Thailand by Train

Sawatdee khap! Your driver welcomes you to Thailand at the airport. You head to central Bangkok and check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore the Thai capital, and to take in the buzz of the city. In the evening, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, with a lovely night view of Bangkok.

Today is devoted to the highlights of Bangkok. Start with the sumptuous Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Next comes Wat Arun, the emblematic temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Finish with the grand Wat Pho and its gold-plated Reclining Buddha. Late in the day, set off on a peaceful cruise along the city's canals, a welcome moment of calm.

At dawn, you take a 1-hour train to the Mahachai market, then continue further south to the photogenic, unmissable Mae Klong railway market. After a stop at the Damnoen Saduak floating market, you enjoy a local lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Erawan Falls, with their crystal-clear water and waterfalls in the middle of the jungle. You spend the evening and night in Kanchanaburi.

Today you ride the legendary "Death Railway", on a surprising journey along the mountainside to Nam Tok station. Explore the Sai Yok waterfalls and visit the Krasae Caves, which offer breathtaking views. After a photo stop and a local lunch, you finish the journey to Ayutthaya by car for the end of the day.

Step into the history of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, and its emblematic temples. Start with Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in a tree, then see Wat Ratchaburana and its Khmer towers. After lunch, visit Wat Phra Si Sanphet and its stately chedis, before ending at Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon.

Today you discover the town of Lopburi, home to a large population of monkeys. After a train ride of about 1 hour from Ayutthaya, explore Phra Prang Sam Yot, with its emblematic towers, and the traditional house Ban Chaophraya Wichayen. Then see the elegant King Narai's Palace, an architectural gem of the 17th century. When the visits are over, take some time for yourself, perhaps with a delicious mango sticky rice.

After breakfast, you set off on another train journey. Through the train's big windows you watch the Thai countryside go by, and you taste the fruit and satay sold by vendors walking through the carriages. After about 3 hours you arrive in Phitsanulok, a town often overlooked yet full of charm, from Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat to Wat Nang Phaya. You then continue by car towards Sukhothai, a splendid historic town.

This morning you explore the beautiful historical park of Sukhothai. Then you board another train journey through the Thai countryside, all the way to Chiang Mai. For nearly 8 hours, green landscapes and distant mountains slide past your window. On arrival in Chiang Mai, you find a city rich in culture and traditions that has kept its authenticity.

Today you take the train to Lamphun; the ride lasts 20 minutes. You visit the Hariphunchai museum, which traces the region's fascinating history. Then you stop at the statue of the revered monk Kruba Srivichai before seeing Wat Phra That Hariphunchai and the temple of Wat Chama Thewi. You return by train to Chiang Mai for the evening and night.

At dawn, take part in the monks' alms offering, a unique spiritual experience near the grand temple of Doi Suthep, set high above the city. You then visit the peaceful Wat Palad, tucked away in the jungle. End the morning at the Warorot market, where you have a local lunch. The afternoon is free to enjoy Chiang Mai at your own pace.

Today you step into Karen culture in the green mountains around Chiang Mai. Start with an easy hike through lovely scenery of waterfalls and rivers. Then join in the village's daily activities, whether in the fields or around the houses. Discover the traditional cuisine and help prepare dishes cooked in bamboo. In the evening, you have dinner with your hosts and spend the night in one of the community's traditional homes.

You continue your authentic experience of daily Karen life, learning a little more about their culture and sharing good conversations. You can visit a local school if you wish. To close the day, a little thrill awaits: a short rafting trip on a bamboo raft down the nearby river. Return to Chiang Mai for the night.

Today, discover the mystical Chiang Dao caves and the superb Mok Fah waterfalls. Then you arrive at the village of Baan Pam Bok, home to the Shan people. Take part in unique activities such as making a traditional broom, a local cooking class, and rice planting depending on the season. End the day with a friendly dinner and a night in the village.

Begin the day with a lesson on local plants with the villagers, before visiting the Pai Canyon. Then enjoy a relaxing dip in the Sai Ngam hot springs. Continue with a visit to the historic bridge of Pai. In the afternoon, head to Chiang Mai station for the night train to Bangkok, your last rail journey of the trip. It is a unique ride of about 10 hours.

This morning, once you arrive at the station, you can take some time for yourself to do a little shopping in Bangkok. Depending on your flight time, your driver takes you to the airport, which marks the end of your trip to Thailand. See you soon on the roads of Asia.