13-day tour - Unusual Thailand and diving at the most beautiful sites

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Bangkok - Visit of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Wat Traimit.

  We will be waiting for you at Bangkok airport. You have nothing to worry about, the airport is simple and, once you exit, you are automatically directed to gate 3 where everyone waits for arrivals. We will have a sign with the indication "SIAM HOLIDAYS", so there is no chance of missing us. Once we have welcomed you, we will take our van to go to our hotel. The hotel is located in one of the most popular districts of Bangkok. Comfortable, it has the advantage of being quite close to all the visits planned in the program. Free morning to settle into the hotel. Around noon, we will go for lunch near the Grand Palace, which we will visit at the beginning of the afternoon, as well as Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Probably the most visited monument in Thailand, the Grand Palace of Bangkok is the place every visitor must go at least once in their life. The construction of the Grand Palace began in 1782 under the reign of King Rama I, founder of the Chakri dynasty, to become a royal residence. Since then, it has been the greatest architectural symbol of Thailand. The Grand Palace served as an important royal residence until 1925 and is now used only for ceremonial purposes. We will then go to the Chinatown district to visit the Wat Traimit temple, which houses the largest solid gold statue (Buddha statue) in the world, weighing 5.5 tons, and whose history is astonishing. We will have dinner in Chinatown.

• day 2

  Excursion in the klongs - Visit to the Jim Thompson House

  We will leave the hotel at 8 a.m. to head towards the Thonburi district for a special experience: visiting the klongs. These klongs have retained all their authenticity and on the sides, you can see old and quite unique houses. You also very often encounter monitor lizards here, which are part of the scenery. Here, the atmosphere is calm, like in the countryside, among a very welcoming population who see very few tourists. We can see orchards, small orchid nurseries, gardens... Another world within a megacity. Very surprising. The excursion lasts 4 hours and is really worth experiencing, with lunch in a Thai family. At the beginning of the afternoon, we will visit the Jim Thompson House and take a boat-bus on the klongs (different from the ones we left). These boat-buses are popular with Bangkok residents because, depending on where you want to go, they obviously allow you to get there much faster than by land, as there are no traffic jams. From our pier, we will reach the station where the Jim Thompson House is located. You will be immersed in the daily life of very middle-class Bangkok residents (the wealthier ones take taxis) and will be impressed by the dexterity of the staff on board in charge of collecting tickets. Indeed, when passing under the many bridges, these staff, walking on the edge of the boat outside, have to duck or risk being decapitated... The helmet they wear is not very useful, but it must be said that accidents are extremely rare as they are so used to it. Jim Thompson House In its green setting, sitting on the bank of the Saen Saeb canal, the house would no doubt have disappeared without a legacy left by an American named Jim Thompson. Its elegant residential enclave, made up of six traditional Thai teak houses, transported from Ayutthaya and the Ban Krua community of Bangkok, echoes Jim Thompson's 30-year love affair with the art and cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. An architect by training and an avid collector of Asian art objects, Jim Thompson's sharp eye and flair for design brought everything he touched to life. After his release from military service in 1946, Jim Thompson decided to settle in Thailand, where he devoted more than 30 years to reviving Thai silk and presenting it to the world's most respected fashion houses in Paris, New York, London, and Milan. The same goes for his Thai house, which was not an ordinary teak house but a complex filled with incongruous collections of antiques, almost a museum, but one that embodies the life and passions of Jim Thompson. One day, in 1967, while at the height of his success, he mysteriously disappeared in the Malaysian jungle, and thus began the legacy of Jim Thompson... We will return to our hotel at the end of the afternoon and will have dinner on site or nearby.

• day 3

  Visit of Ayutthaya and the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace - Night in Kanchanaburi

  We will leave around 8:30 am for Ayutthaya in a private van. Less than one hundred kilometers from Bangkok, Ayutthaya is today a peaceful small "prefecture" of 80,000 inhabitants. But at its peak, this former royal capital had 1 million souls... It was the flagship city of all Southeast Asia in the 17th century. European kings sent ambassadors there, and the city attracted merchants from Japan to Western Europe. Founded in 1351, it was completely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767. What remains from that era are the ruins of temples, scattered throughout the modern city, as well as accounts left by foreign visitors who described it as of unforgettable splendor, or compared it to Venice because of its many canals at the time. The kingdom of Siam then extended beyond the current borders of Thailand. For more than four centuries, Ayutthaya was the royal capital. Thirty-three sovereigns from various dynasties ruled over this vast territory, before the fall of Ayutthaya during one of the many wars against the Burmese, and the move of the capital to Thonburi. You will first visit, on the way, Bang Pa-In, the royal summer palace, before arriving in Ayutthaya. You will visit the three main temples (the Temple of Victory, the Mahathat Temple, and the Srisanphet Temple), as well as the historical park, at your own pace. We will have lunch in Ayutthaya. We will leave Ayutthaya around 3:30 pm to go to Kanchanaburi, where we will arrive around 6 pm. Our hotel in Kanchanaburi is really very pleasant, quiet, well equipped, with a swimming pool, and it is one of the most appreciated by people visiting the region. It is also very well located, 10 minutes from the city center. The on-site restaurant offers a wide choice of Thai dishes. We will have dinner here this first evening, as the restaurant is really very good, in a very pleasant setting with its terrace by the river.

