Thailand

Departure from Montreal to Bangkok.

Free meals ($) and overnight on board.

Arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport.

Welcome to Bangkok, the “City of Angels”, Southeast Asia’s metropolis par excellence and the region’s most dynamic capital. This city has an extraordinary history and spirituality, where Thai temples line the riverbanks, colorful palaces glitter in the sunlight, and the river meanders through the heart of the city. Shopping enthusiasts won’t be disappointed, with top-quality handicrafts and the chance to haggle in some of Asia’s chicest shops. If you’re more of a gourmet, you’ll be delighted by the tasty dishes on offer around every corner. Your guide will give you a warm welcome before taking you to your hotel. There’s no doubt that this city will leave you with unforgettable memories!

Your English-speaking guide will welcome you with traditional jasmine flower bracelets and transfer you directly to your hotel.

Check-in at your hotel, rooms available on arrival.

The rest of the day free to recuperate.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet guide at reception at 8 a.m.

Make your own flower garland at Pak Klong Talad
In the heart of the flower market, you’ll have the chance to try your hand at one of Thailand’s ancestral arts: flower garland making. You’ll start by strolling down the market aisles to buy your flowers, with the help of your teacher for the day, who will then explain how to make your own garland.

Highlights in Bangkok
The first visit of the morning is to the Grand Palace, Thailand’s largest and most impressive royal palace. It is home to the enigmatic Emerald Buddha, the country’s most revered Buddha. The tour continues to Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, home to the famous 45-metre-long Reclining Buddha and the first school of traditional Thai massage.

Long-tail boat tour of Thonburi’s khlongs
Discover the canals, or khlongs in Thai, and explore the “Venice of Asia”. A boat tour of Thonburi, an old district of the capital, will reveal another facet of the city, far from the skyscrapers and heavy traffic of the more modern districts. Thonburi concentrates the more traditional aspect of Bangkok, with its wooden houses, surprising restaurants along the river, resplendent temples and simplicity of life. A little later, enjoy the sight of the royal barges, in gold and red, cruising the Noi Canal. Some of them are still used for festivals. Finally, you’ll reach Wat Arun, standing proudly on the Chao Phraya River.

Return to hotel and free time.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet guide at reception at 8 a.m.

Damnoen Saduak floating market
Set off early in the morning to cover the 100 kilometers between Bangkok and Damnoen Saduak, where traders sell their wares from boat to boat, or on the shore. You’ll be amazed by the sheer variety of products on sale… a perfect opportunity to exercise your negotiating skills!

Dinner in a local restaurant.

Continuation to Kanchanaburi.

Kanchanaburi is one of the most interesting destinations for war buffs, partly because of the “Death Railway” museum. Immortalized in the World War II film, A Bridge over the River Kwai, this infamous period symbolizes human courage and perseverance, underscored by the Thai-Burmese Railway Center, which traces the history of this railroad. The railway winds its way through lush jungle and calm rivers, between mountains, allowing views of the surrounding countryside.

Visit the JEATH Museum and the Bridge over the River Kwai.

Bridge over the River Kwai
Part of the terrible “Railway of Death”, built by WWII prisoners under the supervision of the Japanese army, this bridge is Kanchanaburi’s most famous site.

Hotel check-in and welcome drink.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet guide at reception at 8 a.m.

Visit Erawan National Park
At the end of a hike through the luxuriant Erawan National Park, you’ll reach the thundering Erawan waterfalls. Polished by crystal-clear waters, the rocks form small azure pools. This is the ideal place to recharge your batteries and let the waters carry you through this splendid setting, before starting the return walk.

Duration :

• Distance and duration of hike: 4 kilometers – 2 hours
• Difference in altitude: 60 meters

Lunch in a local restaurant

Twisting train ride through picturesque countryside. Pass through the Wang Po viaduct, built into the cliffside and overlooking the river.

Return to your hotel and free time.

Dinner on your own ($).

Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet guide at reception at 8 a.m.

Rivaling the splendor of Cambodia’s Angkor, Indonesia’s Borobudur and Myanmar’s Bagan, Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam, is Thailand’s most charming ancient city. Despite its tragic fate, the ruined temples bear witness to its past beauty and the influence of religion. Very different from the beaches of southern Thailand, this site was already attracting travellers and merchants centuries ago, and its charm is sure to surprise you.

Explore the fabulous ruins of Ayutthaya, the city destroyed in 1767 by the Burmese army. Wat Chai Wattanaram, one of Ayutthaya’s most imposing ruins.

Lunch at a local restaurant in the Bang Lan market.

You’ll visit the magnificent Wat Phra Ram, Wat Na Phramane with its lotus-ended columns and Wat Phra Si Samphet, whose chedis were the burial place of kings.

Check-in at your hotel and free time.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet guide at reception at 8 a.m.

Visit to Wat Tha Sung – 10.45 am to 11.30 am
Leaving Ayutthaya and crossing the central plains, you’ll stop in Uthai Thani to visit the Tha Sung temple, one of Thailand’s most impressive and often called the “glass temple” because of its ornate glass interior.

Sakaekrang River – Lunch cruise – 12 noon to 1:30 pm
Embark on a boat cruise on the Sakaekrang River to see the traditional way of life and floating houses of the locals along the river. This unspoilt destination is a relic of Thailand decades ago, with its slow pace and picturesque landscape.

