, Bangkok

Bangkok and surrounding area with extension to Koh Samet in three and four-star hotels

Arrival in Bangkok. Welcome!

You will be met at the airport by our local representative at gate number 10 in the arrivals hall, who will guide you to your vehicle and transfer you to your hotel (room available from 2 p.m.).

Check-in and free time for leisure and relaxation. Make your own dining arrangements. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, meet your local English-speaking guide in the lobby of your hotel and set off to explore the city and the historic district of Bangkok by local public transport (metro, tuk-tuk, boat, etc.).

You will start your tour with the majestic Royal Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) with its jade Buddha statue, which is a real favourite with anyone visiting Thailand (Note regarding the dress code: for religious reasons, ladies must have their shoulders covered and must avoid wearing shorts or skirts that are too short. Shoes must be removed before entering the Temple of the Emerald Buddha).

Then, set off to discover the Wat Po Temple, founded in the 16th century. The great reclining Buddha of Wat Po, measuring 45 metres long and 15 metres high and covered in gold leaf, represents Buddha as he enters Nirvana.

Make your own lunch arrangements. In the afternoon, departure for a boat trip through the Klongs of Thonburi, the ancient capital on the water. You'll discover traditional life along the canals. Then a stroll through the lively Chinatown district.

Return to the hotel and make your own dinner arrangements.

Breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a bike ride to Bang Krachao located 5 minutes by boat from Bangkok City Centre, Bang Kachao Island - also known as the green lung of Bangkok - offers a bike ride full of surprises and a change of scenery. It's quiet, it's green and gives you the impression of being 1,000 miles from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive to the Maeklong Market on the railway tracks close to the train terminal. Take a stroll along the tracks to visit the colourful market and see how quickly the traders pack up their stalls for the train scheduled to pass through at around 8:30 a.m. Drive to Kanchanaburi and board the Bridge of the River Kwai Death Train: Famous the world over, thanks to photos, films, and books, the metal bridge was imported from Java by the Japanese army and reassembled on site by prisoners of war.

Arrival at Krasae station. Drive to the kayak activity (1 hour).

Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day free.

Make your own dining arrangements, and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, your driver will take you to Elephants World, an association that rescues and helps elephants (approx. 45 min drive). You will help the staff collect the food to feed the animals in their natural environment.

Make your way down to the river bank. The Mahout, an elephant specialist, will teach you how to give the pachyderms a proper bath. Go ahead and jump right in! Join in the fun and scrub these adorable giants as they splash about. A memorable experience that will stay with the whole family.

Lunch at the sanctuary and return to the hotel. Free afternoon.

Make your own arrangements for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, drive to Erawan National Park, famous for its 7-tier waterfalls. The park is vast, covered in lush jungle inhabited by monkeys, and has signposted paths winding through the exotic natural environment. The ascent is marked by various landings with natural pools of turquoise water where swimming is permitted. The journey through this lush tropical vegetation takes 1.5 hours (3-hour round trip) if you go as far as the 7th level (you need to be in good physical condition, but the effort is well worth it).

Make your own lunch arrangements around the park.

Return to your hotel and enjoy some free time.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, drive to Ayutthaya (approx. 3 hrs), previously the capital of Siam from the 14th century prior to being completely destroyed by the Burmese. Follow your guide who will take you on a tour of the main ruins: visit the Mahathat Temple, probably the most visited monument on account of the Buddha's head entangled in the roots of a large tree. Afterwards, visit the Wat Phanan Choeng, best known for its enormous seated Buddha, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country.

Check-in at your hotel and the rest of the day free.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out and unguided departure for Koh Samet for your beach holiday.

Arrival in Koh Samet and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Take the opportunity to relax or explore the surrounding area.

Make your own dining arrangements, and overnight stay at the hotel.

NB: National Park entrance fees (not included) must be paid locally.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day.

On-site activities:

• Scooter hire
• Boat trip
• Diving/snorkeling
• Traditional Thai massage...

Make your own dining arrangements. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day.

Make your own dining arrangements. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day to enjoy the last of the island's treasures.

Make your own dining arrangements. Overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free morning. At midday, you will have to vacate your room.

Unguided transfer from your hotel to Bangkok International Airport for your return flight.

Visa / passport

Before travelling to Thailand, you must ensure the following, otherwise immigration police will systematically refuse entry into the country:

the validity of your passport, which must run for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Thailand;

the condition and legibility of your passport: in the event of any anomaly, the traveller may be refused entry to Thailand without any possible intervention by the respective embassy.

Since 15 July 2024, French nationals holding an ordinary passport can now stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, for tourism purposes only, compared with 30 days as was previously the case.

For more information, visit the website of the Thai Embassy in France: http://www.thaiembassy.fr/fr/visa-rdv/infos-generales/ (http://www.thaiembassy.fr/fr/visa-rdv/infos-generales/)

WARNING: Any passport reported lost or stolen to the relevant authorities, whether in France, Thailand, or elsewhere, is automatically reported as invalid. Holders of any such passport will be refused entry or permission to exit Thailand by the Thai immigration police.

We also strongly recommend that you take out an insurance policy covering the entire duration of your stay abroad before you travel.

Transfers and guide services:

Round-trip airport-hotel transfers and the transfers mentioned in the itinerary are included and areprovided in a private air-conditioned vehicle with driver.

You will be accompanied by a local English-speaking guide on all included tours.

Health:

No vaccinations are compulsory, however, certain vaccinations are recommended: make sure you are up to date with your usual vaccinations, as well as those for the areas you will be visiting.

It is recommended that you are up to date with your diphtheria-tetanus-polio (DTP) and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations. Vaccination against tuberculosis is also advisable.

Currency:

The official currency is the Thai baht (THB). Its symbol is ฿. As of 28 October 2024, EUR 1 = THB 36.5240.

Other (religion/culture):

• Dress code: When visiting temples or other religious monuments, women are required to wear modest clothing. Avoid exposing your shoulders and legs. It is also occasionally requested that one remove one's shoes in temples.
• Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory in Thailand, but it is a widespread practice and is much appreciated. We recommend that you bring some change to tip the guides/drivers.