Culture & Nature in Northern Thailand

After breakfast, we set off to discover the historic center of the city, including the templeWat Mahathat, dating from the late 14th century.

Continuation towards the temple Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which once served as a royal temple, and is therefore the largest in the city;

And then the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon, famous for its Reclining Buddha.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

This morning, we head to Lopburi the city of monkeys where we will have lunch. Along the way, we stop at Wat Phra Phutthabat, the "temple of the Buddha's footprint", as it contains a natural depression that is believed to be a footprint of the Buddha. We then discover the city of Lopburi, which was once made famous by the many monkeys roaming its streets. Little known to travelers, this city that was the capital of the kingdom on several occasions boasts a rich historical past nonetheless. The numerous ruins and ancient palaces testify to this and make the monkey city an interesting stop on the road to Sukhothai.

We begin our visit with the Phra Prang Sam Yod, a temple featuring Khmer architecture that was originally a Mahayana Buddhist sanctuary, and where numerous macaques have now taken residence.

We then discover Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, before enriching ourselves at the King Narai Palace which houses a national museum today.

Early morning departure and short transfer to Sukhothai. From there we start a cycling excursion along small canals winding between the small rural communities of the region and rice fields. We discover rural life and the importance of canals in their daily lives (agriculture, bathing, laundry, fishing for dinner...).

We finally reach the city of Sukhothai, the capital of the first Thai kingdom, and the renowned historical park, listed as a Unesco world heritage site that we visit. Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

We begin our discovery of Lampang with a visit to the Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, an ancient temple dating from the Phra Nang Cham Tewi era with ancient architecture.

In mid-afternoon, we enjoy a pleasant walk through the old Kad Kong Ta street where you can see beautiful teak houses and notably the Moung Ngwe Zin house.

Then, we head to the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao temple, the former guardian of the Emerald Buddha. the Wat Phra Kaew Don Tao is, beyond its religious vocation, a historic and architectural icon from the 15th century of the city of Lampang.

Upon arrival in Chiang Rai, we visit the extraordinary Le Wat Rong Khun "white temple", a contemporary creation by one of Thailand's most renowned artists: Chalermchai Kositpipat.

In reality, while the site mimics the appearance of a religious complex, its purpose is quite different: the nine buildings house extraordinary artworks, from meditation Buddha statues to pop culture idols such as Michael Jackson, along with murals celebrating the doctrines of Theravada Buddhism. Its immaculate white color gives the structure a unique and surprising charm.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide

We join the port where we embark for a cruise on the Mekong River, in the heart of the famous Golden Triangle, a region marked by the meeting of Thai, Laotian and Burmese borders. Aboard a local boat, we will enjoy a cruise of approximately one hour on this mythical river, while admiring the landscapes that border its banks.

We will then continue our discovery along the banks of the Mekong to a viewpoint offering a panorama of the river and the impressive entertainment complex located on the Laotian shore.

Visit to the remarkable Opium Museum a modern museum built on a hillside overlooking the Mekong Valley. Through immersive and documented exhibitions, the site traces the history of the opium trade in Asia, the influence of the Golden Triangle and the economic and social consequences related to this cultivation. A fascinating visit that allows you to better understand the complex history of this border region.

Return to Chiang Rai, with a stop at the Tawan Dachanee Residence (also called ''Black House''), the most famous (contemporary) painters of Thailand.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, you head to the outskirts of the city to discover the magnificent Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located in the mountains at 1200m altitude.

This superb Buddhist temple invites you to pious meditation in an atmosphere steeped in silence and mysticism, where every stone, every statue, every step reveals an aspect of Buddhism. Along the way, you stop at the temple Wat Pha Lat.

This morning, you set off on a bicycle tour to discover Chiang Mai, nicknamed the "Rose of the North". Starting from the famous Tha Phae gate, with the Doi Suthep mountains as a backdrop, you quickly leave the main roads to slip into the small streets and traditional alleyways of the city. Along the way, you cross historic neighborhoods dotted with ancient temples, encounter monks in their daily lives, and stop by lively markets. The route also takes you outside the city walls, where the pace becomes more relaxed, to meet a more local Chiang Mai: scenes of daily life, small workshops, handicrafts and locals who watch you pass with curiosity. Small group activity with an English-speaking local guide. 3 hours - Approximately 13 km

Late in the afternoon, you head off for an English-speaking traditional cooking class, organized in the countryside outside Chiang Mai, in an old Lanna-style house. In a convivial atmosphere, you discover the basics of Thai cuisine and learn to balance emblematic flavors: spicy, sweet, salty and tangy.

Throughout the session, you prepare several must-try recipes before tasting your creations on site.

Vegetarian or vegan options available. (Please inform us in advance)

Menu (indicative):

• Tom Kha Gai (coconut and lemon soup)

• Pad Thaï (stir-fried rice noodles)

• Nam Prik Ong (Northern specialty with tomatoes and chili)

• Khao Soi Gai (curry noodle soup, Northern specialty)

• Dessert: Khao Niao Mamuang (sticky rice with coconut milk and mango)

Upon our arrival, we begin a guided hike on the Mae Wang trails. We first walk along a mountain stream, before climbing to higher elevations and crossing the terraced rice paddies that shape the region's landscape. We take a lunch break near a waterfall, with the opportunity to refresh ourselves.

In the afternoon, the hike continues through cultivated areas and mountain paths. We reach a Karen village for a stop, then continue to the rice paddies where your guesthouse is located, for a peaceful end of day spent close to local life.

Day accompanied by an English-speaking hiking guide. Total duration: approximately 5 hours 30 minutes, of which 3 hours 30 minutes of actual walking.

This evening we are welcomed for dinner and the night with a Karen family, in a breathtaking setting on the edge of the jungle, surrounded by rice paddies.

After breakfast at our hosts' place, we can enjoy a short morning walk in the surrounding area before driving to Chi's camp, a young Karen who shares his daily life with his elephants.

Here, the approach is respectful and centered on animal welfare: no riding, no shows, and limited interactions, always supervised, to give the elephants the space and pace they need.

Upon arrival, we prepare the fruits that will be used to feed them. You go for a walk with them in the jungle, where they move freely while feeding on the vegetation. Our guide helps us better understand their behavior and the attention paid to their well-being, for an authentic, gentle and ethical encounter.

In the afternoon, to cool off, you enjoy a peaceful descent of the Mae Wang river on board a traditional bamboo raft. Guided by a local boatman, the raft glides gently with the flow of water, offering a calm and contemplative way to discover the surrounding landscapes.

At the tranquil pace of the current, you travel through lush nature between forests, rice fields and wild banks. A simple and relaxing activity, ideal for ending the day gently.

This morning, we set off for a bike tour in the capital's lungs. Accompanied by a local private guide for the island section, we head into the extraordinaryBike ride in Bang Krachao- a true jungle in the heart of the city. We will make some additional stops along the way (if available)

Then, on foot, you reach Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples, renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and elegant pavilions. You discover the impressive Reclining Buddha, an emblematic figure of the place, as well as the inner courtyards dotted with stupas and refined decorative details.

Next, you cross the river by small boat to reach Wat Arun, the famous "Temple of Dawn", standing on the right bank. Upon arrival, you admire its spectacular central prang, finely decorated with porcelain mosaics and floral patterns that shimmer in the light.

Private traditional long-tail boat ride on the Chao Praya river, one of the country's most important waterways. Discover the Venice of the Orient and the traditional lifestyle of the inhabitants of this city, where half the population still lives along the water.

Day trip accompanied by an English-speaking local guide