You’ll then continue on to Sukhothai, your final destination for today. Sukhothai is where it all began: Thailand’s first great kingdom; the cradle of this fabulous culture; and the beginning of a great civilization. The ancient city of Sukhothai, recognized by UNESCO, is the perfect representation of the Asian sites that have lulled the dreams of explorers young and old. Marvel at the glorious, grandiose Buddha statues and beautifully sculpted elephants supporting an imposing stupa. However, Sukhothai should not be reduced to this atmosphere alone. Indeed, far beyond the beauty of its temples, it remains one of Thailand’s oldest cities and is also of great importance in the establishment of Thai architecture, art, culture and spirituality.

Once you’ve settled into your hotel, the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet guide at reception at 8 a.m.

Sukhothai Historical Park (Sukhothai Historical Park)
Thailand’s ancient capital, the magnificent Sukhothai, founded in the 13th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cradle of Thai art and architecture, you’ll see superb engraved elephants supporting a high stupa, and magnificent representations of Buddha. Sukhothai, nicknamed “Dawn of Happiness”, is a masterpiece that opens travellers’ eyes to the country’s rich history.

Continuation to Phrae.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Visit to Vongburi House
Vongburi House, built of teak wood, belonged to the last prince of Phrae and was built between 1897 and 1907. This astonishing two-storey house boasts superb balconies, beautifully carved doors and windows. Inside, 19th-century teakwood antiques are on display.

Road to Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai is known as the city of artists, who exhibit their works of art in galleries and studios next to their homes. They help to give this city, already famous for its history, an exceptional contemporary artistic dimension. Chiang Rai province is also renowned for its tea plantations. Nestled amidst natural splendours, its mountains offer travellers many ways to discover and immerse themselves in the breathtaking environment of northern Thailand.

Check-in at the hotel, welcome drink and the rest of the evening at leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet guide at reception at 8 a.m.

History and local life in the Golden Triangle
You’ll visit the infamous Golden Triangle, the mysterious region once synonymous with drug trafficking and associated wars. The informative Hall of Opium museum perfectly illustrates the region’s history and the important role it played in the drug trade. You’ll then head for a panoramic viewpoint at Wat Pu Kao, the ideal place to overlook the mighty Mekong River and the meeting point between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. To reach your next stop, you’ll follow the banks of the Mekong to the ancient city of Chiang Saen and visit Wat Chedi Luang, a nearly 800-year-old temple that was virtually destroyed and left to decay, but is now being rebuilt.

Your destination is a local restaurant set in lush greenery where you can enjoy a delicious lunch.

After lunch, drive to Chiang Mai, capital of the North and 2nd largest city in Thailand.

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Today, visit the marvelous Wat Rong Khun, or White Temple, a temple unique in northern Thailand. Its jagged spires emerge from a lush garden, and the temple’s brilliant white stands out like white fire. With its reflection in the pond, this elegant work of art is a combination of traditional and contemporary architecture, created by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

Check-in at the hotel, welcome drink. The rest of the evening at your leisure.

Lunch in a local restaurant and dinner on your own ($).

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meet guide at reception at 8 a.m.

Tea plantation in Araksa
At the plantation, you’ll be greeted by a tea expert who will explain the various methods and processes involved in growing young plants. A little later, the pluckers will guide you between the plants to show you how to select the leaves. At the roasting station, you’ll discover the art of making tea by hand, from wilting to final roasting. Once this stage is complete, you can enjoy a cup of tea (from the plantation!) with a delicious Thai snack.
Duration: 2 hours

Lunch at Araksa.
Departure for the discovery of an elephant camp “Mae Sa”. Drive through the beautiful countryside north of Chiang Mai to the elephant camp, where you’ll learn how to care for the pachyderms. Here, the mahout will give you essential information about Thailand’s elephants. A little later, you’ll begin your elephant adventure by donning the traditional mahout outfit and gaining a better understanding of how these animals live and behave. Then it’s time to feed them bananas and sugar cane and give them a few basic commands.

Return to your hotel and free time before your evening in a songthaew.

An evening in Chiang Mai by songthaew
In the late afternoon, you’ll set off to explore the city of Chiang Mai by songthaew, a local converted van that you’ll see everywhere. Start your exploration by the river, strolling along the flower market and discovering the rich commercial history of this district. Then, passing lively streets and famous landmarks, your songthaew will take you into the old city center, where you’ll visit one of Chiang Mai’s iconic temples. You’ll make a short stop at a public park where locals and expats alike go to exercise after their day’s work – an ideal place for people-watching. Many activities are organized, from yoga to takraw to badminton. There are even free aerobics classes! Then hop back into your songthaew and head to a local restaurant by the river.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

End the evening in this picturesque riverside setting, savoring delicious local dishes.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day at your leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day at your leisure.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Chiang Mai airport for your flight to Krabi.

On arrival, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the hotel. Check-in and welcome drink.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free days to enjoy the magnificent white sand beach.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Depending on flight schedule, transfer to Krabi airport and return flight to Bangkok.

On arrival at Suvarnabhumi airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred directly to the hotel.

Check-in at the hotel.

Transfer to Suvarnabhumi airport with your guide.

Check-in and flight to Montreal.