• day 4

  Bridge on the River Kwai - Death Train - Night in a floating hotel on the river.

  We will leave the hotel at 8 a.m. to visit the "Thailand Burma Railway Centre" museum. This museum is very interesting and well designed. It traces the dark history of this period of the Second World War, which is quite unknown to us Westerners. The purpose of this museum is to inform, but also to conduct research to discover and better understand the sometimes instructive details, notably through archaeological excavations. We will then visit, right next to the museum, the military cemetery. The military cemetery is located in the center of the city of Kanchanaburi, on the very site of the former prisoner of war camp. It contains the remains of 6,982 Allied prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the "Death Railway." It is estimated that 16,000 prisoners of war and 49,000 forced laborers lost their lives during the construction of the "Death Railway" and the bridge over the River Kwai. We will then go to the bridge over the River Kwai, which is nearby. The bridge over the River Kwai was only a small part of one of the most ambitious plans of the Japanese invader in Thailand during the Second World War: the construction of a railway line linking Nong Pladuk (Thailand) to Thanbyuzayat in Burma (415 km). This is what is called the "Death Railway." The Allies were then enforcing a maritime blockade, so a land connection was the only way to access the resources of the Burmese territory and to head towards India. If the construction of the line took place much faster than expected, it is because thousands of prisoners of war (POWs in English) served as forced labor. Among them, thirty thousand British, the same number of Dutch, Australians, Americans... but also – and this is too often forgotten – very many Asians: Burmese, Malays, Thais, Indonesians, Chinese... Very few survived the ordeal of construction on land infested with malaria. A first wooden bridge was built in 1942, and a second – similar to the current bridge over the River Kwai – replaced it in 1943. At 10:45 a.m., we will take the famous "Death Train." Arrival at 12 p.m. (if the train is on time...) at Nam Tok station. Our van will be waiting for us to go have lunch in a charming restaurant not far from the station. After lunch, we will go to the pier to take a long-tail boat to our hotel, the "River Kwai Jungle Hotel." The boat ride to the hotel is a wonderful experience, in the heart of a fantastic landscape... Fantastic hotel in the middle of the jungle, all comfort and truly exotic. Dinner is included. Note that the hotel does not have electricity and is lit by oil lamps, which gives it an incomparable charm. You can swim in the river... a very good moment!

• day 5

  Erawan waterfalls and park - night at the elephant camp

  We will leave the hotel at 9am to go to Erawan Park, located 1h30 north of Pechaburi. It is a magical place, with wonderful waterfalls of purity and beauty. You can swim there, and it is recommended to do so for an unforgettable memory. Climbing the 7 levels takes about 3 hours round trip, depending on each person's fitness... Visit of the waterfalls and swimming. We will have lunch on site. We will leave Erawan Park to head to Ganesha Park, for an immersion with the elephants, where we will arrive around 4pm. We will stay here for a full day (the next day) and 2 nights. You will learn how to care for and feed these wonderful animals, not to mention the walk with them and the bath in the river. The owner (French) who set up this camp did so to save elephants that were victims of abuse and practices responsible tourism. The camp's projects include: - Autonomous installation of energy equipment: solar, hydraulic - Air conditioning by water misting - Production of paper made from elephant dung (an elephant "produces" about 60 kg of raw material per day) - Transformation of elephant dung (with a natural earthworm) to make fertilizer - Implementation of an awareness program about the ecological risks faced by the planet and humanity. You will sleep in furnished (and very comfortable) tents, each with 2 large beds and sanitary facilities.

• day 6

  Day with the elephants

  As described previously, we will spend the day taking care of the elephants, not forgetting the bath in the river... We will sleep on site again, as we did the night before.

• day 7

  Transfer to the island of Koh Samui.

  We will leave the hotel around 8am to go to Bangkok airport and take our flight at 2:25pm for an arrival in Surat Thani at 3:40pm (we will have lunch at the airport). We will then take a bus at 5:15pm which will take us to the port (1h30 journey), where we will arrive at 6:45pm to take our boat to Koh Samui, where we will arrive at 8:30pm. The hotel is not far from the port and we will be there around 9pm. We will have dinner on site this first evening. Our hotel is very comfortable, right on the water, with a restaurant and a swimming pool. Those who wish can rent scooters to get around and visit the island.

