CHAYA- SURAT THANI- KHAO SOK

TOUR C (3 days - 2 Nights )

 

DAY 1

 

Breakfast and departure for the south through vast fields of coconut and palm trees which abound in this region.After a short pause for a meal we will arrive at Suan Mokkaphalaram monastery.This modern structure does not conform to our expectations of a colourful traditional Buddhist temple.Here in the heart of the forest ,we will find a place for meditation founded by one of the most famous Thai monks:Buddhadasa Bhikku.We will visit the libraries and meditation rooms.Numerous murals will allow you to gain an understanding into the fundamental principles of Buddhism with the help of your guide.Then we shall go into the town of Chaya,one of the oldest cities of Thailand.When trading with India between the VIIIth andthe Xth century, this town was the regional capital.The restored stupa of Borom That temple sets a beautiful example of the architecture of those times.The ruined stupa of "Wat Kaew" temple of the same period presents a few features of central Java artwork.A national museum exhibits a collection of prehistoric objects and others of a later period which were discovered in the area.We will then enjoy a little promenade in the town main street lined with its traditional timber houses.

At the end of this full day,we shall visit a training center for monkeys where the latter will show us their skills.

Another few miles and we will arrive at Surat Thani the regional capital whose main resources are coconut , rubber and fishing.

Accommodation at Saowaluk Thani Hotel( or similar), then dinner downtown near the night market where we can enjoy a stroll after our meal.

 

DAY 2

 

Departure for the dam of Rachaprapadam.

We will board a motor-pirogue,on Cheow Lan lake.The latter is surrounded by chalk cliffs and peaks-the highest culminates at 900meters.This superb panorama resembles the one at Phang Nga Bay.

Arrival at our accommodation site:small bamboo huts;these floating houses will give you the opportunity to enjoy an evening dip into the warm water of the lake directly from your room.

After lunch we shall board the boat again for about 40 minutes.

Then trek in the jungle to get to the entrance of Nam Talu grotto which we will have to pass through. Walking, climbing and swimming are on the agenda. Return to our accommodation site where we'll have time to relax before dinner. On the menu:grilled fish of the lake.We shall end the day with a night safari on the lake.We'll try to observe the animals in the rays of a lighthouse:a thrilling experience guaranteed! Then we shall be lulled to sleep by the gentle roll of the small waves.

 

DAY 3

 

Get up early and breakfast.We shall leave the rangers with whom we stayed overnight.The boat will sail along the banks of the lake.Early morning is one of the best times of the day for observing animals.Then hike on a steep mountain path in the heart of the jungle.We will end the hike with a few meters' climbing. The effort is really worthwhile.A superb panorama over the lake and its environment reveals its beauty.We'll have our lunch there or on the way back.Early afternoon the boat will take us back to the harbour and we'll return to the hotel.

 

 

REMARKS

 

TOUR C (3 days - 2 nights) with a French-speaking guide.

 

All meals included except the drinks.

 

Accommodation in a 3 star hotel for the first night and in a bungalow with basic minimum comfort for the second night.

 

COST ALL TAXES INCLUDED, no discount for children (Valid until 30-11-2020)

 

2-3 people : 19 584baht

4-9 people : 15 181 baht