• day 8

  Diving activities - Other activities for non-divers

  Diving and activities in Koh Samui. Lunches and dinners can be taken at the hotel or outside, depending on where you are or your preferences. The dive club was created and is run by 2 French people. All permits and certifications are present, with a level of safety identical to what is required in France. To facilitate communication and best meet your expectations, the instructors are French and all certified PADI, SSI, or French State certified. The choice of boat was also made for comfort and safety, with a splendid catamaran specially equipped for diving, ideal for companions and snorkelers. Everyone will find their own space for living and enjoyment. You will discover the most beautiful dive sites in a warm atmosphere created by its two founders. Introductory dives, training from Open Water to Dive Master including all specialties, certified divers, snorkelers, equipment rental, everyone will find what they are looking for. Diving does not stop at the aquatic part, but often continues with sharing addresses and information over a drink, which will let you discover the islands differently. For certified divers, whatever your federation, you are welcome. Don't forget your certification cards, computers, and lights. For the rest, as the equipment is provided free of charge, don't burden yourself unnecessarily. Check your insurance before leaving. However, you can take out one on site. For introductory dives, if you have time to visit your doctor to get the green light, that's even better. For children, parental authorization will be required; 10 years old is the minimum age to start this adventure. For those who don't know, the island of Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 750 km south of Bangkok, and is part of Surat Thani province. It is the 2nd largest island in Thailand with 228 km² for a size of 25 km by 21 km. The center of the island peaks at 656 m in altitude and is covered with jungle. There are 2 seasons: a hot and tropical season, and a short rainy season that only lasts during the month of November. The climate is relatively dry all year round, with short showers. A DIVING DAY We will be picked up at our hotel between 7am and 7:30am. A few minutes later, you will arrive at the boat departure in Bangrak. One hour crossing to Sail Rock and one and a half hours to Koh Tao and Marine Park. On board the boat, the instructors will give you the keys to make your day go as smoothly as possible: presentation of the boat, safety instructions, forms to fill out, setting up your diving tanks. Then, you can have breakfast and let yourself be guided to the dive sites. Certified divers, your instructor will give you a briefing on the site. As for introductory dives, you will have a general approach to diving so that this outing remains a pleasure shared by all. Don't hesitate to ask any questions, everyone is there to answer you. The first supervised dive will last about 45 minutes. Then, you will return to the boat where you will take the same place to prepare your equipment for the second outing. A snack, fruits, and drinks will be offered. We will have a surface interval of about one hour. The boat will head to our second dive site. The second dive will last about 45 minutes. Back on the boat, we will store the equipment in the bags assigned to you. Lunch and drinks before heading back to Koh Samui, where we will arrive between 2pm and 4pm, depending on the chosen destination. You will have time on the boat to fill in your dive logs and debrief about the day, during which your feedback will be greatly appreciated. Arrival in Koh Samui and return to your respective hotels with your heads full of images. THE INTRODUCTORY DIVE For anyone, even if they have already dived several times, who does not have a certification (level card), regardless of the federation (PADI, SSI, CMAS, or FFESSM). For safety and responsibility reasons, if you are not certified, you will be considered a beginner diver and your dive will be limited to 12 meters. If you are among those who have already done several introductory dives, ask about finally getting your first diving level to make the most of your next outings. Everything starts from 10 years old. You will go on the same boat as certified divers. • 1 instructor for 2 children • 1 instructor for up to 4 adults On the boat, you will start by listening to your instructor explain the basics of diving and give advice so that this day is all about enjoyment. He will present the equipment and its functions. He will help you gear up and get into the water. He will take you to a shallow area and you will do exercises that will reinforce your safety underwater. You will then go to discover this fascinating world. Introductory dives are most often done at Koh Tao, but if you have already dived, nothing prevents us from taking you to Sail Rock. SNORKELING On Samui, there are many snorkeling companies, but with thirty-five people per speed boat, sitting in a row without moving for an hour and a half, you will be quite unhappy with your day – if you don't like mass tourism – and you will have the impression of a rushed day that will not meet your expectations. That's why you will go on the diving boats, with space to move, sheltered areas from the sun if you have children, a sun deck on the upper part of the boat for those who want to tan. You will snorkel at the same sites as the divers. Then, we will have lunch together. You can thus come as a companion if you do not dive and enjoy the day with us. BEGINNER DIVERS The ideal is to go to Koh Tao: the sites are perfectly suited for this adventure, the waters are clear and shallow. Coral fish, angels, parrots, butterflies, triggerfish, and many others await you. In addition, the water temperature is around 30°… Free transfer from your hotel • Boat departure at 8am, return between 3:30pm and 4pm • 2 dives on two different sites • Equipment: shorty, mask, regulator, vest, and fins • Supervision by a French instructor • Meals and drinks on the boat • You leave by speed boat: 1h30 for 70 km between Samui and Tao • 10 years old: minimum age for diving • Departure: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday Price: 5,900 baht per person Companions and snorkelers: 2,500 baht per person

• day 9

  Diving activities - Other activities for non-divers

  For experienced divers, there is also a way to do wonderful things... EXPERIENCED DIVERS Monday the 3 Pinnacles: • South West Pinnacle in open sea: Submerged rock at a depth of 35 meters, accessible only to experienced divers: it is therefore very likely that we will be the only ones at this site. Marine life: sleeping leopard sharks on the sand, stingrays, angelfish, butterflyfish. Barracudas and whale sharks can often be seen. • Chumphon 10 km northwest of Koh Tao, this submerged rock stretches for over a hundred meters. Its magnificent plateau covered with anemones starts at 16 meters and goes down to 40 meters. You will find many groupers and barracudas, all the coral fish. It is not uncommon to encounter whale sharks and even whales. • Sail Rock This is our favorite, always surprising, mind-blowing in its variety. Just look around to find yourself at one of the most sought-after dive sites. Barracudas, batfish, groupers are everywhere, nudibranchs do not hide. The moray eels, with their impressive size, will delight you. Wednesday 3 dives Koh Tao: • Wreck Sunk in 2011 in cooperation with the Thai government, this ship is now one of the most sought-after dive sites around Koh Tao. This wreck, 48 meters long and 7 meters wide, still has its two cannons, one at the front (76 mm) and the other at the back (60 mm) with their respective gunner seats. It lies on a sandy bottom at a depth of 20 meters... You can swim over it, and for the more daring, you can even go inside. The other 2 dive sites will be chosen according to weather conditions: • Twins Located northwest of Tao Island, just behind the beautiful Nan Yuan beach, twin rocks with a maximum depth of 18 meters. Generally, you can find stingrays, moray eels, angelfish... A few fin kicks away, there is an underwater course with sculptures used for coral collection. • Shark Island Located at the southeast corner of Koh Tao, Shark Island was named after its supposed resemblance to a shark's dorsal fin. The north side of the island descends through coral gardens to its maximum depth of 12 meters, while the south side reaches a depth of 25 meters with rock formations. Butterflyfish abound around this island, as well as several species of nudibranchs. On a lucky day, you may also encounter turtles and cobia. • White Rock Located south of Koh Nang Yuang and on the west coast of Koh Tao, White Rock consists of a main rock surrounded by a few secondary rocks. Its maximum depth is 22 meters around the outer rocks and 15 meters at the base of the main rock. It is an excellent place to look for small invertebrates such as nudibranchs and crustaceans like crabs and shrimps. You may cross paths with a turtle or a sea snake. • Green Rock Located northwest of the island, it is a rock formation that starts at 5 meters deep with multiple passages inside. The maximum depth is 25 meters. It is home to the famous titan triggerfish. It is not uncommon to find strong currents. These days are not recommended for beginners. Price: 5,500 baht per person all inclusive NON-DIVER ACCOMPANIMENT For those who do not dive (spouses, friends...), we can organize activities for you (for divers too, on days when they are not diving...) There are many things to do in Koh Samui, such as visiting the center of the island (trekking with different levels of difficulty starting from very easy), touring the island by scooter and discovering unusual places (we accompany you), taking boat trips to discover the surrounding islands, participating in a Thai cooking class, kayaking (with or without snorkeling), shopping in Chaweng, enjoying massages and many other things. We will assist you in your choice and can accompany you if you wish.

• day 10

  Diving activities - Other activities for non-divers

  As on previous days: diving activities and other activities and excursions for non-divers. We will assist you with your choices and bookings.

• day 11

  Diving activities - Other activities for non-divers

  As on previous days: diving activities and other activities and excursions for non-divers. We will assist you with your choices and bookings.

• day 12

  Diving activities - Other activities for non-divers

  As on previous days: diving activities and other activities and excursions for non-divers. We will assist you with your choices and bookings.

• day 13

  Return to Bangkok

  Departure at 8am from the hotel to take the 9:30am boat. Arrival at 3:15pm at Surat Thani airport. Lunch on the way. Flight to Bangkok at 7:30pm and arrival at 8:40pm. We will accompany you to Bangkok airport.